The VPL1 season is just around the corner, and our Youth Team is finalising preparations for what promises to be an exciting year ahead.
Once again led by Italian great Alessandro Diamanti, alongside Assistant Coach Stuart McDonald, the squad has enjoyed a promising pre-season as the next generation of City Academy stars continue their development.
Strong pre-season hitouts against NPL opposition—including Hume City, Oakleigh, and Heidelberg—have the team well-prepared to again take on the challenge of the VPL1. After a fourth-placed finish last year, the squad is eager to continue its improvement this season.
“We’re going into the season a step ahead of where we were last year. Alessandro has a greater understanding of what he wants to achieve with the boys and the level they need to reach—both individually and collectively,” said Senior Academy Manager, Simon Zappia.
“We think it’s going to be a super strong year, and we’re really looking forward to the season ahead.”
Even fans who haven’t closely followed the Youth Team in recent seasons will recognise plenty of familiar names, as many Academy players have already been involved at A-League level in recent months.
“I think fans should be really excited to see some of our young A-League debutants getting extended minutes at VPL1 level as they further develop their game,” Zappia added.
The likes of Mikey Ghossaini—who primarily featured for the Development Squad last season—along with Emin Durakovic, Ben Dunbar, Kavian Rahmani, and Lawrence Wong are all expected to play key roles this year.
“Beyond the well-known A-League names, there are some really exciting younger players who have had strong pre-seasons and are ready to make their mark at senior level,” Zappia said.
The VPL1 campaign kicks off this Saturday afternoon, as City travels to face Manningham United. The first home game at ctrl:cyber Pitch will follow on Saturday 16 February 16 against Bentleigh Greens.
Earlier this Saturday, City’s Development Squad (VPL1 U23) will also begin their season, with Head Coach Lewis Potter leading an exciting young group.
“They play an extremely attractive style of football, and we’re looking forward to seeing them take the next step this season,” Zappia said.
“Overall, we feel the program is in a really good place. City fans should be excited to see the next generation of Academy players coming through, and I’m sure we’ll see even more of them in the A-League team before too long.”
Our Junior Academy squads are looking ahead to Round 2 of their respective seasons after a strong start to 2025 last weekend, recording wins across the board in Gippsland.
LINKS TO BOOKMARK 🔗
| SQUAD | FIXTURES |
| Youth Team (VPL1) | VPL1 |
| Development Squad (VPL1 U23) | VPL1 U23 |
| Under 17s | U17 NPL South |
| Under 16s | U16 NPL South |
| Under 15s | U15 NPL South |
| Under 14s | U14 NPL South |
