Soccerscene the only online publication dedicated to the Australian and international football industry. It serves as a practical guide for those involved in the business of running a football club and bringing readers up-to-date research and development across all football matters providing insights, discussion and information related to topics that matter.
How grass roots clubs can better manage their sporting apparel, and it works.
Appearance is everything for sporting clubs, and managing your kit goes a long way to how you present yourself as a team.
Not only that, but saving money on energy consumption is something that they should consider.
Munters are a global leader in climate control, and its technology allows clubs to dry their kit in a more efficient manner.
Typically, it can be costly to use heating and tumble drying because only a few items can be put in a single load and if done incorrectly, could damage clothing.
Munters aim to increases a kit’s durability by not wearing out as quickly, by using proven desiccant dehumidification to dry them in fast time.
The Munters technology can be easily placed in a room to protect buildings from moisture damage and keeps the kit in tact.
This is a solution that has been used around the world in sporting precincts, with energy savings of up to 75 per cent.
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.
Despite its slow start to the season, many pundits believe this season’s Sydney F.C. squad is one of the strongest for many years.
Consequently, it has been difficult for striker Jaiden Kucharski to be selected on a regular basis. However, Jaiden Kucharski’s journey is one marked by moments of brilliance and potential.
For those who observed the power-laden goal he scored against Brisbane Roar in Round 3 and the disallowed volley he despatched against Wanderers two weeks ago, there is no doubt he has all the attributes of a goal-scoring maestro.
Additionally, his powerful right-footed drive from outside the penalty area last Sunday nearly found its mark for a ten-man Sydney F.C. to achieve a 2-2 draw, only to be denied by the agility of Central Coast Mariners custodian Dylan Peraic-Cullen.
Photo credit: Jaime Castaneda / Sydney FC
None of this comes as a surprise, as Jaiden Kucharski’s Sydney F.C. record includes twenty-nine goals in three seasons in the NPL Men’s competition.
So, what does the future hold for this talented twenty-two-year-old?
In this interview with Roger Sleeman, Jaiden Kucharski talks about his early exposure to football, his progression through the Sydney FC Academy to the senior squad, and his ambitions in the senior game.
ROGER SLEEMAN
Can you outline your early introduction to the game?
JAIDEN KUCHARSKI
After starting at Glenwood Redbacks as a five year old, I moved to the Football Development Academy and eventually progressed to the Sydney FC Academy at the age of fourteen via the NSW Institute.
R.S.
Who were the early influences in your career?
J.K.
I followed Messi and Ronaldo and also worshipped Tim Cahill, Mark Viduka and Harry Kewell.
Also, due to my Polish background, I admired Robert Lewandowski as a goalscorer.
R.S.
You are equally accomplished on both feet with ferocity on both sides.
When there are so many one sided players in the A-League, how have you managed to achieve this milestone?
J.K.
There was a coach called Cormack at the FDA who worked with me to improve my weaker left side when we went for periods without using the right foot in training.
At the weekends when I was eight or nine, I would train with the ten to fourteen year olds which also harnessed my two sided skills.
At the Sydney FC Academy, Kelly Cross has also nurtured my left side further and now I believe my shooting is better with my left side.
R.S.
You’ve been scoring goals for fun in NPL competition so what role do you see yourself playing?
J.K.
I’ve grown up playing as many positions as possible
However, I want to play up front as one of the two nines and being a target man to either drop to receive the ball and also playing in between and along the last line of defence.
I also want to be able to take the ball myself and score goals by taking opponents on.
Photo credit: Jaime Castaneda / Sydney FC
R.S.
The goal you scored against Brisbane Roar in Round 2 was one of the hardest shots ever seen in the A-League.
Could you explain how you did it?
J.K.
My best attribute is my striking contact with the ball, assisted by strong groins and when the cutback came I hit through the ball as hard as I could.
R.S.
Are you prepared to wait for that break to get more game time?
J.K.
I’m contracted with Sydney FC until June next year and I’ve made the most of my playing time so far, but in the end selection is up to the coach.
I could also leave during the transfer window in January if the club allowed me.
Photo credit: Jaime Castaneda / Sydney FC
R.S.
Have you had recent discussions with the coaching staff regarding your role in the squad?
J.K.
Not really as I just do everything in training to impress.
However, it was heartening to get a full game against F.C. Kaya and the goal I scored just inside the box to make a 3-0 scoreline, reinforced what I can do when I get space in front of goal.
R.S.
Would you leave Sydney F.C. when your contract expires, and if so where would you go to?
J.K.
I could go to Poland where I have citizenship but I also believe Germany would suit my style of football as an attacking player.
R.S.
It is a star studded squad at Sydney FC but you would be a certain starter at most other A-League clubs.
If the right offer came, would you move to another A-League club?
J.K.
Anything is possible, providing I’m getting game time and further developing as a footballer.
R.S.
Which of your team-mates do you really relate to?
J.K.
Adrian Segecic is an old team-mate who laid the ball off to me for the Brisbane Roar goal and three years ago I provided the pass which allowed him to score his first A- League goal against Macarthur Bulls.
Also, Anthony Caceres is a great foil and I’ve learned a lot from Joe Lolley and more recently Douglas Costa who is impeccable in his movement.
The new striker, Patryck Klimala, is a clinical striker and Leo Sena has that touch of genius which any young player can learn from.
Photo credit: Jaime Castaneda / Sydney FC
R.S.
What is your opinion of the A-League?
J.K.
Foreigners I’ve met say they didn’t expect the A-League to be so strong.
It’s a great step up from NPL to APL as the pace and pressure is so much more demanding.
R.S.
Where do see yourself in three years time?
J.K.
Playing overseas as a regular starter, ideally in a First Division setup.
