Westpac To Bring Heart To Shepparton

Melbourne Heart FC is set to bring elite level football to Shepparton after the announcing the regional centre will host the final leg of the 2011 Westpac Community Football Festival in August.

The Hyundai A-League side will arrive in the town on August 25 for the start of the three-day football extravaganza, which includes a practice match against Hyundai A-League side Wellington Phoenix at Deakin Reserve.

The festival will see Heart engage with the local football and business community through a series of clinics and events, courtesy of Westpac-s local network of branches.

Westpac-s ‘Coach the Coach- program is set to be one of the highlights of the festival, with Heart Head Coach John van ‘t Schip and Assistant Ante Milicic holding a seminar educating local football clubs on the latest tactical and technical innovations in the game.

Heart Chief Executive Officer Scott Munn revealed the Club is excited to be bringing the Hyundai A-League to Shepparton for an extended period.

“Shepparton is an area with a rich sporting tradition, and we are delighted to build on this by hosting a Hyundai A-League practice match at Deakin Reserve,” he said.

“Although we are in our infancy, the Club is steadfast in the belief that it bears a distinct responsibility to further the cause of football throughout the state and help inspire the next generation of Victorians.

“And through our partnership with Westpac, the Club is delighted to extend a hand and support Shepparton-s local football community.”

Westpac-s Regional General Manager Ken Larkin said: “We are really excited to be able to help bring Melbourne Heart FC and elite football to the Shepparton community.

“One of the reasons Westpac partnered with the team is their focus on taking football to regional communities. The Shepparton festival will feature as part of a month of fantastic regional football activity across Victoria.”