LV Express
By samuel darroch

THE success of soccer at this year's Koorie football netball carnival in Morwell has led to the creation of an eight-week development program targeting the Valley's indigenous youth.

The Budjeri Napan Koorie Sports Committee and Football Federation Victoria joint initiative, implemented by FFV zone development officer Mark Cassar, held its second session at Ronald Reserve on Friday with about 30 children from Moe, Morwell and Traralgon schools in attendance.

As the September FFV Indigenous State Carnival in Melbourne approaches, the clinics will double as an incubator for an increased Gippsland presence at the tournament. Gippsland's boys team won last year's event, leading to an appearance at the now defunct National Indigenous Football Festival, and Budjeri Napan also introduced girls to the game at the carnival.

"It's fantastic. Last year... it was more about our girls... that had never played soccer before and they actually did quite well considering," Budjeri Napan committee member Peter Mongta said. "We thought, 'wouldn't it be great to do a program for all kids who haven't played that much soccer?"

"It's about just getting more kids involved in that program in Melbourne."

Targeting the 11 to 13 years age group, Cassar said the program was designed to groom participants for the FFV competition.

"That was the whole reason for this program. What we're hoping to do is instead of sending maybe one or two teams we might be positioned to send four or five teams," Cassar said.

"It's all small sided games to start with... working on the basic fundamentals of the game, a few skills and playing and then we will progress that as we get closer to the tournament."

The program is also developing indigenous coaches; a group of Koorie community leaders are helping deliver the course after attending a recent grass roots coaching session with Cassar.

Cassar said there was potential for the rookie coaches to attend an October FIFA grass roots workshop in Melbourne.

"We're obviously working with the kids but also engaging the coaches that were involved in the grass roots (workshop)... and mentor them in their roles," he said. The program runs from 12.45pm to 2.15pm on Friday afternoons at Ronald Reserve.

For more information phone Mark Cassar on 5134 8888.