By Derek Schlennstedt
Coaches from Melbourne Victory imparted their championship-winning knowledge and wisdom to the young soccer players at Monbulk Rangers Soccer Club.
On Wednesday 16 April, the club hosted the Melbourne Victory coaches and – much to the excitement and elation of the young Under 9s team – the championship trophy was brought along.
Ewa Wallis, Junior co-ordinator, spoke to the ‘Mail’ and said the juniors had been so excited to meet their heroes, but that it also benefited the parents who volunteer their time as coaches.
“It’s great to get all the kids together and of course they’ve been so excited and been waiting for this,” she said.
“It’s not just about Melbourne Victory coming and seeing our juniors though, it’s also about helping our coaches, a lot of them are parent volunteers, so helping them in their role to become more confident, too.”
Monbulk Ranges Soccer Club is one of 43 other clubs who are part of the Melbourne Victory’s ‘Club Victory’ program, which supports grassroots football.
Launched in 2010, Club Victory engages junior clubs throughout metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria to provide new opportunities for young footballers to grow their love of the game.
While running through a soccer skills drill with the juniors at Monbulk, Gulcan Koca, Club Victory Manager and W League player, said it was great to see so many kids at the club and commented on the new pitches.
“We work with 43 clubs in victory and try to get out as many of them as possible and show our appreciation for them to be in the program,” Ms Koca said.
“I’ve been to Monbulk before but haven’t seen the new facilities and it’s absolutely amazing to see so many kids at the club and that they have this facility to play the game on is fantastic.
“It’s all about just trying to get them to love the game.”
