Football Federation Australia and National Australia Bank today announced details of a new football talent identification program developed to unearth and showcase the future stars of Australian football, while at the same time providing funding to support the game at the grassroots level.
Football Federation Australia and National Australia Bank today announced details of a new football talent identification program developed to unearth and showcase the future stars of Australian football, while at the same time providing funding to support the game at the grassroots level.
The NAB Young Footballer of the Year Award will be awarded to the finest under-21 player throughout the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season. One nominee will be announced per month and all nominees will qualify to be named the NAB Young Footballer of the Year at the conclusion of the season.
Australian players under the age of 21, including Melbourne Victory youngsters Nathan Elasi, Mitchell Langerak and Mathew Theodore, at the commencement of the season are eligible to win the NAB Young Footballer of the Year Award.
The overall winner will receive a $10,000 personal investment portfolio, a NAB Private Client Manager to assist with a range of banking and financial services, and the inaugural NAB Young Footballer of the Year Award.
To acknowledge the vital role junior football clubs play in the development of today’s young stars, NAB will also provide a $3000 equipment pack to the junior club nominated by each of the monthly nominees.
Head of Hyundai A-League Archie Fraser said NAB’s commitment to grassroots football created exciting prospects for the ongoing development of the game.
“We are very excited to launch this accolade with the support of NAB,” Fraser said.
“We believe the NAB Young Footballer of the Year Award format creates a brilliant way to recognise and reward the outstanding young talent that will be on display throughout the upcoming season.
“These impressive young players are the future face of Australian football and we are excited about watching them evolve in the years to come. Now, with thanks to the NAB Young Footballer of the Year Award, we will be given the opportunity to track their progress and recognise the contribution they make to our game.”
Under the NAB Young Footballer of the Year Award format, an expert judging panel will choose a monthly winner. Monthly nominees will be eligible to be crowned Australia’s best performed young player of the year.
