Regional State Boys set for KL Invitational

Football West is undertaking its second trip to Malaysia in a month with two junior teams heading to Asia on Wednesday.

The Regional State Boys U14s and U16s will take part in the KL Invitational against teams from Singapore, Brunei and Malaysia.

The WA players will play their group games between 5-7 December, followed by the knockout stages.

Football West Football Projects Manager Alex Novatsis said: “Congratulations to the players who have been selected for the tour and I'm confident they can show the strength of our junior players in regional WA.

“These are terrific experiences for all young people, both sporting and cultural, and we want them to enjoy their trip as they represent WA.

“Trips such as this are part of the Football West Asian Engagement Strategy which is committed to offering young boys and girls these opportunities, and we want to thank the WA Government for supporting us in this.”

Squads

WA U14s
Riley Beauchamp (GK) (CCJSA)
Angus Oliphant (GK) (CCJSA)
Andrei Barbato (Newman)
Brent Leano (Newman)
Finn Quartermaine (Broome)
Harlem Moore (Esperance)
Kyrell Dhu (Newman)
Luca Davies (LNJSA)
Mitchell Jozwiak (Albany)
Nate Reynolds (Karratha)
Oliver Fleeton (Esperance)
Rory Suttie (CCJSA)
Simeon Rheeder (Peel)
Zavier McHaffie (CCJSA)
James Tolmachoff (CCJSA)
Logan Moore (Karratha)

WA U16s
Sebastian Suttie (GK) (CCJSA)
Chace McHaffie (CCJSA)
Jack Curley (Geraldton)
Jayden Cork (Karratha)
Jhy Pearson (Goldfields)
Joshua Nicoll (Peel)
Stirling Wolfe-Kermode (LNJSA)
Rori Pryer (Goldfields)
Sonny Hart (LNJSA)
Samuel Szuca-Grant (Albany)
Benji Willing (LNJSA)
Elijah Caruana (LNJSA)
Jayden Dilworth (Newman)
Kestenh Grainger (Karratha)
River Hamaguchi (CCJSA)
Lucas Jones (LNJSA)

Fixtures

WA U14s

Friday 5 December
WA vs Altyn Tach (Brunei)
WA vs Unleash the Roar (Singapore)

Saturday 6 December
WA v Ukay Positive (Malaysia)
WA v Kundasang FC (Malaysia)

WA U16s

Friday 5 December
WA v Unleash the Roar (Singapore)
WA v Asana Lions (Malaysia)

Saturday 6 December
WA v VMA Senna (Malaysia)
WA v TBC on position

Last month, Football West sent the WA State Men’s Amateur Team on a three-match tour of Malaysia.

The week-long visit tour was another component of Football West’s continued commitment to international engagement, player development and strengthening football relationships in South-East Asia.

Across three high-quality fixtures, the WA squad faced strong Malaysian opposition, gaining valuable exposure to diverse playing styles and high-intensity match environments. 

WA beat PDRM FC 4-1 before losing 2-1 to NPNG FC and 4-1 to top-flight professional side KL City. Chad Samuels of Kelmscott Roos scored in all three matches.

Mr Novatsis said: “This tour was an exceptional opportunity for our players, both on and off the field. Competing against quality Malaysian opponents provided our squad with valuable learning experiences that will contribute to their long-term development.

“I was incredibly proud of how the players represented Western Australia with professionalism and a willingness to embrace new challenges. Our strategy continues to grow, and tours like this play a vital role in strengthening Football West’s presence within the Asian football landscape.

“I’d like to thank all the players, coaches, Standing Committee members and clubs, plus the WA Government, who made the trip possible.”