The Melbourne Victory Schools 5-a-Side Gala Days have completed a whirlwind tour of regional Victoria, visiting Ballarat, Cobram, Geelong, Korumburra, Mildura, Morwell, Sale, Shepparton, Swan Hill and Wodonga over the past two months.
The Melbourne Victory Schools 5-a-Side Gala Days have completed a whirlwind tour of regional Victoria, visiting Ballarat, Cobram, Geelong, Korumburra, Mildura, Morwell, Sale, Shepparton, Swan Hill and Wodonga over the past two months.
The Gala Days provided over 1600 grade three and four students from 62 schools the opportunity to enjoy playing 5-a-side in a non-competitive and fun environment.
“It-s great that our school is interacting with other schools and this increases the confidence of the children,” Tarwin Lower Primary School parent Cathy Brooker said.
“The best part is seeing the kids so excited and their skills developing throughout the day.”
The Gala Days take the focus off winning and encourage participants to play football and learn new skills.
Nyora Primary School teacher Greg Tuck believes there are strong benefits from the Gala Days.
“It was a fantastic, well organised day and coaches and organisers deserve heaps of praise for providing a valuable learning experience for all our kids,” Tuck said.
“There was great support and tips from the coaches, and this program encourages team spirit and increases the student-s confidence, which is so important.”
The program assists grassroots football development, with the aim that students will continue playing football at school and subsequently begin playing at their local clubs.
“This Gala Day is especially great for the girls who haven-t played football before,” St Joseph-s Primary School parent Karen Ford said.
“The success of today means we will be lobbying for soccer to be added as a winter sport for the students at our school.”
Melbourne Victory Women players were on hand at a number of the Gala Days to provide participants with first hand tips and encouragement, and proved extremely popular, particularly with the many aspiring female footballers.
The most telling feedback from Gala Days comes from the students who participated.
When asked what their favourite part of the Gala Day was, responses included:
”Every hour, minute and second!”
“When we played against other schools. I love it, go Melbourne Victory Football Club!”
“I loved when I played and kicked a goal and they said good kick, it was a fun day!”
“Playing with friends and having a good time.”
“It was fun and there were no scores.”
Final Melbourne Victory Schools 5-a-Side 2009 Gala Days in Bendigo and Warrnambool will be held in September.
Melbourne Victory Schools 5-a-Side Gala Days have now commenced in metropolitan Melbourne.
Click here for further information regarding the program or to register your school-s interest.
