The Football Victoria (FV) Metro Talent Identification and Development Centre (TIDC) program concluded 2020 with elite matches against Melbourne City FC and Melbourne Victory FC.
These matches were held with Football Australia (FA) Technical Director and Joeys Head Coach, Trevor Morgan, in attendance.
In the lead up to the Elite Matches, the TIDC program included weekly internal Metro games, Metro vs Regional games at the Regional Talent Identification Camp and a final week of matches prior to selection. Identified players from Metro and Regional areas were then invited to participate in these Elite Matches as a combined Victorian Squad.
On December 17, the 2007, 2006 and 2005-born Victorian TIDC players faced Melbourne City FC Academy Squads in the FV Elite Matches. These development matches were played in great spirit from both sides, with the Victorian TIDC Squads coming out on top against the younger Melbourne City FC opposition.
FV ELITE MATCH RESULTS
VICTORIA TIDC (07 Born) - 7 v 0 - MELBOURNE CITY FC (08 Born)
VICTORIA TIDC (06 Born) - 8 v 0 - MELBOURNE CITY FC (07 Born)
VICTORIA TIDC (05 Born) - 4 v 0 - MELBOURNE CITY FC (06 Born)
On December 18, the 2004-born Victorian TIDC players played against Melbourne Victory FC and Melbourne City FC in the FA Elite Matches. Three mini matches were played, with plenty of high-quality goals and football displayed by all teams.
Football Victoria Technical Director Boris Seroshtan was impressed with the quality of matches and the level of Victorian players.
"After a tough year for all players in Victoria, these matches were an opportunity to show how many talented Victorian players we have - and we weren't disappointed. The coaching staff saw very competitive matches with high intensity and quality, particularly considering the non-existing competition season. A number of the players impressed the Football Australia (FA) Technical Director and Joeys Head Coach Trevor Morgan. "
With the upcoming Joeys squad selection for the 2021 AFC Championship to be held in Bahrain, these matches provided a great opportunity for Victorian players to display their talent in front of Joeys National Team Staff.
Joeys Head Coach Trevor Morgan was also impressed with the highly competitive environment and quality of Elite Matches.
“Player development starts with opportunity.. Elite Matches fit within XI Principle V – More Football, More often – increasing match minutes for youth players, by providing highly challenging opposition not always experienced in weekly club football."
"I witnessed 2 nights of football giving opportunity to many young players. I was really pleased to be able to visit Victoria in person, to see young talent across several age groups in challenging matches."
"Once again FV technical staff brought together players from NPL clubs through the TIDC program and also players from A-League academies to make a highly competitive match environment. These matches motivate players, they provide the environment for players to showcase their talent and for coaches to better identify talent. They are highly beneficial for all involved and, as usual, some players new to me showed themselves and need to be monitored by FV staff and Football Australia.”
FA ELITE MATCH RESULTS
VICTORIA TIDC - 1 v 2 - MELBOURNE CITY FC
MELBOURNE VICTORY FC - 0 v 3 - MELBOURNE CITY FC
MELBOURNE VICTORY FC - 0 vs 2 - VICTORIA TIDC