Football Victoria (FV) was a class above at the 2023 Boys’ National Youth Championships, claiming the U15 and U16 Age Groups last week.
Both the Under 15 and Under 16 Victorian Blue sides were triumphant in their respective Finals and also fostered the eventual Players of the Tournament for each Age Group.
FV Technical Director Boris Seroshtan was overjoyed with the success of the Victorian program on the national stage.
"Success at the Nationals is a testament to the outstanding performances of our dedicated players, the tireless efforts of our coaching staff, and the seamless cooperation between Football Victoria, NPL, and A-League academies, all united in the pursuit of nurturing and developing Victorian football talent,” he said.
In the Under 15 Age Group, Victoria Blue finished second in the group stage behind eventual Grand Finalists QLD White, winning four of their six matches.
Aaron Cartwright was the star of the show in the 3-0 win in the deciding game of the tournament, scoring a brace, while Daniel Matina also registered a goal.
On top of claiming first place at the Championships, Victoria Blue key playmaker, Alexander Houridis was named Player of the Tournament.
“We had a goal set before the tournament started and that was to go win nationals and I think we definitely achieved that goal, he said.
“Going to nationals last year and coming so close to winning, it was definitely heartbreaking but I knew this year with this team and this coaching staff that we would come back stronger than ever and win the tournament.”
Houridis explained winning the tournament was the “most enjoyable” part of the trip but was also proud to be recognised for his individual efforts.
“My personal highlight was winning player of the tournament, but honestly I couldn’t have done it without all of the boys,” he explained.
“Their strengths and abilities really helped me win this award so I need to thank them and all the coaching staff pushing me throughout the games really helped me a lot, so thank you.”
In the Under 16s Age Group, Victoria Blue had an unbelievable tournament, finishing the group stage undefeated, scoring a tournament-high 18 goals, while not conceding a goal.
The Victorian side defeated NSW Metro White in the Grand Final in a tense (5-4) penalty shoot-out.
U16s Player of the Tournament, Christian Polyzoudis said the National Youth Championships was an “amazing tournament”.
“From the start, we did a lot of hard training, and the coaches were amazing, I’d like to thank our physios, our osteos who were so great in making sure our bodies were right and prepared for all the games,” he said.
“The level of the tournament was amazing, going into it I didn’t know if they would be better than us or worse than us, but I thought Victoria had a really good year for development.”
The Melbourne Victory Academy prospect said the standard of the competition was comparable to the A-League.
“When I played A-League it was very quick but it’s more about keeping control of the ball, I actually felt it was harder here because everyone is quick, everyone is running at you non-stop,” Polyzoudis explained.
“You’ve got to think quicker, you’ve got to know what you’re going to do with the ball before you get it.
“I thought it was a great tournament, I loved all of the opportunities I was given. I am really happy about it (Player of the Tournament), before the tournament one of my goals was to win the tournament with the team but another was to win this award so I am very grateful I got this award.
“I worked hard for it all year knowing I might have one last opportunity to get it so I’m glad I got it.”