Top level action at soccer gala
December 9, 2011BY VINNIE RODI
LAST weekend’s Sunraysia Football Gala Round – which took place at the Old Aerodrome Ovals – has been labelled a tremendous success, with local soccer enthusiasts treated to two days of top-level action.
Mildura’s Annabel Martin in action.
Held as part of the 2011 Victorian Champions League season, the gala saw close to 750 of the State’s top players compete in Mildura.
The VCL competition is designed to bring the best players from across the State together, while also encouraging player development through coaching 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.
Out of those 12 zones, six took part in Sunraysia’s Football Gala, with the other six teams to travel to Shepparton this weekend for the second Gala Round of the season.
Included in the list of teams to make the trip were the Loddon Mallee Lightning, Western Wolves, Northern All Stars, Central City, North West Wanderers and the Gippsland Knights, with 13 Sunraysia-based players lining up with the Lightning during the two-day tournament.
Consisting of players of all ages, all teams had the chance to play two matches, with emphasis placed less on winning, and more on learning and developing skills and tactics.
In didn’t stop the competition from being fierce, with the atmosphere truly electric throughout the two-day event.
Players put their all into every contest, with spectators – the majority of which consisted of family members and the occasional general onlookers – also keen to voice their encouragement.
As well as playing, players also had the opportunity to mingle with Melbourne Heart player Kliment Taseski, and Adelaide United’s Ruth Wallace.
The pair were on hand to talk about the importance of a healthy lifestyle for elite athletes, answer any questions about what it takes to become an elite player, while also enjoying the action on offer. Football Federation Victoria Sunraysia Regional Administrator, Ross Mosello, said he was delighted with how the weekend turned out.
“We are very lucky here in Mildura to have such excellent football facilities, and I think we impressed a lot of people who have never been here before,” he said.
“Everyone was treated to a great weekend of football, and I hope to see the VCL here again in the coming years.”
Ross said the event had also provided a chance for Mildura players to play a VCL match on home turf, with all 13 players usually required to travel long distances to compete.
“Mildura produces some of the most dedicated footballers in Victoria, who travel regularly to chase their football dreams,” he said.
“I think the travelling players have gotten a lot out of this weekend too.
“As you become a better player, and get selected for state and national teams, long hours of travel are all part of the package.”
Ross said it was hoped the Gala would become a regular fixture on the Sunraysia soccer calendar.
“It was great to see our local kids play,” he said.
“Sunraysia residents don’t often get to see our players compete at this level of competition.
“From a tourism stand-point, we estimated close to 2000 people visited the region on the weekend, which is a fantastic result.”
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