Brisbane Roar youth team coach John Sime has left no stone unturned as he scours the local Brisbane Premier League for the next generation of Roar superstars.
Working side-by-side with BPL clubs and coaches, Sime has embarked on a mission to identify, nurture and ultimately, mould local youth into potential Hyundai A-League players.
Working to a new detailed youth league plan, Sime said identifying young local talent was taking a giant stride forward for the Roar, the BPL and local players.
“We have taken a lot of things for granted in the past and we had to come up with a plan,” Sime said.
“We-ve really now got to improve on what we have done over the last couple of years.
“We have had excellent co-operation from the BPL clubs and coaches and we have been really successful.”
Having only been handed the reins of the NYL squad six weeks ago, Sime said his recruitment aims for this season needed to be realistic and the focus narrowed to the BPL.
He has, however, already begun planning for widening the search for talent into south-east Queensland-s regional areas next season, speaking directly to the relevant directors of coaching.
Starting with a playing group of more than 50 hopeful young players, Sime has whittled the numbers down to 18 before having to announce his final selection later this week.
The group of BPL players will then join previous Roar youth players, Queensland Academy of Sport and interstate players for a special camp beginning July 12.
Sime will then announce his final squad for this season-s youth league squad on August 17.
The NYL coach said the thorough but cut-throat process was essential to find a playing group worthy of under-pinning Ange Postecoglou-s first-team squad.
“Ange is really keen to get the younger guys to be used as fill-outs for injuries or suspensions,” he said.
“Players in the youth league have to be given the opportunity to play at the highest level and that is the Hyundai A-League.
“So it-s going to be a massive year for us … and I think it-s heading in the right direction.”
Sime will be able to cast his eye over a number of talented players when the Brisbane Roar take on a Brisbane Invitational XI side at Rochedale tonight.
Made up of the best under-25 players plying their trade in the BPL, the Brisbane Invitational XI will be looking to dent the reputations of their Hyundai A-League rivals.
Brisbane clash with the Brisbane Invitational XI at Underwood Park on July 6, with gates opening at 4.30pm.
