Melbourne Victory stars Nick Ward, Evan Berger and Mathew Theodore recently visited Edithvale, Boronia and Forest Hill as the Melbourne Victory Schools 5-a-Side Gala Days toured through metropolitan Melbourne.
Melbourne Victory stars Nick Ward, Evan Berger and Mathew Theodore recently visited Edithvale, Boronia and Forest Hill as the Melbourne Victory Schools 5-a-Side Gala Days toured through metropolitan Melbourne.
Ward was on hand at the Edithvale Gala Day to assist with the final competition, take part in a testing question and answer session and sign autographs for participants.
“Our students enjoyed a well organised day and learnt about new skills, respect for the referee, team cooperation, contact with other schools and fun,” Edithvale Primary School teacher Kevin Griffiths said.
“Nick Ward attending today was definitely important, as it is role models like Nick to which young students can aspire to.”
Congratulations to Brighton Primary School, Brighton Beach Primary School, Edithvale Primary School, Lighthouse Christian College and Our Lady of Assumption for their participation and to Chelsea Football Club and City of Kingston for their crucial support.
Melbourne Victory Women defender Marlies Oostdam visited the Boronia Gala Day, which included participants from Bayswater Primary School, Bayswater South Primary School, Mountain Gate Primary School, The Basin Primary School, St Bernadette-s Primary School, Waverley Christian College and Yawarra Primary School.
“The children loved the relaxed atmosphere with the right blend of competition, learning and fun,” Bayswater South Primary School teacher Desiree Blaich-Stefanac.
Melbourne Victory would like to thank Knox City Council and the Bayswater Strikers Football Club for supplying the venue and facilities.
The Forest Hill Gala Day featured participants from Ashburton Primary School, Holy Saviour Primary, Livingstone Primary School, Old Orchard Primary School, Orchard Grove Primary School, St John-s School and Syndal South Primary School.
Melbourne Victory youngsters Berger and Theodore joined Oostdam, working with the girls and developing their skills throughout the day.
“Students who have never tried soccer before may have now found their sport,” Orchard Grove Primary School teacher Glenn Tooth said.
“Involvement of players validates the program for kids, makes it more special and introduces them to the people responsible for providing our national league.”
The benefit of the program is also felt by the Melbourne Victory players.
“As a Melbourne Victory player, it-s fantastic to be involved in a program that brings enjoyment to kids- faces,” Berger said.
“Although the program is still a relatively new concept, it has grown to be extremely successful in linking Melbourne Victory with young footballers, especially those new to the game.”
Melbourne Victory would like to thank Holy Saviour Primary School for hosting the Gala Day.
The Melbourne Victory Schools 5-a-Side program will recommence following the July school holidays. Limited places remain. Click here to register.