Young Academy hopefuls were evaluated via a series of skills, speed and agility exercises before being treated to an exclusive interview recorded for the Sydney Milan Academy. Milan and Brazil star Kakà offered words of encouragement to those in attendance. “[I send you] Compliments to have already started. It’s important to start early. I think it’s a good thing for us, for Milan, for the young players and I wish the best for the young players in Sydney,” he said.

Kakà also spoke about his own dreams as a young player. “It’s a dream because when I was in Brazil I always dreamed of playing for a big team in the world and now I have this opportunity to play for Milan and the possibility to win the Champions League and the Championship.”

Football Development Australia Director Cormac Begley commented on the Academy trials format: “This skills-based format of selection suits every player because everyone has the opportunity to show off the strong side of their game whether that be speed, control or ability in a one-on-one situation. More importantly the young players can relax and enjoy the session, which is much harder to do in a match situation."

The Milan Academy is run by Football Development Australia offers junior players the opportunity to develop in one of the most advanced programs in the world and to train under an official AC Milan Academy Youth Development Coach.

The selection process for the Milan Academy in Sydney continues on Sunday April 29 and players can still register at www.footballdevelopment.com.au.