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Soccer gala delight for local fans

Posted on December 2, 2011

By VINNIE RODI

SUNRAYSIA’S resident soccer enthusiasts will enjoy a summer taste to their favourite sport, with the first weekend of the new season to include a Victorian Champions League Gala round.

Taking place at Mildura’s Old Aerodrome Ovals, the VCL Gala will see more than 750 of the State’s top soccer players compete, with 13 locals amongst the group to take part.

Representing the Loddon Mallee Lightning Football Club across a number of age divisions, all 13 players will contest two matches over the weekend, with the Gala an initiative of Football Federation Victoria.

A sport that is usually only seen in Mildura in winter, locals will have the opportunity to watch some of the finest soccer talents compete under a summer sun, with a fine and sunny outlook forecast.

The VCL summer competition is designed to bring together the best players statewide, while also encouraging player development by coaching through Football Federation Australia’s national curriculum.

The VCL sees Victoria split into 12 zones (eight metro and four regional), with both boys and girls representative sides in various age groups facing off each week.

For local participants it means a number of trips away to both train and compete, with the opportunity to play on home soil a welcome relief.

For most of Sunraysia’s 13 VCL players, they spend three sessions per week training in Mildura, while also travelling to Bendigo once every few weeks to train with the main group.

Six of the 12 zones will be in attendance this weekend – including Gippsland and City Central – while the other six will play in Shepparton the following weekend. For travelling teams, VCL gala rounds give players a taste of what it’s like to be a professional soccer player on the road, while also encouraging team bonding.

Amongst the local contingent to content this week’s Sunraysia Football Gala will be StAres Gilardi, 13, Annabel Martin, 13, and Nusrat Ataye, 15, with all three saying they were excited to represent the Lightning on their home turf.

“It’s really exciting having the opportunity to play in Mildura,” StAres – who will represent the Lightning in the Under 14 division – said.

“Playing in this competition involves a lot of travelling, so to have a home game is fantastic.” All three locals are former State representatives, with Annabel rated amongst the best junior females in Victoria. She will line-up with the Under 14s, saying she was keen to take on talented opposition teams.

“All of the players at this level are extremely talented, and it’s always a great challenge,” Annabel said. “It’s a great way to test my skills, and to play in front of a home crowd will also be very exciting.”

Unfortunately for Nusrat, his only participation for the tournament will be supporting his fellow team mates from the sidelines, after his side’s Under 16 opponents withdrew from the tournament.

Unable to travel the distance to compete, Nusrat said he was disappointed not to be playing.

“We only found out a day ago that they weren’t coming down,” he said. “It’s really disappointing that these teams can’t travel, and it would have been great to play in Mildura.

“I’ll still be there on the weekend supporting the Lightning, cheering on all of the other players.”

In addition to top-quality competition, the Gala will also see Melbourne Heart player, Kliment Taseski, and Adelaide United’s, Ruth Wallace, in attendance, with the duo to be on hand to deliver a drug and alcohol awareness seminar as part of Football Federation Australia’s ‘Don’t Let Drugs Destroy Your Future’ program.  Football Federation Victoria CEO, Mark Rendell, said Gala rounds had so far proved a fantastic way to showcase junior talent. “To have so many talented youngsters playing at the one venue is a real treat for local football fans,” he said. “Mildura produces some of the most dedicated players in the VCL, with their home games a three hour drive to Bendigo.

“We are very proud to be able to bring the VCL to such a thriving and devoted football community.”

Mildura Rural City Council will support the VCL event by way of a $7500 grant, with Tourism and Events Portfolio Councillor, Mark Eckel, saying it was fantastic that Football Federation Victoria had selected Mildura to host the first VCL gala round of the season.

“Council is proud to support this event. The popularity of football is growing throughout Australia and indeed in our local community,” he said. The first match of the Gala will start from 10am tomorrow, with the final match to get underway from 3pm Sunday.

Entry will be free to all spectators, with more information available by contacting 0410 557 485.

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