The FFV has announced that the Victorian Champions League will return for season five, with kick off scheduled for mid-October.

Once again, Victoria’s best young talent will take to pitches around the state over the summer to learn the National Coaching Curriculum, better their skills and come under the watchful eyes of state selectors, who will scout for the 2013 Victorian State Squads.

The season length has been shortened this year, finishing up prior to Christmas and allowing State squads to commence their training early in the new year.

FFV CEO Mark Rendell said that this season’s shortened competition was part of a process of implementing the National Competitions Review in Victoria as well as in response to feedback from last year’s participants.

“While the season is shorter, there will still be plenty of opportunities for players to be identified by our talented player scouts with six gala weekends planned rather than last year’s four,” he said.

“It is a testament to everyone involved in the VCL from the players, coaches, committee members, supporters and FFV staff that this pioneering competition is now entering its fifth year.”

The extremely successful ‘technical and respect points’ program will run once again, encouraging coaches, players and parents to work within the National Coaching Curriculum as well as display exemplary behavior on and around the pitch.

Players are eligible to represent their Zone team based upon the winter Club that they have been playing for throughout 2012.  Age groups will be as per the 2011/12 season which saw Leagues in the Under 13, 14, 15 and 17 Boys and Under 13, 15 and 17 Girls categories. Trials will be arranged in each Zone and players wishing to trial should keep an eye on the FFV and Zone websites for trial details. For those players with up-to-date email addresses in MyFootballClub, trial details will also be advertised via email, so make sure your details are correct and watch your inbox for this important information.

Coaches will be re-appointed or appointed in coming weeks, with any coach interested in applying for a position as either a Head Coach or a Team Coach encouraged to contact FFV Technical Director, Sean Douglas via email at talentedplayer@footballfedvic.com.au, submitting coaching resumes by Wednesday 1st August.

Zone Committees will once again be formed to steer the direction of the Zone and coordinate trial activities and game days, with all renewing and new committee members required to complete a Working Committee Application form and submit it to Lachlan Alexander via email lalexander@footballfedvic.com.au.

We are specifically looking for assistance in the North West, Central and Eastern Zones, but welcome assistance from all other areas also.