Melbourne Victory to unearth football’s next superstar

FOXTEL will join forces with Hyundai A-League Champions Melbourne Victory to unearth Australia’s next Football Superstar when the hit reality series returns to FOX 8 for series two on Wednesday, 27 May.

FOXTEL will join forces with Hyundai A-League Champions Melbourne Victory to unearth Australia-s next Football Superstar when the hit reality series returns to FOX 8 for series two on Wednesday, 27 May.

Football Superstar follows the journey of 15 aspiring footballers who dream of one day playing in Australia-s premier Football competition, the Hyundai A-League.

Last year-s series proved a smash hit on FOX 8, with viewers tuning in to see Perth-s Adam Hett taking all before him in securing a contract with glamour club Sydney FC.

Melbourne Victory will provide the path to superstardom for one talented footballer in series two, with two-time Hyundai A League winning coach Ernie Merrick to put the contestants through their paces in search of that x-factor that might prove the difference between victory and defeat in season 2009/10.

“There are so many talented young footballers out there, this is a wonderful opportunity for one of them to stand up and hopefully realise a dream.

“The ability to perform under pressure and in front of an audience can quite often prove the difference between a good player and a brilliant one. With the camera-s rolling 24/7 this will give me a good indication on who has the presence and state of mind to perform on the biggest stage of all,” Merrick said.

As well as securing a one-year playing contract with Melbourne Victory, the series two winner will also score a scholarship to Victoria-s prestigious Monash University.

Football Federation Australia CEO Ben Buckley supported Merrick-s comments.

“Football Superstar was a triumph for FOXTEL and we-re pleased to hear it will return in 2009.

“The show-s success is further testament to the support FOXTEL has provided the Hyundai A-League since its introduction in 2005,” Mr Buckley said.

FOXTEL Head of Marketing and Television Mr Brian Walsh claimed Football Superstar was the perfect fit for FOX 8 and predicts another exciting season for viewers to enjoy.

“Football Superstar launched as the most successful FOX 8 local production in 2008, breaking new ground in becoming the first sport based reality TV series in Australia.

“Series one proved an overwhelming hit amongst male viewers aged 18-35 and perfectly compliments the exciting line up of local and international programs to premiere on FOX 8 over the coming months.

“FOXTEL are proud of their association with Football Federation Australia and the success of Football Superstar is further proof of the sports growing popularity in Australia,” Mr Walsh said.

Check out www.fox8.com.au for information on how you can try out for Football Superstar in your capital city!