The Jets will begin their pre-season by taking part in the prestigious Soccer Sixes tournament in Singapore next month.
The Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets will get their preparations for the 2013/14 A-League season underway by taking part in the prestigious Soccer Sixes tournament in Singapore next month.
The two-day tournament, to be held on May 18th and May 19th, will mark the beginning of the first phase of the Jets- pre-season training schedule.
Newcastle will take 10 players across to Singapore to take part in the competition, which will pit the Jets against international opponents in a six-a-side format.
The Jets plan to take a strong squad to Singapore, with reigning Player of the Year Mark Birighitti and club captain Ruben Zadkovich among those who could potentially take part.
CEO Robbie Middleby said competing in the Soccer Sixes tournament was the ideal way for the Jets to begin their pre-season schedule, while also promoting the Newcastle Jets brand throughout Asia.
“Asia is one of the world-s fastest growing football markets,” Middleby said.
“This is a great opportunity for us as a Club to build the Newcastle Jets brand and promote the A-League in Singapore and throughout Asia in general.
“Taking part in an event like this is a great way to get our preparations for the next A-League season started.
“Any overseas trip gives the players involved the chance to build camaraderie and cohesion within the squad.
“I-m sure coming up against some quality international opposition will be an extremely beneficial experience for our players, especially for some of the younger ones.”
The tournament will be hosted by the Singapore Cricket Club (SCC) on the hallowed Padang, set in the shadows of Singapore-s finest colonial buildings and incidentally within the perimeter of Singapore-s celebrated F1 circuit.
The Jets will have professional teams such as Chonburi FC (Thailand), Singapore U23’s, Hong Kong FC (China) and Geylang International (Singapore) as their main seeded competition.
Soccer Sixes Chairman Owen Monaghan said it was exciting to have the Newcastle Jets taking part in this year-s tournament.
“The vision for this tournament is to highlight the many talents of Asian football and for promising young players throughout the region to participate in this exciting and fast-paced format that is set to thrill spectators,” Monaghan said.
“The 2013 organising committee is very excited to host Newcastle Jets FC within the 2013 tournament and this will definitely raise the profile of the tournament.
“This tournament is quickly growing into a marquee sporting event as it aims to raise the profile and standards of Asian football.
“Australia is an important market for Asian football so we are very proud to introduce and host our first A League team into this competition.”
To find out more about the Soccer Sixes tournament in Singapore, visit their website by clicking HERE.