BY JOY OFASIA
When Australia’s U17 national team, the Subway Joeys, touched down in the Solomon Islands on Sunday, it wasn’t just the start of a two-match series; it was the beginning of an invaluable journey for a group of young footballers eager to gain international experience.
Led by Head Coach Brad Maloney, the team is in Honiara for the Pacific Aus Sports tour, which will see them face the Solomon Islands U19 national team in a pair of friendly matches this week. For many of the Joeys, this trip marks their first undertaking into international football, an opportunity that Maloney believes is crucial to their development.
Speaking at a press conference at the National Stadium, Coach Maloney expressed his enthusiasm for the experience. “Travelling to the Solomon Islands is a great experience for us,” he said. “Playing against the U19 team will be a very good test for our players. We’ve come here to gain international experience and exposure, and for many of the boys, it’s their first time playing outside of Australia.”
The Subway Joeys are set to face a significant challenge, taking on opponents who are not only older but also more experienced. Yet Maloney sees this as an advantage, not a drawback. “These matches will provide a great platform for our players as we prepare for the AFC qualifier,” he explained. “The more international matches these players get, the better they’ll become. This experience is invaluable.”
For the young Australian squad, the trip offers more than just on-field competition. It’s about adapting to new environments, facing unfamiliar opponents, and learning to thrive under different conditions—all critical elements as they build towards their future in international football.
Maloney is grateful for the opportunity to test his team in such a setting. “We’re thankful for this chance because opportunities like this don’t come every day. These two games will give us a good base to work on moving forward,” he said.
The first match is scheduled for today, Thursday at 6 p.m., with the second match set for Sunday at 7 p.m. Both games will take place at the National Stadium in Honiara, offering the Joeys a stage to showcase their talents and take one more step on their journey towards the AFC qualifier.
As they prepare to take the field, the Subway Joeys are not just looking to win—they’re looking to grow, learn, and embrace every moment of this extraordinary experience.
