Melbourne Victory was just as busy in the community as it was on the field in 2008/09, maintaining its strong relationship with junior clubs, schools and the general community through a number of key initiatives.
Melbourne Victory was just as busy in the community as it was on the field in 2008/09, maintaining its strong relationship with junior clubs, schools and the general community through a number of key initiatives.
More than 1000 junior footballers in metropolitan Melbourne were treated to the Ultimate Training Experience, which saw Victory players visit clubs including Altona City, Beaumaris, Berwick City, Brimbank, Brunswick Zebras, Bundoora, Cardinia United, Clifton Hill Jets, Croydon City Arrows, Doncaster Rovers, Eltham North, Green Gully Legends, Keilor Park, Know City, Mooroolbark, Oakleigh Cannons and Richmond JFC.
Open training sessions were held during school holidays and the Hyundai A-League Finals Series, giving Victory members and supporters the opportunity to watch the team go through its paces, and meet selected players for autographs and photos.
The KFC Regional Roadshows saw Victory players visit Geelong and Shepparton in November last year, with over 500 children meeting the likes of Archie Thompson, Billy Celeski, Michael Theoklitos and Nick Ward.
Victory-s commitment to providing opportunities for children of all backgrounds and abilities was evident during The Age Junior Development Clinics, which were held in one regional and five metropolitan areas.
Over 450 participants of all ages received tips and hints, and joined in drills with Victory players including Carlos Hernandez, Ney Fabiano, Jose Luis Lopez and Tom Pondeljak.
Samsung gave over 250 junior footballers the chance to work on their skills alongside Victory players including Danny Allsopp, Grant Brebner, Steve Pantelidis and Steven Pace, while the LeasePlan Carn the Kids clinic was hosted by ambassador Rodrigo Vargas.
Opportunities to attend Victory home games were an added bonus of the Melbourne Victory 5-a-Side Gala Day program, with more than 250 children participating in small-sided games during the half time breaks.
A further 700 students from participating schools received free tickets to Victory home games as part of the Gala Day program.
The Samsung Ball Squad provided a further 150 junior players throughout Victoria the chance to roam the sidelines at Telstra Dome, with each winning club receiving an exclusive merchandise pack, certificate, team photo with a Victory player and a Samsung camcorder.
Victory aims to increase its presence in the community throughout 2009/10 and beyond. Stay tuned to melbournevictory.com.au for more community details and opportunities throughout the year.
