Brisbane Roar Youth defender and Qantas Young Socceroos representative Daniel Bowles is certain his team will be pumped up for this week’s local derby against table-topping Gold Coast United for more reasons than one.
After losing their streak of six games undefeated to open the season, the Roar NYL side was embarrassed by Sydney 4-1 in an eventful match where Brisbane-s early dominance proved irrelevant.
The 19 year old, only two games back from duties with the Qantas Young Socceroos side that played in the AFC U-19 championships in China, said he and his teammates always look forward to playing games against the Gold Coast and this week there is more inspiration because of the loss.
“All the boys were disappointed that our streak of six games undefeated had ended, while it was great to not be beaten in six matches now it-s time to start from scratch and get the results again,” Bowles said.
“There is nothing better than coming up against the Gold Coast the week after you lose, all the boys are raring to go.”
“We have a bit of a rivalry there, the players know each other so there is a heap of extra inspiration to get the win.”
It is this sort of determination that impressed Qantas Young Socceroos coach Jan Versleijen, giving Bowles an opportunity to mix it with the best of Australia-s young footballing talent.
“There is heaps of talent in the Young Socceroos side, there is always a heap of pressure on you for selection but playing with playing with guys like (Matthew) Leckie and (Tommy) Oar is a great experience,” he said.
“Being in the side is a great, you learn so much stuff from the other guys in the team and it helps you become a much better player.”
Now his third National Youth League season with the Roar, Bowles is thankful for the opportunity to play at the highest level of youth football in the country and puts it as the biggest factor behind his development.
“The youth league, since it started three years ago, has been great for young players,” Bowles said.
“To play against the best talent in Australia every week is a great opportunity; the league is great for Australian football.”
While Bowles is happy to put in his best each week for the Roar Youth side, the defender is keen to make a splash at Hyundai A-league level.
“The A-league side is the goal for every youth league player,” he said.
“There are a few more fixtures this year and some midweek games as well, so I-ll just have to keep performing and hope my chance comes sooner rather than later.”
While it may not be a Hyundai A-league call up, Bowles and Brisbane Youth will be putting their all in to take the bragging rights this Sunday.
“We are focused on this game and I am confident that we will get a good result.”
Brisbane Roar Youth play Gold Coast United Youth on Sunday 7 November at Spencer Park, kicking off at 4pm.
