Football Victoria unveils new academy to fast-track young talent

Football Victoria has taken a major leap forward in youth development with the confirmation of its new academy program, set to kick off in the 2025 season.

The comprehensive initiative will cater to both male and female players from Under 14s through to Under 17s, while also incorporating existing women’s Under 20 and NPLW squads.

A talented group of young players has already joined the program following successful trials that commenced in October.

The academy, based at The Home of The Matildas, will combine expert coaching with state-of-the-art facilities to develop both technical skills and high-performance mindsets in its young prospects.

FV’s Head of Youth Development Steve Mautone praised the initiative as a “fantastic development” for Victorian football.

“The academy will become the players’ club, providing them with the opportunity to compete in the junior boys and girls NPL season in 2025. This provides a clear pathway for talented young players to progress. We are incredibly excited about the potential of the 2025 program,” Mautone said via official press release.

The academy has already hit the ground running, with promising youngsters selected through trials conducted since October. These players will form the inaugural squads competing in next year’s NPL competitions.

Beyond match play, the program will emphasise technical development and high-performance habits, with participants receiving specialist coaching at the purpose-built Matildas facility.

The academy forms a crucial piece in Football Victoria’s Elite Pathways program, working alongside established talent identification initiatives like TIDC and SAP.

This structured approach aims to smooth the traditionally bumpy road from grassroots to elite football. For ambitious young players, the academy offers multiple pathways to professional football.

This academy will hopefully give graduates the necessary pathways towards progressing through A-League and NPL ranks, national careers and even securing overseas contracts.

Football Victoria will launch dedicated social media channels to showcase the academy’s talent and keep supporters updated on player development and events throughout the season.

This academy is the starting for a more streamlined approach to development in one of Australia’s most dedicated footballing states.

To young footballers and their supporting communities, this academy could relieve the pressure from Grassroots and NPL clubs in supporting the growth of the state’s youth.

The academy could also allow for Victoria to further help solidify a national style of play, though one must also be careful not to disrupt the rich tapestry of historical footballing culture.

Overall, this news be watched closely by all industry makers involved, hopeful it can produce future generations of talented players.

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UEFA and Unilever renew partnership

UEFA has embraced Unilever as an Official Global Partner of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, kicking off in Switzerland on July 2 until July 27, 2025.

Unilever’s deal with UEFA builds off of their 2024 partnership and will see a wide array of Unilever’s Foods and Personal Care brands ignite their own integrated advertising campaigns to connect with fans and consumers in and out of the stadium, including household names like Dove, Rexona, Knorr and Hellmann’s.

UEFA marketing director, Guy-Laurent Epstein expressed UEFA’s excitement to work with Unilever again.

“Building on the success of our collaboration last summer, we are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Unilever for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025,” he said in a press release.

The support and interest in women’s football is on a sharp upward trajectory, and with Unilever’s portfolio of Food and Personal Care brands reaching billions of people every day, we look forward to celebrating the power of the game and bringing excitement to fans everywhere.”

General Manager of Unilever Foods Europe, Robbert de Vreede conveyed his enthusiasm for Unilever’s involvement in the upcoming Women’s EURO 2025.

“We are thrilled to partner with the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, enabling our Foods brands to connect with a large audience who come together enjoying the thrill of a football match with friends whilst sharing delicious foods,” he said in a UEFA press release.

“Just as a great BBQ brings people closer, football unites fans in a shared experience of passion and camaraderie. In this partnership we will create memorable moments that highlight the best of summer – good food, great company, and beautiful games.”

General Manager of Unilever Personal Care Europe, Fulvio Guarneri detailed why the collaboration between UEFA and Unilever was a perfect fit.

“This is an exciting opportunity for some of our biggest brands to tap into a big cultural moment and connect with millions of consumers who will be watching the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025,” he said via press release.

“It’s a great time for women’s football and this partnership fits perfectly with our Personal Care products which are all about feeling clean and confident, and taking part in sports. Together with our retail partners, we look forward to building on the success of last year’s men’s tournament, delivering unmissable campaigns across a variety of channels that celebrate the power of women’s football.”

Unilever joins an exciting list of brands for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 tournament, including household names such as adidas, Amazon, AXA, Booking.com, EA, Euronics, Grifols, Heineken, Hublot, Just Eat Takeaway.com, Lay’s, Lidl, PlayStation and Visa.

The Club Development Conference highlights community football

Significant Sporting Events Program 2023-24

On Saturday, February 1st, over 200 attendees came together at Valentine Sports Park for the 2025 Football NSW Club Development Conference.

With registrations for the 2025 season still coming in, over 85 Football NSW clubs from both Sydney Metropolitan and regional areas gathered for a dynamic day of workshops, panels, and special guest speakers, celebrating community football.

Presented by Stephanie Brantz, the Conference included keynote addresses from Karen Jones, Acting CEO of Destination NSW and Chief Executive of the NSW Office of Sport, Dr. Catriona Rose of the Australian Sports Commission, and Matildas cap #167, Ellie Brush.

After the successful second edition of the conference, Trevor Huxley, Football NSW’s Program Manager for Club Development, expressed his excitement over the strong support from the community.

“The Club Development Conference is a fantastic opportunity to bring together all levels of the game to learn from one another, network and discuss best practice for grassroots football,” said Huxley via press release.

“It has been inspiring to see grassroots clubs across the state in attendance, illustrating a remarkable commitment to supporting their local communities. It’s vital that Football NSW continues to lead in this space, providing support to the volunteers and local administrators who are central to the ongoing growth of our game.”

Along with the keynote speakers, attendees were able to choose sessions tailored to their Club or role, covering topics such as safeguarding, volunteerism, marketing and data analysis, infrastructure and grant funding, player and spectator behaviour, women & girls’ football, diversity and inclusion, and grassroots coach education.

The Football NSW Club Development Conference serves as a pivotal platform for enhancing community football by Empowering Clubs, Facilitating Networking, Offering Targeted Education and Showcasing Leadership.

By focusing on these areas, the conference plays a crucial role in strengthening community football, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring the sport’s sustainable growth.

To gain further details and access Club resources, click here.

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