Expression the theme for Junior Navy Blues

Words: ACFC Media

Thursday 16 November 2017

Picture: Phototek

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Junior Navy Blues coach Aaron McFarland has called for his players to shed any fear of making mistakes and continue to push themselves ahead of Saturday’s visit from Wellington Phoenix U-17 in the National Youth League.

Auckland City FC’s youth team sit top of the table after four rounds but McFarland doesn’t want their record so far to cloud the players’ thinking as he and assistant coach Hiroshi Miyazawa look to bring the best out of them.

“Ultimately, we want as many players as possible to use this as a launching pad to the next thing and to make the most of these opportunities,” said McFarland

“And that means that when the players are on the pitch they really express themselves and attempt to show their full potential.”

The unbeaten Junior Navy Blues claimed their third straight win last weekend but tentative first half against Hamilton Wanderers last weekend was a timely reminder how important the players’ willingness to push themselves could be.

“We’re not seeing that consistent approach in the game yet from players. A lot it is being prepared to make mistakes and attempting to play to your full potential or otherwise you’re not going to improve, we’re not going to see that potential and we’re not going to see the performances on the pitch if players are playing within themselves.

“We’d rather see the team try to express themselves and make mistakes than to play within themselves because the gulf between those two performances is huge.

“Youth players have just got to go for it and hopefully we’re creating an environment where they aren’t scared to make mistakes. And if you want to play anywhere near the Auckland City way you have to be prepared to make mistakes.”

McFarland is naturally expecting a stern test from the academy side of the Wellington-based A-League club.

“On paper, they should be the most talented at that age-group so they should be a strong group of technically skilled players and they provide a big challenge for us, especially defensively.”

Saturday’s match has been moved to Crum Park to help protect the recently relaid surface at Kiwitea Street. The youth team's alternate home ground at the Croatian Club was unavailable. Kick-off is at 2pm.

View the full National Youth League draw.

Ends

Match Details
National Youth League
Saturday 18 November 2017
Auckland City FC v Wellington Phoenix U-17
Crum Park, Titirangi
Kick-off: 2pm NZST
#ACvWP
#JuniorNavyBlues

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