Qantas Under 23s prepare for New Zealand match

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Qantas Under 23s coach Graham Arnold has selected a 20-player squad to take on the New Zealand Under 23's at North Sydney Oval on Saturday 12 July 2008 (Kick-Off 2pm).

In addition to the players that were officially named in the Men's Football Section of the 2008 Australian Olympic Team last week, Arnold has added Chris O-Connor, James Holland, Leigh Broxham and Matt Simon as alternate players for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, whilst Nigel Boogaard will also join the squad as an additional train-on player.

2008 Australian Olympic Team members David Carney, Adam Federici and Neil Kilkenny will not be participating in this camp due to club commitments in Europe.

"Now that the hard task of selecting the squad has been completed, we can begin the final stages of preparation for the Olympic Games," said Arnold.

"We are under a month away from our first match of the Olympics against Serbia and it is important for us to start focusing on the tournament.

"All the players have worked very hard to earn their place and this Saturday's match will be a great opportunity for fans to farewell them before they head off to China for the Olympic Games," concluded Arnold.

The Qantas Under 23s will face the New Zealand Under 23 Men's National Football team at North Sydney Oval on Saturday 12 July (Kick-Off 2pm AEST). Prior to this match, the Matildas will take on the New Zealand Women's National Team (kick-Off 12pm AEST), with Australian defender, Di Alagich, making her final international appearance after a 13 year career with the Matildas.

The Qantas Under 23s will then depart Australia on Thursday 17 July for three matches against China PR Under 23's (20 July), Japan Under 23's (24 July) and Korea Republic Under 23's (31 July) before arriving in China on 1 August to complete their preparations for their opening match of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games against Serbia on Thursday 7 August 2008.

Qantas Under 23s Squad

North Sydney training camp 9 - 12 July 2008

Nigel Boogaard *** (Central Coast Mariners), Mark Bridge (Sydney FC), Leigh Broxham** (Melbourne Victory), Billy Celeski (Melbourne Victory), James Holland** (Newcastle Jets), Adrian Leijer (Fulham Athletic, England), Trent McClenahan (Hereford United, England), Mark Milligan (uncontracted), Stuart Musialik (Sydney FC), Jade North* (Newcastle Jets),Chris O-Connor** (Bray Wanderers, Ireland),Nikita Rukavytsya (Perth Glory), Kristian Sarkies (Adelaide United), Matt Simon** (Central Coast Mariners) Matthew Spiranovic (FC Nurnberg, Germany), Archie Thompson* (Melbourne Victory), Nikolai Topor-Stanley (Perth Glory), James Troisi (uncontracted) , Tando Velaphi (Perth Glory), Ruben Zadkovich (Derby County, England).

* overage players for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. ** alternate players for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. *** additional train-on player

Match Details

Qantas Under 23-s vs New Zealand Under 23-s (Men-s) Matildas vs New Zealand (Women-s) Saturday 12 July 2008 North Sydney Oval Kick Off 2pm (Men-s) 12pm (Women-s) Gates Open 11.45am

Ticket Prices General Admission - Grandstand and Hill Area. - $15.00 Adult - $8.00 Concession/Child * - $30.00 Family (2 Adults + 2 Children)

Where do we purchase tickets? Phone - Ticketek on 132 849 All Ticketek Agencies Web sales - www.ticketek.com.au

At North Sydney Oval on Match Day: - Please note that this is subject to ticket availability

*Concession includes - Pensioner - Aged, TPI (valid ID cards) including seniors cards. Student - Full time secondary and tertiary students (valid ID required) Child - Children 4 - 16 years inclusive (children 3 years and under will be admitted free but no seat provided) - Transaction fees may apply