Yoogali SC is quietly building two strong squads as they prepare for their inaugural season in the Capital Football NPL2 season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
So far this offseason has seen two significant recruitments for both the first grade and the under 23s side with Luke Santolin happy with how everything is coming together.
"We have been recruiting for both sides independently so to give the first grade and under 23s side their own identity," he said.
"We have two under 23s coming across from Estonia who both have national youth team experience.
"We have also picked up a senior Estonian player as well as a player from Scotland."
The squad has been training over the last month with the squad sitting with a good mix of experience and youth.
"The squad is a bit loaded up on the youth end," he said.
"We have about 10-12 senior players who are over the age of 23 while there are 14-18 younger players as well.
"It is a really good mix at the moment."
Santolin said the squad is looking at getting into the proper pre-season midway through January as they build-up for the opening game of the season.
"We have been doing casual training sessions to see who is interested," he said.
"Know that we know who is keen we are looking mid-January to get proper pre-season underway and looking at the first pre-season games in February."
The draw for the NPL competitions was released late last week, and in the NPL2 competition, the Yoogali SC side will start their season at home against Queanbeyan City on Sunday, April 26.
Santolin said he was thrilled to be playing the first game at home.
We have been recruiting for both sides independently so to give the first grade and under 23s side their own identity
- Luke Santolin
"For us to walk out onto Solar Mad Stadium for our first game will be huge," he said.
"It will have a bit of a grand final feel for our boys."
The Yoogali SC side will play eight of their 18 games at this stage on a Sunday, and Santolin was pleased that their request had been taken on board.
"For us playing on a Sunday allows us to have more squad available to play," he said.
"We have also been talking to some of the other clubs about moving some of the away games to Sunday, and some have been receptive of this move."
RELATED
****
While you're with us, did you know that The Area News is now offering sports as part of its growing email newsletter service? Our sports email will keep the sports-mad up-to-date with a round-up of all the weekend's sports action - sign up here.