"The push for the A-League will be very strong," Kelly said after his side lost 4-1 at the SFS.

"We've got the people prepared to put the money in but I think we have to walk before we can run.

"And this is a stepping stone, build on this and look at A-League in three years time."

Sydney FC, with Clint Bolton in goal, took a four goal lead into half-time with a cricket score on the cards.

But Tassie fought back in the second half as Sydney eased off and the visitors won the second stanza 1-0.

"Welcome to the real world," Kelly said of the result. "We need to work a lot more on our physicality and our fitness."

All players on show for the Apple Isle were from the Tasmanian State League.

"We were daunted in the first half. We lost our way but in the second half we came back and found our feet.

"The boys learnt you've got to toughen up when you play against this sort of calibre of opposition. They're not used to this but we've got three more games to step up."

Tasmania youth will play three more friendly games at NYL opposition. Their two home games are against Queensland Roar and Melbourne Victory scheduled for North Hobart on November 15 and 29.

Midfielder Igor Oliveira Sao Jose stood out for the visitor but it was Julius Ross with the goal after a cut-back from the byline by Billy Gasparinatos.

The team also featured an over-age former English professional in Danny White.

"What we hope to get out of these games is the attitude needed at this level," said Kelly. "They've never had it and now they've got the opportunity to play in a great stadium like this

"They're on an absolute high and we just told them to go out and enjoy it in the second half.

"I mean, we normally play into front of four men and a dog."

And after the four games Kelly said he hoped Tassie would get the nod for next year's NYL ahead of the ACT, which is also playing four friendly games.

He added: "They'll look at the performances of our four games and the ACT's four and they'll decide which one has the nod for next year."