Melbourne Heart FC Head Coach John van ‘t Schip expects a tough test as his side faces fellow Hyundai A-League outfit Wellington Phoenix in Friday’s Westpac Community Football Festival match in Shepparton.
Melbourne Heart FC Head Coach John van ‘t Schip expects a tough test as his side faces fellow Hyundai A-League outfit Wellington Phoenix in Friday-s Westpac Community Football Festival match in Shepparton.
Heart arrives in the regional centre tomorrow for the start of the three-day football extravaganza, which will see the entire club decamp to Shepparton.
Among the highlights of the festival is the Westpac Coach the Coach workshop, where the Heart coaching staff will provide an insight into the tactical and technical innovations used at the elite level, in addition to a series of clinics and appearances.
But the showpiece of the final Westpac Community Football Festival of 2011 is Friday night-s friendly match at Deakin Reserve.
Van ‘t Schip said the match is set to be an important test as the start of the Hyundai A-League season looms in the weeks ahead.
“While we are likely to field a younger team on Friday night, it is still important from a preparation standpoint as we look to build on the foundations created so far and further develop our style of play,” he said.
“Although results aren-t all that important at this stage, it-s always better for a team to secure a result. However, we just need to keep focused on what we-re hoping to do and improve.
“The match is a great opportunity for our younger players to step up and prove they deserve to feature in calculations during the upcoming season, so expect a determined team to take to the field on Friday night.”
Entry to the friendly against Wellington Phoenix is free.
