By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A pioneering free football clinic is attracting 50 young players a week from across the South East, with dreams to expand further.
In a matter of six months, the Future Footballers Project (FFP) at Ross Reserve, Noble Park has become a hub for talented men, women, boys and girls.
It is a godsend for the large number of families who can’t afford the prohibitively expensive registration costs at clubs and other clinics.
Coach Gavin Ithier, a former Socceroos Youth player, has poured $10,000 into the entirely privately-funded project.
“The problem is every second soccer clinic is looking to make money.
“For us it’s about developing the kids and the positive results it brings.
“They’re really talented kids new to the game, and to watch them have so much fun is great.”
There was plenty of scope to grow if it could win sponsors and government grants, Mr Ithier said.
“We want to reach as many young people as possible but we need more equipment, facilities and people to support our cause.”
This winter, FFP plans to hold a second clinic each week inside a hall during the wetter winter months, as well as tutoring to help with schoolwork.
“It will be a true ‘soccer school’,” he said.
The project has been promoted to five schools in Dandenong and Noble Park, yet is already attracting young players as far away as Cranbourne and Pakenham.
“We’re finding a lot of the kids aged about 12 or 13 are coming by themselves on public transport.”
The eventual goal is for the clinic to run six days a week, giving young people of all abilities and backgrounds a chance to play the sport, as well as enter teams into local leagues.
“We also want to be able to support talented youth who have developed a love of football but need support to stay in the game and develop pro skills.”
In January, its team ‘Australia Youth’ won a 16-team senior men’s tournament the U-Nite Cup.
Thanks to a generous donor, three of the project’s players are on the shortlist for an all-expenses paid trip to Glasgow to train two weeks at the Celtic Youth Academy.
FFP’s females have also been invited to train with a Womens Premier League club, Bayside United.
Greater Dandenong mayor Roz Blades, who recently visited an FFP clinic, praised the players’ “fantastic talent”.
“We’ve got a multicultural community and we all know the value of being involved in sport.
“You can see some of these kids are very good. (Gavin) may be giving them a future.”
To help, sponsor or seek more information, contact ffp@thefuturefootballersproject.com.au
