Socceroos Fitness Conditioner: Andrew Young

Andrew Young prepares The Socceroos for Glory.

This interview first appeared in The Canberra Times.

Canberran Andrew Young is the strength and conditioning coach guiding the Socceroos in their quest to win their first Asian Cup. He’s also part of the management team at English Premier League side Fulham.

Taking time out from a hectic schedule to speak to the Canberra Times in the Socceroos hotel lobby in Bangkok, Young appeared calm and relaxed, despite the Socceroos worrying performance in the opening game against Oman.

“If we win I’ve done my job. If we lose I could be held responsible. Obviously there are many other factors, but people look to how the team were prepared if we lose.”

Australian has been marked as favourites by many, but Sunday’s performance was uninspiring.
“The players know it was a mediocre performance. They are a determined group of players who take nothing for granted. We knew the Omani’s were physically strong and very skilful,” said Young

“Somebody had written the schedule for the games until the final on our planning board in the hotel. One of the senior players rubbed it out. They have no illusions. They take a game at a time, and are aiming just to get through the group at this stage. There are some quality footballers in Asia. It was always going to be tough.”

“Our guys have all come in from a very short break after a long season in Europe. All have different levels of fitness. Marco Bresciano hasn’t had a break for three years. Tim Cahill has been out for four months. You can’t train all players the same. My job is to plan and prepare the programs to ensure these guys are as fit as they can possibly be.”

But Australia looked slow and lethargic on Sunday night.

Young nods, “We had a short three week pre-season in some of the harshest conditions in the World for playing football. The players will get stronger as the tournament goes on. I’m absolutely sure of that.”

“We had players losing between 3-4kg against Oman, so we need to track each player, and we do.”

Young who started football with Woden Valley, was the first ever captain of the Australian Institute of Sport football programme.

“I went through with Frank Farina and Tony Franken (Socceroos Coach) and Ray Junna (AIS Coach). In those days we toured England for four weeks and nobody was offered a contract. Now if the AIS team went over, half the team wouldn’t come back!”

But Young has gone back to England. He is in the management group at Fulham in the English Premier League.

“I work alongside new manager Lawrie Sanchez (ex-Northern Ireland Coach); I have been here for two years and just extended for another year.”

“It’s a buzz. It’s tough, but I get to sit on the bench at Manchester United’s and Liverpool’s home grounds so that’s great.”

“Australian Sports Science is the best in the World, and English Premier League sides recognise that. With the Socceroos we are constantly measuring weight loss, hydration levels, and muscle fatigue. I’ve introduced a GPS tracking system for the first time so we can assess player’s performance.“

“I’m pleasantly surprised at how many Australian players got released by their clubs in England to play in the Asian Cup. It also shows the desire of these guys to play for Australia. Many of them have not won anything at club level and this is another opportunity.”

“Fulham weren’t excited about releasing me either. But I’m honoured to be involved in the National team. I’m representing Australia and it’s a tremendous experience.”