Melbourne Heart FC’s grassroots program has gained further momentum after the Club announced Geelong will host the opening leg of the 2010 Westpac Community Football Festival at Kardinia International College today.
Melbourne Heart FC-s grassroots program has gained further momentum after the Club announced Geelong will host the opening leg of the 2010 Westpac Community Football Festival at Kardinia International College today.
The Hyundai A-League newcomers arrive at the Bellarine Peninsula on June 15 for the start of the three-day football extravaganza, which 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 Assistants Jesper Olsen and Ante Milicic holding a seminar educating local football clubs on the latest tactical and technical innovations in the game.
The inaugural Westpac Community Football Festival culminates in a friendly match between Heart and Victorian Champions League side Wimmera South Coast Eagles at Elcho Park, home of the North Geelong Warriors and former junior club of Heart signing Josip Skoko, on Thursday June 17.
Heart Chief Executive Officer Scott Munn revealed the Club is excited to be bringing the Hyundai A-League to Geelong for an extended period.
“The Geelong region has produced some of Australia-s leading football talents in recent times, such as the likes of Matthew Spiranovic, Joey Didulica and of course, Heart-s own Josip Skoko,” 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 Geelong-s local football community.”
Westpac-s Regional General Manager for Geelong, Scott Blunden said: “We are really excited to be able to help bring Melbourne Heart and elite football to the Geelong community.
“One of the reasons Westpac partnered with the team is their focus on taking football to regional communities. The Geelong football festival will kick off of two months of fantastic regional football activity across Victoria.”
