The Gippsland leg of the Westpac Community Football Festival has got underway, with Melbourne Heart FC arriving in the Latrobe Valley to stage a series of clinics and events ahead of its Hyundai A-League pre-season clash with the Newcastle Jets.
The Gippsland leg of the Westpac Community Football Festival has got underway, with Melbourne Heart FC arriving in the Latrobe Valley to stage a series of clinics and events ahead of its Hyundai A-League pre-season clash with the Newcastle Jets.
Morwell, Moe, Churchill, Traralgon and Drouin were among the locations playing host to the festivities, which saw every member of the Heart-s inaugural playing roster take part, including Brazilian signing Alex Terra.
Terra, who recently arrived from Rio de Janiero, joined Head Coach John van ‘t Schip at a Big Issue ‘Street Soccer- training session, taking part in a kick around with members of the program, displaying typical samba flair.
Another highlight of the festival to date has been the Westpac ‘Coach the Coach- conference, with over 40 local coaches attending the seminar, delivered by Heart-s coaching panel of van ‘t Schip, Jesper Olsen and Ante Milicic.
The presentation detailed Heart-s coaching philosophy and ethos, providing an insight into the 4-3-3 formation preferred by van ‘t Schip.
Inspired by key mentor Johan Cruyff, van ‘t Schip explained the theory behind the 4-3-3 system, detailing its operation during various key phases of play, as well as its adoption in modern day football by the likes of Barcelona.
General Manager, Community, Sue Crow said she has been delighted by the response to Heart-s presence in the Latrobe Valley.
“The Club has been delighted by the amazing support displayed by the Gippsland public over the last couple of days,” Crow said.
“Events such as Westpac-s ‘Coach the Coach- seminar have provided us with a phenomenal opportunity to meaningfully give back to the local football community and allowed the Club to make a real impact.
“Community is at the heart of our philosophy as a football club, and through the Westpac Community Football Festival, we have been able to demonstrate that we are genuine in our pledge.”
