Wellington Phoenix: Youth team update

Wellington Phoenix CEO Tony Pignata speaking from the Windy City today said, "We're working to get our proposal into the FFA by Friday."

You can hear the full interview on Nearpost radio Tuesday 6:30-7:30pm or catch it here on the podcast on Wednesday.

"We've spoken to Capital Football who are supporting us,.....

"We've spoken to Capital Football who are supporting us, we've spoken to FFA who
have come back to us requesting a submission by this Friday. I'm currently working on a submission to put forward how it would work, the logistics, and the make-up of the Youth team.

"We know what is required and they (FFA) have just asked some questions regarding the squads and how it would work with our first team based in Wellington, and our Youth team based in Canberra.

"We'll set it up and be working closely with Capital Football who will provide administration and give us facilities to train on.

"If successful we'll advertise for a Coach, a Manager and this stage we'll probably look to do that as soon as we get confirmation.

"I'm hoping within a couple of weeks turnaround. They'll need to digest it, to make sure we tick all the boxes and that we can put together a strong team over there as well.

"A couple of weeks and then we'll know."

What about players, Canberrans or open to all Australians?

"We'll be open, it doesn't have to be Canberra, but ideally it would suit to have Canberra based players so we're not setting up accommodation schools etc if required. If successful we'll open it up to have some trials and Ricky Herbert will go over there, with the new Youth League Coach, and sort out a squad of 10-12 boys depending how we set it up, added Pignata

"We're hoping to be ready for next season, but that's up to the FFA, I think we've got a good chance."