The next generation of Socceroos – the Joeys – are currently in Chile, preparing to represent Australia at the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup.

The only South Australian to be selected in the 21-player squad is Charlie Devereux.

Currently involved in the Football Federation Australia Centre of Excellence, Devereux said that being selected for the Joeys was a ‘big relief’.

“I’ve been in the program for two years, and this cycle has been going on for the best part of three years now. To find out all the hard work had paid off, it’s a big weight off your shoulders.”

“It’s a great honour and privilege to represent Australia, whether it’s in a friendly or at a FIFA World Cup. It’s that little bit extra special being here at the 2015 U-17 FIFA World Cup in Chile, because it only comes around once in a lifetime.”

Looking ahead beyond the U17 World Cup and his football future, Devereux is humble.

“I just want to work hard every day on the training pitch, and work hard to reach the highest level I can. I don’t want to pinpoint a league or a club I want to play for, but as long as I can work every day and do what I can, I’ll be happy with myself.”

The Joeys open their 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile campaign against Germany on 18 October, followed by Mexico on 21 October, before their final group game against Argentina on 24 October.

The top-two placed teams in all six groups will automatically qualify for the Round of 16, while the best four third-placed teams will also advance. 

Football Federation SA wishes Charlie and the entire Joeys squad the best of luck.
 

Name	Club, Country
Panos ARMENAKAS	Udinese Calcio, Italy
Daniel ARZANI	FFA Centre of Excellence
Jackson BANDIERA	FFA Centre of Excellence
Jake BRIMMER	Liverpool FC, England
Joe CALETTI	FFA Centre of Excellence
James DELIANOV	FFA Centre of Excellence
Lucas DERRICK	Melbourne Victory
Charlie DEVEREUX	FFA Centre of Excellence
Duro DRAGICEVIC	FFA Centre of Excellence
Perry FOTAKOPOULOS	FFA Centre of Excellence
Josh HOPE	FFA Centre of Excellence
Cameron JOICE	FFA Centre of Excellence
Josh LAWS	Fortuna Dusseldorf, Germany
Nicholas PANETTA	FFA Centre of Excellence
Thomas PRINSEN	PEC Zwolle, Netherlands
Aaron REARDON	FFA Centre of Excellence
Kye ROWLES	FFA Centre of Excellence
Nicholas SORRAS	Unattached
Jonathan VAKIRTZIS	Melbourne Victory
Malcolm WARD	FFA Centre of Excellence
Pierce WARING	Melbourne Victory

2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile - Group C

Teams	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	PTS
AUSTRALIA	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
GERMANY	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
MEXICO	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
ARGENTINA	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

 

Date	Match	Venue	Kick-Off Local	Kick-Off AEST/AEDT*
18-10-2015	Australia v Germany	Estadio Municipal Nelson Oyarzún Arenas, Chillán	4:00pm	7:00am
21-10-2015	Australia v Mexico	Estadio Municipal Nelson Oyarzún Arenas, Chillán	5:00pm	10:00am
24-10-2015	Argentina v Australia	Estadio Municipal Nelson Oyarzún Arenas, Chillán	7:00pm	8:00am*