Western United Academy duo Michael Vonja and Campbell Dovison have been selected in the Subway Joeys’ squad for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023™ to be staged in Bangkok and Chonburi from June 15 – July 2, 2023.
The pair will form part of a 23-player squad that have been drawn in Group C and will face Saudi Arabia (16 June) and China PR (19 June) at Chonburi Stadium before completing the round robin group stage format against Tajikistan (22 June) at Bangkok’s Rajamangala National Stadium.
General Manager Football Mal Impiombato was delighted that the young players have been rewarded for their strong starts to the current NPL season.
“It’s a credit to our Academy coaches and staff who have given both players every chance to develop and grow both on and off the field.
“It’s just reward for all parties, and we are delighted to see the Academy pathway reaping such rewards,” Impiombato said.
Vonja, a goalkeeper and Dovison an attacker, debuted in United’s NPL 2 Under 23 team this season with by both young men impressing Academy Director Anthony Frost.
“We’re thrilled that Michael and Campbell will have the chance to represent their country at a key international tournament and the experience that goes with this.
“Not only do we see the value of this experience from a footballing perspective but also the positive impact it will have on their off-field development,” said Frost.
“Both boys have shown they can take their opportunities when presented to them after progressing from the U21s and then in to the U23s; respectively, Campbell has scored consistently after joining our academy and Michael performing confidently when called in to the Senior side mid-way through the NPL 2 season.
We have no doubt that the qualities we’ve seen from both players will be serve them well in the tournament ahead and wish them the very best.”
Everyone at Western United is looking forward to watching Michael and Campbell represent Australia at the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023™.
Follow their national journey on Instagram @socceroos and keep informed on the Western United Academy by following @wufc_academy.
