Thinking of going to the football in Melbourne this weekend?
Make a family day of it and also head along to the free pre-game clinics being conducted by Melbourne Heart before each home game.
The pre-game clinics are for children aged between 8-12 years and consist of juggling drills, 1v1 and a small game under the guidance of two of Melbourne Heart’s expert Game Development Officers.
They have been introduced to make the match day experience even better, according to Melbourne Heart CEO, Scott Munn.
“We noticed that a lot of people turn up at the stadium about an hour or an hour and a half before kick-off and just kick the ball around outside.
“So we thought ‘why not make that structured?’ and give the kids a really worthwhile experience with a training program and a small sided game using our professional school coaches?”
Munn said the maximum number of participants is 50 but, with two Game Development Officers and a number of senior school assistants, if there is sufficient demand, they can hold more than one session.
Assistance to the professional Game Developments Officers will be provided by Year 11 and 12 students who are studying ‘Football’ as a Year 12 subject under the Sports Education and Development Authority.
SEDA has created a program combining football development with an educational pathway through the sport and recreation industry. The program is designed to offer talented players a career pathway in football combining football training integrated with a sport and recreation curriculum. Both Melbourne Heart and their cross-town rival, Melbourne Victory are part of the program as are the AFL, Netball, Cricket, Tennis, Surfing and other A-League clubs. Munn said that the students in the SEDA program also help as volunteers on match day in a number of departments including match operations, events and logistics to give them a taste of how a professional sporting organisation works.
To register for Melbourne Heart’s free pre-game clinics, just turn up at Gosh’s Paddock, adjacent to AAMI Park, about two hours before the game.
“The clinics will finish 45 minutes before kick-off giving parents and children time to buy tickets, buy something to eat and drink and find their seats,” said Munn.
This week’s clinic takes place on Sunday 28th October at 1.15pm, with the 7th placed Melbourne Heart up against 6th placed Central Coast Mariners match to start at 3.00pm. Tickets to the match are $25 for adults and $5 for children.
Both teams will be anxious for a win after a win-draw-loss apiece in the season so far.
Further information:
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