IT’S ALL SYSTEMS go for Joondalup United Football Club’s State sides today as they host their first game of the 2021 Football West State League Division 1 season at Forrest Park today.
Head coach Nick Jennings returns to the top job for the sixth season and his plans are right on schedule. With a positive pre-season, he is confident of the squad and the preparation work they have done.
“We have more depth this season and a good mix of youth and experience players,” said Jennings ahead of today’s opening clash against Western Knights Soccer Club.
“The boys are a good hardworking group and they are buzzing to get the season underway,” he added.
Meanwhile, the State Reserves side, who are also defending champions, are ready to open their campaign with a win.
Reserves head coach Blaine Merredew’s side, who has a few new faces compared to last year’s winning team, is hunting to make it a double win right from the whistle.
“The team is continuing to gel as the weeks go on, players are still forming partnerships and understanding how each other plays, strengths and weaknesses and how they need to adjust their game to get the best out of everyone, we should go on for another successful year,” said Merredew, who is also in the role for the sixth season.
The day will kick-off with newly appointed Under 18s coach Adam Buckley when his side takes on the visitors. Buckley, no stranger to the club, was previously a State side player.
“Our pre-season campaign has been long and hard but we improved every week. The team is shaping well and the dressing room atmosphere is good,” said Buckley.
The Under-18s kick off at 11am while the Reserves and State side start at 1pm and 3pm respectively.
Ends