Football Victoria (FV) officially launched its 2025 Skill Acquisition Phase (SAP) program with a vibrant Gala Day on Tuesday, April 8, at The Home of The Matildas.
The opening event brought together over 450 players aged 9–12 from across the state, with 41 teams participating in development matches designed to reinforce the technical focus of the SAP curriculum.
FV SAP Development Manager Seb Zancan praised the day’s success, highlighting the importance of game-based learning.
“It’s always a special moment seeing players put their hard work into action. These Gala Days are not about winning – they’re about development, fun, and showcasing growth," he said.
"We’re incredibly proud of the environment we’ve created for these young players to thrive in.”
Players involved in the program were either nominated by their local clubs earlier this year or were returning participants from previous SAP cycles.
Melbourne-based players have been attending weekly training sessions led by FV coaches at The Home of The Matildas and Knox Regional Football Centre, depending on their location.
Regional players recently joined a two-day training camp that included two technical training sessions and match preparation, before participating in the Gala Day itself.
The event also marked the debut of FV’s inaugural SAP Goalkeeper Camp, where 15 aspiring goalkeepers took part in a two-day intensive led by FV goalkeeper coaches.
The 2025 SAP Gala Day was a celebration of football development in Victoria, spotlighting the state’s next generation of footballers and offering a snapshot of the strong foundation FV is building for the future of the game.