James York is among the next generation ready to take centre stage for Western United this A-League men’s season.
York is among a group of United players who signed their first professional contracts with the club in the off season after coming through the club’s academy.
York said it was a pretty exciting time for the club.
“I think it makes it even more special that a lot of the boys I have played with at the academy got it at the same time, it sort of feels like home already,” he said.
“There’s loads of young boys now, I remember a couple of years ago we were known as an old team, now I think pretty much everyone is under 25.
“There’s not many senior players, it’s pretty exciting and I think everyone is pretty hungry and that’s what you get with young players, it’s good.”
York, who made his A-League debut last season, said pre-season had been pretty exciting and long at the same time.
He said it had been a bit of a learning curve.
“It’s been a lot, just the length of the days, the lengths of the sessions, the intensity,” he said.
“All the boys have been really good, helping all the young ones, the ones in their first year get used to it. I think everyone is feeling really prepared for the season.”
York said having been part of the United senior set up last season at times had made things slightly easier coming in for a full pre-season.
“You know more about what to expect than some others who hadn’t had that,” he said. “The culture that all the boys create is really good, makes it easy to come in and get settled.
“We played the same way as the A-League played and a lot of the coaches were the same. It helped with the transition a lot.”
York comes off a strong Victorian Premier League 1 season with United, along with many of the new signings for the A-League side.
He said while it was disappointing they didn’t get promotion, it was one of the best seasons he’d had.
“I think it’s the best team I’ve been part of in terms of quality in just the enjoyment,”he said. “It’s the most enjoyable season that I’ve had playing football, I loved it.”
York said personally he was hoping to build on his performances last year.
He played in two A-League games last season, coming off the bench in both.
“I think I’ll take this season as it comes. Hopefully I’ll get a few more minutes than last year, hopefully maybe get a start, take it as it comes.”
United kicks off its season on Sunday in against Wellington Phoenix,
Speaking before the game, York said they knew it was one of the hardest away games of the season.
“We’re all going to go in expecting to get a good result out of the game.”
