26 players assemble as Olyroos’ road to Tokyo resumes

Football Federation Australia (FFA) today confirmed the 26-player squad that will participate in Australia’s U-23 men’s national football team training camp in Sydney over the next nine days.

The entirely domestic-based selection features eleven (11) players from the squad that helped Australia qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in January this year, when Australia secured third place at the AFC U-23 Championship in Thailand. 

While in camp the Australia U-23 selection will play two friendly fixtures against A-League clubs – the first against Sydney FC on Thursday, 12 November 2020 (kick-off 7:00pm AEDT) at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium in Kogarah, and the second on Tuesday, 17 November 2020 against the competition’s newest club, Macarthur FC (kick-off 3:00pm AEDT) at the same venue. 

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Players with AFC Champions League commitments with their clubs in Doha, Qatar (Sydney FC and Perth Glory FC) will depart the assembly following the first match of the camp later this week.

The squad began to convene in Sydney on Sunday, and the team’s Head Coach, Graham Arnold, said players arrived with a spring in their step. 

“After a year of little national team activity, the players arrived yesterday eager to be back in camp and to resume the journey to Tokyo,” Arnold said. 

“Australia’s history in the men’s football competition at the Olympic Games dates back to Melbourne 1956, and this generation of players helped to secure Australia’s men’s team a return to the Olympic Games for the first time since Beijing 2008. 

“This group of players – and the many more we are monitoring in Australia and overseas – have the opportunity to be part of a special period in Olyroos history as we work towards Tokyo. The next nine days and the forthcoming A-League season represents a fresh start and a great opportunity for all players to push their case for Olyroos selection in Tokyo,” he said. 

A limited number of tickets (due to COVID-19 protocols) will be available for the first fixture between Australia U-23 and Sydney FC, with via Ticketek. All patrons are reminded to follow the latest health advice and observe COVID-safe protocols, including staying home if unwell. 

Australia U-23’s matches against Sydney FC and Macarthur FC will be streamed live and free by FFA, with the games to be available via, Kayo Sports, , and the . 

Leading Australian football commentator, Simon Hill, will call the action during both fixtures. Throughout the Sydney FC broadcast, Hill will be joined by Trevor Morgan (National Technical Director and Joeys Head Coach) to discuss the challenges and opportunities that exist in Australian football’s elite men’s pathways, and to shine the light on many of the clubs and programs that have contributed to the development of the talented players on display.  

Australia U-23 Men’s National Team Squad | November 2020 | Training Camp & Friendly Matches | Sydney, Australia

Australia U-23 Men’s National Football Team v Sydney FC 
Venue: Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah, New South Wales
Date: Thursday, 12 November 2020
Kick-off: 7:00pm AEDT
Tickets:  (limited number of tickets due to COVID-19 protocols available online only) 
Note: Tickets won’t be sold at the gate and needs to be pre-purchased via Ticketek. Tickets will be available to purchase until half-time. ​​​​​​​
Broadcast: Live via Facebook (Socceroos, Sydney FC, A-League), Kayo Sports, My Football Live App, My Football YouTube, Twitter (Socceroos) 

Australia U-23 Men’s National Football Team v Macarthur FC 
Venue: Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah, New South Wales
Date: Tuesday, 17 November 2020
Kick-off: 3:00pm AEDT
Broadcast: Live via Facebook (Socceroos, Macarthur FC, A-League), Kayo Sports, My Football Live App, My Football YouTube
*Please note this match will not be open to the public