The Jets will take on their youth team at Rockwell Automation Park, the home of National Premier League club Weston Workers.

Newcastle has been back in pre-season training for just over a month under incoming coach Phil Stubbins who has settled well into his new role.

Stubbins, a former first team coach with Adelaide, said it was essential for the Jets to take games out into the community.

“I think it’s massively important, these are the people who we represent,” he said. “We want people to feel excited when we play and feel like they have an association with the team.

“We need them just as much as they need us so it’s important to be immersed in the community.”

The 51-year-old has been impressed by what he has seen from his squad so far in pre-season and said the game against the youth team would come as a welcome challenge.

“From my own personal perspective I couldn’t ask anymore from the group,” Stubbins said.

“The players have really embraced what we’ve thrown at them so far.

“It will be a good run out for us and a great opportunity for the boys to stretch their legs playing in a game with a bit of competition.

“They are a really good side, our youth team and I’m sure those boys will be looking forward to challenging the A-League boys.”

The Newcastle Jets Youth lead the NPL with three rounds remaining and Stubbins said he wanted to start with a win.

Stubbins ruled out new signings Jeronimo and Marcos Flores but said he looked forward to seeing most of his squad in action.

That squad includes Thornton junior and Jets 2012 player of the year Ben Kennedy.

The new boss said Kennedy had already shown promising signs in training.

“Ben has really surprised me,” he said.

“In terms of looking from the outside in I thought he was a good goalkeeper but seeing him work closely I can see he is a fantastic goalkeeper.

“He’s a great person as well and I’m proud to have him on our list.

“At the moment he’s doing himself no harm, alongside (Mark) Birighitti we have very high competition for a place in goal.”   

Kick off is at 7pm and entry is free.

The Jets will return to Rockwell Automation Park next Wednesday to take on Weston.