The talented Houridis twins are set to feature in Australia’s two-week camp in Italy as preparations begins for next year’s two major U-17 competitions.

The two Melbourne-based brothers, Alexander and James Houridis, are among the 24 players that have been selected from Australia’s brightest players born in 2008/09 to travel to Italy.

The squad will train at the Australian Institute of Sport European Training Centre in Varese from 5-19 April, during which they will also play two friendlies against U-16 Switzerland and U-17 Inter Milan FC.

This is the first camp called for this age bracket by Joeys’ Head Coach, Brad Maloney, with the goal of developing well in anticipation of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup and the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar events both set to be held next year.

The two Greek Australian twins are both seen as great prospects, particularly Alexander who was the U-15 Player of the Tournament in Football Australia’s National Youth Championships in 2023.

The squad is also notable for consisting of two sons of former Socceroos in Marcus Neill (son of Lucas Neill), and Gianluca Okon (son of Paul Okon).

Mr Maloney, who is also Socceroos Assistant Manager, said they feel confident in the players they have scouted for this age bracket and look forward to guiding them through the national set-up.

“Our focus during this camp is not just on honing individual skills but introducing this group to our playing philosophy and principles, while also laying the foundations for the strong and supportive team culture we want to see within all our national teams,” Mr Maloney said.

“Having this camp in Italy provides this playing group with a taste for what to expect as a professional footballer and to have two matches against strong European opposition will also provide a marker as we prepare for October’s Asian Cup Qualifiers,” concluded Maloney.

Subway Joeys v U-16 Switzerland

Thursday, 11 April 2024, Kick-off: 1pm local/9pm AEDT, Stadio Communale Ascona, Switzerland

Subway Joeys v U-17 Inter Milan

Tuesday, 16 April 2024, Kick-off: 3pm local/11pm AEDT, Konami Youth Development Centre, Italy