Football Victoria (FV) hosted a Girls Talent ID Camp over the 5th and 6th of April to search for talented young female players for upcoming FFA National Tournaments.
The camp was a resounding success, with over 150 girls from the Under-14 (2008/07), Under-16 (2006/05) and Under-17 (2004) age brackets gathering at Darebin International Sports Centre to showcase their potential.
Annick Fokchak, FV Talent Development Manager Girls, and a series of NTC and coaches ran the event with Boris Seroshtan, FV Technical Director, and Debbie Fisher, FFA Girls Youth Development Manager also in attendance.
“The importance of holding these events throughout the year is of great significance, as it allows us to continually monitor and identify talented players across metropolitan and regional Victoria” Seroshtan stated.
The players were taken through a series of drills throughout the first day over two training sessions, followed by a third training session and round robin style tournament on day two.
Annick was pleased with the level of talent on display, stating that there was potential for some of the girls to be selected for an upcoming FFA Elite Match in May.
“The round robin of games revealed some exceptional skills, gameplay and tactical awareness by players. The approach in which the players took on the information from coaches over both days was fantastic to see. We were able to observe them in applying different information and techniques during the matches on day two,” she said.
Another major benefit of the camp was that it provided an opportunity for regional-based players to display their talents and experience elite coaching. Girls travelled from across Victoria, including regional areas such as Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton, Wangaratta and Wodonga to take part.
“Prior to the event we managed to reach out to community clubs, regional areas and local metropolitan NPLW clubs. We received a positive response from clubs wanting to nominate players for the Talent ID Camp,” Annick said.
“We thank the club representatives, coaches and acknowledge the hard work being done in developing these players for the future.”
FV will continue to host similar events throughout the year as a part of its commitment to providing elite pathways and opportunities for young players across the state.