POSTED: Saturday September 26th 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

James Holland named Captain of the Qantas Young Socceroos

Holland follows in the footsteps of Mark Viduka, Paul Okon, Kevin Muscat and Scott McDonald

MIDFIELDER James Holland has been appointed captain of the Qantas Young Socceroos for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt, with just over two days left before their tournament opener against Czech Republic.

Holland, who plays for Dutch club AZ Alkmaar, follows in the footsteps of Mark Viduka, Paul Okon, Kevin Muscat and Scott McDonald, all of whom led the Qantas Young Socceroos at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Qantas Young Socceroos coach Jan Versleijen made the announcement at a team meeting last night (Friday morning AEST), with Brisbane Roar defender Luke DeVere named vice captain.

Australia has twice reached the semi finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup and Holland is quietly confident the class of 2009 can emulate and perhaps even surpass the feats of the ‘91 and ‘93 teams led by Okon and Muscat respectively.

“To play for Australia is every boy’s dream and to lead Australia is an even bigger honour,’’ Holland said.

“Some outstanding players have captained Australia and to follow in their footsteps is very special. I’m very proud of this position and will lead by example.

“We’ve come here to win it, that’s our goal. We have a great group of players and could really achieve something at this World Cup,” concluded Holland.

Versleijen said Holland, who has worn the armband in two of the lead up games, was an obvious choice with his experience.

Holland has already represented the Qantas Socceroos on four occasions since making his debut against Singapore in 2008, having impressed whilst playing for the Newcastle Jets in the Hyundai A-League.

“James has been captain for the Qantas Young Socceroos and he already has a lot of experience for his young age playing in the Hyundai A-League for two seasons and being in the Netherlands, where he is getting close to the first team with AZ Alkmaar,’’ Versleijen said.

“He’s already played for the Qantas Socceroos so he’s the most experienced player we have and he has a position in midfield which helps him to execute his role as captain.

“I know in Australia the captaincy is a big deal and from my perspective you choose a captain for the quality he has as a player, his leadership on and off the field and also being a role model as a professional within the group and James ticks all the boxes.

“Luke is the vice captain so in James’ absence he will lead the side,” concluded Versleijen. 

All Qantas Young Socceroos matches at the FIFA U-20 World Cup will be broadcast live and exclusive on SBS TV (see www.sbs.com.au for full broadcast details).

 

QANTAS YOUNG SOCCEROOS CAPTAINS  @ FIFA U-20 World Cups (previously known as FIFA World Youth Championships) 

1981: Peter Raskopoulos  
1983: 

 

Tom McCulloch

1985: Robert Hooker
1987: Kurt Reynolds

1991: Paul Okon 

1993: Kevin Muscat 

1995: Mark Viduka 

1997: Danny Milosevic 

1999: Simon Colosimo 

2001: Ljubo Milicevic 

2003: Scott McDonald 

2005: Trent McClenahan/Vince Lia/Jacob Timpano 

2009: James Holland

JAMES HOLLAND FACTFILE

Born: 15.05.89, Sydney  
Height/Weight: 180cm/74kg  
Position: Midfielder 

Qantas Socceroo honours: 4 appearances [2008]

Qantas Young Socceroos - FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign details: 
   Youth Olympic Festival (Sydney) 2007  
   Weifang Cup (China) 2007  
   AFC Preliminary Qualifying (Vietnam) 2007  
   AFF U-19 Championship (Thailand) 2008  
   AFC U-19 Championship (Saudi Arabia) 2008 
   Netherlands Tour 2009

Other Australian representative honours: 
   U-23 - 2008 Beijing Olympic Games campaign

Junior clubs: Budgewoi, Blue Haven, Parramatta Eagles Academy

Senior club career:

   2007  Australian Institute of Sport  
   2007–2009 Newcastle Jets (Australia)  
   2009– Alkmaar (Netherlands)

Hyundai A-League stats: 23 appearances (3 goals)

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Keywords · James Holland · FFA · FIFA U-20 World Cup · Qantas Young Socceroos ·

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Name: Bonita Mersiades
Organization: FFA Football Federation Australia
Email:
Phone: +61 2 8354 5544
URL: http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/default.aspx?s=home

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