Central Coast Mariners National Youth League star Brendan Griffin has won a call up to the Australian Under 19’s national squad, for the ASEAN Football Federation Under 19’s Youth Championship, to be held in Vietnam between Tuesday, 4 August and Wednesday, 12 August.
Central Coast Mariners National Youth League star Brendan Griffin has won a call up to the Australian Under 19-s national squad, for the ASEAN Football Federation Under 19-s Youth Championship, to be held in Vietnam between Tuesday, 4 August and Wednesday, 12 August.
Griffin, National Youth League head coach Tony Walmsley-s first signing for the new campaign, has won a call up, and will link up with his teammates for the trip to Ho Chi Minh City tomorrow.
“It-s great news for a great young boy, I-m sure he-ll do his country proud, and myself and all the boys wish him the best of luck,” said Walmsley.
“I brought him to Spirit FC two years ago to allow him to focus on his studies, and he-s an intelligent kid, finishing his HSC a year early.”
The 18 year old hails from Coalcliff, near Wollongong, and first linked up with Walmsley as a 12 year old at Parramatta Eagles and the Manchester United academy.
After representing New South Wales and the NSW Academy of Sport, Griffin headed overseas, where he impressed in trials with English Premier League club Bolton, and the Mariners sister club Sheffield United, before returning to link up with Walmsley again, in the Mariners assault on the second season of the NYL.
“I couldn-t believe it when I received the call, I was just concentrating on getting prepared for the National Youth League, but now it-s come, I can-t wait to get over there,” said Griffin.
“Obviously a few nerves, but once I meet up with the boys and (Australian Youth coach) Jan (Versleijen), I-m sure they-ll go, and I-ll be concentrating on the job at hand.”
Australia has been grouped alongside Cambodia, Singapore and Thailand in group A, and begins its campaign against Singapore on Tuesday night.
The top two teams from each of the two groups qualify for the semi finals, with the final to be played on 12 August.
Australia has an impressive record in the tournament, being crowned champion in 2006 and 2008.
The Central Coast Mariners Family Fun Day is at Bluetongue Stadium tomorrow, 2 August from 11am – 1pm. Admission is free.
Mariners Memberships for the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season are now available online by clicking here or by phoning 1300 767 442.
