In 2017, youth will be the operative word for the Okanagan Athletics.

The youngest team head coach Evan Bailey has had since taking the helm eight seasons ago, the A91裸聊视频檚 open the new campaign this weekend at home to Abbotsford.

With six 15-year-old players and just three seniors on the roster, Bailey and his staff will have plenty of teaching to do over next several months. Still, Bailey looks forward to seeing the A91裸聊视频檚 grow and develop as the season progresses.

91裸聊视频淚 see young team that91裸聊视频檚 going to be a lot of work, but they91裸聊视频檙e a good group of kids, so I91裸聊视频檓 excited for this year,91裸聊视频� said Bailey. 91裸聊视频淭hey91裸聊视频檙e pretty receptive, fairly opened-minded kids who are willing to put in the work with a desire to get better.

91裸聊视频淚 don91裸聊视频檛 know yet how competitive we91裸聊视频檙e going to be but we91裸聊视频檙e going to find out.91裸聊视频�

The A91裸聊视频檚 are coming off their best regular season ever, posting a 30-14 record in 2016, then finishing third at the provincial championship.

Gone from last year91裸聊视频檚 squad are the likes of Sam Avila, pitching ace Matt Brodt, McCoy Pearce and David Tongue.

Bailey will be leaning on the club91裸聊视频檚 seven returnees for leadership91裸聊视频擜ustin Brown, Dylan Faulkner, Cole Van Every, Kade Kozak, Keaton Mandryk, Colton Schaper-Kotter and James Fischer.

Brown, Van Every, Kozak and Mandryk will anchor the pitching staff which Bailey expects to be the team91裸聊视频檚 core strength.

91裸聊视频淲e have a lot of depth in our starting rotation, some good arms who will throw a lot of innings for us,91裸聊视频� said Bailey.

The A91裸聊视频檚 will play a 44-game schedule, with 20 of those at their home park.

Saturday91裸聊视频檚 doubleheader at Elks Stadium between the A91裸聊视频檚 and Cardinals is set for 2 and 4:30 p.m.

Sunday91裸聊视频檚 games go at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.