Football Victoria (FV) hosted the second edition of the International Showcase at The Home of the Matildas, between December 13-20.
The FV International Showcase was offered to players aged 12 and above, who in 2023 were a part of FV Talented Player Programs including SAP, TIDC, and NTC. Over 250 players took part in the event which lasted eight days.
The training sessions were delivered by the international coaches throughout the week, with the assistance of FV Technical Staff and coaches from within the FV Talented Player Programs.
The experience was a positive one for Victorian players and coaches who were able to experience different coaching methods and styles and interact with the international staff throughout the week.
Assistant Coach at Växjö Sweden, Matilda Bergstrand said she was “really impressed” with the Victorian talent throughout the showcase.
“I think the talent within Football Victoria is really good, a lot of the players have a lot of passion for the game,” she said.
“I fell totally in love with the city, with the country and the facilities, everything was great.”
Washington Spirit Assistant Coach Mami Yamaguchi echoed Matilda’s sentiments and encouraged the players to ensure they kept challenging themselves to improve.
“There is talent there for sure, I can see especially in the younger group. We talked about making sure they are in the environment that they are having good coaching so that they have a path where they can go,” she said.
Everton FC U21's Head Coach Elena Sadiku also provided a glowing endorsement for the Victorian players on show.
“I think it has been really nice to come to the other side of the world because every part of the world is different and you can see different talent and everyone here is just as passionate as back home,” she explained.
“They still have so much time left, and they all really have so much potential and as we were talking about it is so important, they understand they have talent and they have good opportunities to become something but they need to get into the right environment.
“It has been a pleasure to coach them and try to influence them in some part of the way.”
The event brought a range of technical staff from professional international clubs, including Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Youth Coaches, Goalkeeper Coaches, Sporting Directors, Scouts and Analysts.
Coaches involved included:
Bas Peperkamp - Head Coach U/16 at NEC Nijmegen ,Assistant Coach at De Treffers Netherland
Paulo Oliveira - SC Braga Scout for U/14-U/23 and also Scouting Department Co-ordinator
Matilda Bergstrand - Assistant Coach at Växjö Sweden
Fredrik Eliassen - Assistant Coach at Sandnes Ulf Norway
Elena Sadiku - Everton Women's U/21 coach. Elena is a former professional player and is a former head coach of Eskilstuna United and Fortuna Hjorring. She has also been the assistant coach and U/19 coach at FC Rosengard as well as being an assistant coach in China with Beijing BG Phoenix.
Jovica Knezhevikj - Makedonia GP U/19 coach. Jovica is a former Makedonia GP and FK Teteks Head Coach as well as a youth coach at Makedonia GP at various age groups.
Mami Yamaguchi - Washington Spirit (USA) (Assistant Coach and Individual Development Coach) Mami is a former Japanese international who has played in the Champions League final and played professionally in Sweden.
Jerome Challe - Union Titus Petange (Luxembourg) (Assistant Coach and Physical Performance Coach) Jerome is a Belgian UEFA A Licensed coach who has worked professionally in Belgium and Luxembourg. He has been a teacher at the Belgian Federation UEFA B License courses focusing on physical preparation.
Umberto Fabiano - Messina (Italy) (U/15 Head Coach)2023 u/17 coach of Catania 2024. Umberto has coached at numerous Italian academies, including those of the two Milan giants, AC Milan and Inter Milan. He has also been a professional match analyst.
Domenico Gangemi - Atalanta (Italy) (Australian representative & scout) Domenic is an UEFA A Licensed coach who is the official representative of Atalanta in Australia. His role involves scouting Australian talent on behalf of Atalanta as well as working with local clubs to build affiliate programs with the Italian club.
Youri Roulaux - PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands) (Goalkeeper Coach) Youri is a former professional footballer having developed throughout the PSV academy to the second team. He also played professionally for Roda JC and has been a goalkeeper coach at PSV for the last 4 years.
Dr Janos Toth - Vasos (Hungary) (U/19 Head Coach) Dr Toth is an associate professor in the Football Department at the University of Physical Education in Hungary. He has been a coaching instructor for the Hungarian Football Federation and has conducted research into match analysis, technique, tactics, conditioning and many other footballing topics.
Jason Vermeer - Assistant Coach Beijing Guoan China
Peter Hyballa - most recently head coach of NAC Breda Netherlands. Peter Hyballa had also been Head coach of NEC Nijmegen, Trencin and Alemania Achen
Kersten Kuhl - Academy Goalkeeper Coach FC Koln Germany
Siem Nijssen- assistant coach u/21 Pec Zwolle and u/21 & u/18 goalkeeper coach