Qantas Young Socceroos out to impress new coach

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Newly appointed Qantas Young Socceroos coach Jan Versleijen has selected an 18-man squad to participate in a five day training camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra commencing today.

This will be Jan Versleijen's first opportunity to work with the Qantas Young Socceroos as they prepare for the Asean Football Federation Championships (5-12 October - Thailand) and the AFC U-19 Championships (31 October - 14 November 2008 - Saudi Arabia).

"I have spent my first two weeks here talking with many people, getting to know the AIS and the State Institute systems, so I am looking forward to seeing the boys in action on the park.

"I come into the job with a completely open mind about players, so this is a good opportunity for them to press their claims and for me to see how they respond," said Verslaijen.

Versleijen has an extensive record in football in the Netherlands, Asia and the Middle East having coached at senior and youth levels in clubs such as Venlo, Roda and Go Ahead Eagles in the Netherlands, JEF United in Japan, as well as clubs in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. He has also held the position of coach of the Dutch U17 and U23 teams.

Qantas Young Socceroos Squad Australian Institute of Sport training camp 7 -11 July 2008:

Mark Birighitti (Adelaide United), Ramone Close (Redlands, Qld), Luke De Vere (Queensland Roar), Nathan Elasi (Melbourne Victory), Jason Hoffman (Newcastle Jets), Matthew Jurman (Sydney Olympic, NSW), Milos Lujic (Oaklands, VIC), Tahj Minniecon (Queensland Roar), Daniel Mullen (Adelaide United), Matthew Mullen (Adelaide United), Jason Naidovski (Newcastle Jets), Mitchell Nicholls (Queensland Roar), Andrew Redmayne (Central Coast Mariners), Sebastian Ryall (Melbourne Victory), Alex Sunasky (AIS), Glen Trifiro (Marconi, NSW), Nikolas Tsattalios (Sydney FC), Stefan Vrbesic (UD Las Palmas, Spain)