Football Victoria Academy’s U13 Girls were afforded the opportunity to step into a professional environment at Melbourne City FC on Wednesday February 25.
The players were welcomed to the club’s elite training facility, where they toured the facilities and gained valuable insight into the daily standards and expectations of professional football.
Football Victoria (FV) Head of Youth Development, Steve Mautone said experiences like this are critical in shaping the mindset of young players.
“These opportunities are about inspiring our girls to believe in themselves, to understand what the professional environment looks like, and to recognise the work required to reach that level,” he said.
“They certainly have the talent. Now it’s about committing to their development, embracing the process and continuing to set ambitious goals.”
It was fantastic for the players to step into Melbourne City’s elite facilities, complementing the world-class training they receive each week. The Home of The Matildas offers state-of-the-art pitches, expert coaching, advanced medical and recovery areas, and a professional environment that sets the benchmark for their development.
The visit included a detailed video analysis session followed by an on-field training session delivered by Melbourne City Women’s coaching staff, exposing the players to the level of preparation, intensity and professionalism required at the highest level of the game.
The development pathway continues next week, with the FV Academy Under 15 and Under 17 Girls participating in Identification Games as part of their ongoing development.