Football Federation Victoria has today announced an exciting new elite football pathway program that will replace its existing academy set up.

The ground breaking new program is scheduled to commence in October 2007.

“While the FFV Academy program has had its own successes, we are now moving forward with a concentrated truly elite development tool that takes on board a range of best practice development principals,” says Football Federation Victoria Head of Elite Development Eric Hollingsworth.

Critical to the development of the new program is the appointment of Ange Postecoglou to the role of Elite Consultant.

The NSL championship winning coach joins the federation after seven years in charge of Australia’s national youth programs.

“Ange brings with him a wealth of experience at the coal face of elite development. He has played and coached at the highest level and is renowned for his meticulous planning an preparation and he is an example of exactly what this program will be all about,” explains Hollingsworth.

Joining Postecoglou in the development and implementation of the program is Harry Bingham, FFV’s current Coaching Development Manager.

“Harry has a wealth of experience and has the advantage of already being inside the football machine. As such his knowledge and coaching ability is a key asset of the program.”

Still in the final phases of its planning, the state’s new elite pathway will be officially launched shortly.

“What we can divulge now is that this is a significant shift in philosophy from the FFV Academy,” says Hollingsworth. “It is fair to say that the number of participants will be more concentrated and the program will be aimed at the absolute elite across a range of age groups.

While all will be able to trial for the new set up, only the best of the best will be invited to partake in the program. The coaching will be second to none and in line with the soon to be announced Football Federation Australia technical philosophy.”