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SOCCEROOS legend Harry Kewell drew a huge crowd as his Academy roadshow stopped in Bendigo for Thursday evening's clinic on the Spring Gully pitches.
A star in many matches for Australia, Leeds United, Liverpool and in A-League, Kewell spent more than 3 1/2 hours giving goalshooting tips.
It's the first time the Academy has run a roadshow in Victoria.
"I am rapt with the turnout," Kewell said.
"The enthusiasm of every participant is fantastic.
"It's great to be giving back to the game and helping youngsters learn new skills or improve," he said of the Academy which kicked off in January 2014.
The 100 places available for the Bendigo masterclass were quickly snapped up.
Keen youngsters from a wide range of ages went through a series of drills working on passing, one-on-one moves, and the popular goalshooting workout with Kewell.
Throughout a remarkable career, Kewell played 58 matches and scored 17 goals for the Socceroos.
His first game for Australia at senior level was as a 17-year-old against Chile.
He played in the World Cup campaigns in 2006 and 2010 and in the twilight of his career played for Melbourne Victory and Melbourne Heart in the A-League.
A key off-field player at Spring Gully Soccer Club, Gillian Edlin said the response to the masterclass was incredible, not just from players, but parents and soccer fans.
"The Academy was keen to come to Bendigo and got in touch with us about the possibility of hosting the clinic," Edlin said.
"The masterclass was open to anyone. We even had a player or two travel from Melbourne to take part."
Bendigo Amateur Soccer League president Adam Woods said to have a player of Kewell's profile and skill visit Bendigo was fantastic.
"All of the Bendigo-based clubs are represented.
"It's great to see Harry and the other coaches he has brought along spending so much time helping these players.
"Soccer just keeps on growing in popularity, especially at junior level," Woods said.
"To have been given tips from a player as great as Harry Kewell is an experience none of the juniors involved at this clinic will forget."
Many of the tips the players were given will be put into practice in this weekend's matches and as the season rolls on, either at club or representative level.
Other stops on the way before the roadshow hit Bendigo included Taylors Lakes, Hoppers Crossing, Bairsnsdale, Geelong, Monbulk, Ballarat, Albury-Wodonga and Shepparton.
The Harry Kewell Academy Roadshow hits Queensland from this Sunday.