Elite young soccer players in central Victoria have the opportunity to be exposed to big clubs in Europe and Asia without the cost of travelling overseas.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Bendigo City NPL head coach Nathan Claridge has partnered with Soccer Select, which is headed by former Manchester United academy coach Lee Waddington.
"Soccer Select was set up to provide a better way for European clubs to scout young international players,'' Claridge said.
"I oversee their Australian programs including delivery of private coaching according to coaching plans and UK curriculum, arranging assessment reports and live scouting games for kids that qualify through the report process."
"This is obviously focused in the capital cities around Australia, however I believe in developing talent from the region and am committed to doing that."
In co-operation with SS and Bendigo City, Claridge will run pre-NPL academy programs for under-10, under-11 and under-12 age groups. Players in these academies would still play with their local BASL club, but they would train with the academy once a week.
"Under-10 and under-11 is not based on trials and there is no cap on the number of players we will take as we believe all kids at these early developmental years should have the opportunity to pursue such training,'' Claridge said.
"Under-10 and under-11 can sign up via our Trybooking link. Under-12 is trial based and at this point will be limited to a squad of 22 to ensure the integrity of the program. Trials are to be held on November 15 at Epsom-Huntly Recreation Reserve at 9.30am No registration is required for trialing, just turn up on the day."