Heidelberg United FC implements interactive training system, SmartGoals

While physical performance has always been gauged using GPS monitoring, time trials and strength testing, technical attributes have traditionally been challenging to tangibly measure.

It was in his search to bridge this gap that Chris Theodorou, Football Program Manager at Heidelberg United FC discovered SmartGoals.

“It is manufactured by a Dutch company. I first came across it online where I saw the Ajax first team using it during training. It was awesome, I was totally blown away and thought we have to try and get this equipment to Australia.” Theodorou said.

The interactive training system uses a set of targets which are imbued with light signals. Once a player physically passes the goal, or kicks a ball through the goal, another SmartGoal lights up, making it the new target.

This makes the system extremely useful for physical training such as sprint tests and agility tests, but also for driving technical improvement through drills that focus on passing, shooting, or dribbling.

“It’s an interactive system that works with light signals. A smart goal lights up and becomes a target. Whether you want to run through them, shoot the ball through them or something else you do that and once that’s complete the next smart goal lights up.”

Having targets that dynamically change forces players to adjust in a split second, replicating the intensity they experience during an in-game situation.

“Basically, it trains awareness, reaction time, team play and technical skills. The target changes instantly every time a successful SmartGoal has been executed,” Theodorou said.

“It’s challenging and fun for players at all levels. Whether you are a beginner or professional you can use it, there are exercises for people of all abilities and even for people playing with disabilities. The accessibility SmartGoals provides is a huge benefit.”

All of the data gathered is recorded for coaches and players, making it enormously beneficial for identifying development opportunities as well as making it more mentally engaging for players.

“Data collection is so important in sport these days. You can keep track of how fast an individual is, how many goals they’ve scored, and determine their accuracy. The beauty of SmartGoals is that you can now measure their technical ability and watch them grow,” Theodorou said.

The App which comes with SmartGoals also includes a database that contains more than 100 filmed exercises. While originally built for football, the goals have expanded to other sports including hockey and athletics.

The database means coaches can keep training fresh by tailoring their training program to their needs. The filmed videos further assist this, by providing an easy guide on how to setup the exercise and how the player should look when executing the drill.

“The database has exercises that allow you to train individuals, or the whole team. There’s technique training, positional training, possession and more,” Theodorou said.

“They were purposely built for football and since we started implementing them at training, the feedback we have received has been absolutely fabulous.”

With SmartGoals proving a success at Heidelberg United FC, Theodorou believes it is important for more Australian football clubs to invest in burgeoning technology.

In additional to SmartGoals, he has implemented SoccerPLAY into Heidelberg FC’s football program and is a strong advocate of keeping up to date with international trends.

“Clubs must view technology like SmartGoals as an investment, not an expense,” he said.

“Australian football has been a little behind on trends and reluctant to invest. The trends are slowly changing though, we have started tapping into the types of things the leading countries have been using over the last three or four years,” he said.

For more information on SmartGoals, visit HERE.

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NPL partnership updates: Local support stronger than ever

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Image credit: PeopleImages / Shutterstock.com

Read here for this week’s updated list on the recently announced NPL partnerships across each state.

NPL VIC

Dandenong Thunder

Alencia Wedding Reception & Function Venue – The newest wedding reception venue in Melbourne, Alencia provides clients with unforgettable experiences built on unique designs and elegance.

Caroline Springs

Get Sourced – Beginning during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, Get Sourced aims to provide marketing, merchandising and advertising resources to businesses.

Hume City

Zaparas Lawyers – An award-winning team of compensation lawyers, Zaparas Lawyers are committed to fighting for injured Victorians. Their services span WorkCover, TAC, public liability, occupational disease and superannuation claims.

XÜBI Finance – The team at XÜBI help clients find competitive solutions to borrowers, offering extensive services including supporting first home buyers, investment loans, commercial loans and more.

Altona Magic

Detail Excavations – For over 50 years, Detail Excavations have delivered major infrastructure and construction projects across Melbourne. They are known for reliability and experience when working with clients.

Ice Corp – Delivering quality building and construction across Melbourne since 1998, Ice Corp is a reliable and trusted organisation in the industry. Led by former Altona Magic player, Ice, they have a strong connection to the club.

Pollution System Maintenance (PSM) – PSM specialises in dust extraction, fume filtration and air quality solutions. It delivers exceptional service from system designs to installation.

Fleet Plant Hire – Since 1998, Fleet Plant Hire have provided truck hire, machine hire and material solutions to the Australian Civil Construction Industry.

Leadweigh Scales – The team at Leadweigh Scales supplies and services high-quality industrial weighing equipment. They are committed to providing practical and economic solutions for a range of industries including agriculture, construction, manufacturing and more.

Danton Group – For over 30 years, Danton Group has been a leader in render and texture coating systems across Victoria. The team is renowned for their craftsmanship and keen eye for detail in residential and commercial builds.

Home Builders Corp – Specialising in new homes and unit developments, Home Builders Corp has consistently delivered high-quality builds built on attention to detail and efficiency.

Deer Park Building & Garden Supplies – A trusted supplier for builders, landscapers and homeowners. They supply a large range of construction and landscaping materials including soils, sands, pebbles and more.

Tetris Containers – With over 40 years in the industry, Tetris Containers have built a wealth of knowledge about reefer container maintenance and servicing. They offer services across container sales, hire and customisation.

Masterpiece Cabinetry – A Melbourne-based custom cabinetry company established in 2010 specialising in designing, manufacturing, and installing high-quality kitchens, bathrooms, and bespoke joinery for homes and renovations.

Misk Designer Living – The team at Misk Design specialise in interior design and home living inspiration, highlighting modern, stylish spaces and design aesthetics for contemporary homes.

The Tyre Professionals – Servicing the Sunshine community since 1998, The Tyre Professionals help customers with tyres, batteries, suspension and more.

Milieu Early Education & Care – Located in Brooklyn, Victoria, Milieu Early Education & Care provide welcoming and nurturing environments to young learners.

Hydration Hub – Connecting businesses with beverage products, distributing well-known brands and up-and-coming drinks across cafes, venues and retailers.

Cleaning Melbourne – The team at Cleaning Melbourne provides commercial cleaning services for offices, strata properties, events, pressure washing and more.

 

NPL QLD

Wynnum Wolves

Cramer’s Plumbing Co. – Led by Cale Cramer, the team provides services to Wynnum, the Bayside and greater Brisbane. They pride themselves on being reliable, friendly and trusted in the community for all plumbing needs.

Colpol Cleaning Services – A trusted domestic and commercial cleaning company known for exceptional service, providing a safe and professional environment for its staff for over 15 years.

Moreton City Excelsior

Valet Mortgage Brokers – A Brisbane-based mortgage broker, striving to build real and honest relationships with its clients. Led by William Whitby, the team helps people make smarter property decisions.

Rochedale Rovers

Inna Essence – Located in Underwood, Brisbane, Inna Essence focus on creating a space for wellness, health and transformation. The studio includes a dedicated Reformer Pilates room, Yoga mats, private training sessions and more.

 

NPL NSW

Blacktown City

Proview Scaffolding – A leading scaffolding provider in NSW, Proview Scaffolding’s team is built on a commitment to safety and compliance, trust and over 50 years of experience.

NPL WA

Western Knights

Romano’s Smash Repairs – With over 35 years of experience, the team at Roman’s Smash Repairs can provide top quality service for all makes and models of vehicles.

Dr Ross Radic Orthapaedic Surgeon – With expertise in knee surgery and trained in shoulder and hip-related issues, Dr Ross Radic is a leading surgeon in WA. Radic is also Chief Supervisor for the Perth Knee Fellowship.

Dianella White Eagles

Abodium Design & Construct – Renowned for quality and innovative home designs in WA, Abodium is committed to using the latest technology to ensure homes are built to last.

Theme Group – Western Australia’s leading provider of facility management, food services and cleaning solutions. They are renowned for reliability and exceptional customer service.

ENC Group – Specialising in project and contracts management, engineering design, procurement, renewable energy and more. The team at ENC Group have delivered professional and quality solutions for over 40 years.

Stirling Macedonia 

Instant Products Group – A specialist group of companies providing an extensive range of services, including instant transpirtable offices, instant bathroom facilities, instant products hire and more.

NPL Northern NSW

Kahibah FC

Positive Survey Solutions – Professional and motivated surveyors with experience servicing clients across the Central Coast to the border with Queensland. They will team with Kahibah FC’s U15 team as partners.

Son Of A Gun – Founded in 2019, Son Of A Gun is a family-owned and run diner. It is a cornerstone of the Hamilton community.

Edgeworth Eagles

Harrigan’s Cameron Park – The first new pub in the Newcastle/Lake Macquarie region for 20 years, Harrigan’s is a place for locals to come together and enjoy extensive dining and beverage options with live sport and events.

 

NPL NT

Darwin Olympic

Ostojic Group – Founded in 1972 by Tomo Ostojic from a single truck and trailer, the company now has over 100 specialised trucks and provides services across transport, logistics, civil construction, quarrying and more.

Steeline – One of Australia’s leading manufacturers, distributors and installers of metal roofing and steel structures. The team has been delivering affordable product ranges and qualuty customer service since 1991.

NTF Construction Supply Specialist – Situated in Berrimah and founded in 1961, the team specialises in supplying a variety of industrial and construction related products.

Azzurri United

4Kitchens & Joinery – 4Kitchens help clients with designing, manufacturing and installing new kitchens, furniture units and more. They stay up to date with the latest trends from Europe, ensuring designs are both practical and elegant.

Owl & Wolf Investments – An online space dedicated to sharing news about finance, business, investing and crypto.

Stelph – Stelph Group of Companies strives to serve humanity through various branches, including medical equipment, international trading & services provider, marine support services and energy supplies.

North West Constructions – A team of dedicated builders and building contractors, providing services across commercial, residential and industrial projects.

NPL SA

West Adelaide SC

First Drop Wines – Combining passion and creativity, First Drop Wines leads with quality, sustainability and purity in all its products. They will join West Adelaide SC as the Official Wine Partner.

IP Partners – With offices across the country, IP Partners is a trusted company which provides IT support, products and services.

 

Level the Playing Field: Football Unites at Parliament House to Back Grassroots Growth

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 Image Credit: Football Victoria/Avellino Photography 

Victorian football’s most influential voices gathered at Parliament House last Wednesday to officially launch the Level the Playing Field campaign. The initiative is a united call to strengthen grassroots infrastructure and ensure every child has access to safe, modern facilities.

Hosted by Football Victoria alongside members of the Parliamentary Friends of Football, the event brought together MPs from across the political spectrum, A-League representatives, community clubs and emerging players, reinforcing one clear message: when football thrives, Victoria thrives.

Football Victoria Chair Dr Angela Williams delivered a powerful address, drawing on her professional experience to underscore sport’s social impact.

“You belong when you play football,” she said. “It is the same healthy place to play — regardless of race, religion or background. Young people in sport are healthier and safer. That’s what this is about.”

The campaign comes at a pivotal moment for the game. Participation across Victoria has surged to more than 127,000 registered players, with female participation experiencing significant growth in recent years. A legacy of the recent success of the Australian women’s national team.

Yet, as speakers emphasised, infrastructure has not kept pace.

Former Socceroo and community advocate Carl Valeri reflected on the contrast between elite and grassroots environments, highlighting the importance of stronger community facilities.

“When you walk into a community facility, there’s the same love and passion,” Valeri said. “But the infrastructure doesn’t always match. That infrastructure can turn away the kids who decide to play later, or those who might be facing challenges at home. For me, community football is important because we have to keep kids involved in the game.”

 Image Credit: Football Victoria/Avellino Photography 

Current and emerging players echoed the sentiment. Young footballer Kara Crnac highlighted how quality facilities build confidence and create opportunity, while coach and talent pathway representative Maddison Kamolins stressed the importance of safe, inclusive environments.

Image Credit: Football Victoria/Avellino Photography

Government representatives acknowledged more than $100 million in recent football facility investment, including the state’s landmark commitment to Home of the Matildas at La Trobe University, while recognising further support is required at the grassroots level.

Football Victoria CEO Dan Birrell described the campaign as both collaborative and forward-looking.

“We’re going to be visible; we’re going to be active and we’re going to be strong advocates for our clubs,” he said. “Every elite career begins at a community ground. If we want stronger communities and stronger representation on the world stage, we must invest where it all begins.”

With the AFC Women’s Asian Cup on the horizon and continued momentum across domestic competitions, the message from Parliament was clear: the next generation of Matildas and Socceroos is already here.

Now, it’s time to level the playing field, sign the petition here.

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