Youth League update: Sydney FC.

The Youth of Sydney, and Australia, are on the march.

"There is plenty of talent in Sydney that's for sure," said Sydney FC Coach Steve O'Connor.


"We're trying to put in place pathways so the youth of Sydney know the way to the A-League."

For the first time in many years, a National Youth League will start in September. This time there is a real contract, a real pathway, and a professional televised league at the end of the rainbow.

With James Holland bursting into the Socceroos, Nathan Burns, Dario Vidosic and Michael Zullo all filling newpaper columns, a Youth team contract never meant so much.

Sydney FC are putting together a Youth team, and an Academy beneath that, as they attempt to find the future stars of Sydney kids most popular participation sport.

Imagine a Nathan Burns or Bruce Djite. No longer heading for Adelaide and overseas. But through an Academy, a Youth team and then into the Sydney FC A-League side.

And who knows Sydney could be banking the $1.5 million dollars that Adelaide have for the sale of these two players, when and if the players do head o/s. With sell-on fees as well. Australian Club's need your boys.

Train them, play them and sell them may become the message.

As much as we don't want to see players go overseas too quickly, if they do, the increased revenues to the Australian clubs will be welcome.

No other code has such a player drain, or alternatively, an overseas transfer revenue stream.

So Sydney FC have started trials. 40 boys turned up last week on Monday night, another 40 or so this week.

It's a slow process, with most NSW Premier League not too keen to release their talent. Sydney FC or not. These clubs want to ensure their NSW Premier League survival or fight for trophies.

It's early days but Sydney FC are already behind the Mariners. The "little club" from the North have raided Sydney territory already. On a number of occasions.

Sydney are full with their Under 20 A-League players, and have little financial ways to move with older players on long contracts.

But Steve O'Connor is very confident in the quality of the talent available.

"There's plenty of players, plenty of good talent out there, I'm not worried about that."

And that's encouraging news for the fans. A new Nathan Burns, David Carney, Bruce Djite and more should be flowing through in greater numbers than ever before.

The pathway is becoming clear for the talent of Australia, playing weekend football in their hundred's of thousands.

Are you after any players from Canberra Steve?

"I'm not going to tell you that!"