FOOTBALL
Program Overview
In 2018 Maribyrnong Sports Academy became the first and only “FFA High Performance Football School” in Victoria.
The purpose of High Performance Football Schools (HPFS),is to provide potentially talented players aged 14 to 18, who have been identified as potential national team players, with additional training to support them in reaching their football potential. The HPFS supplements the development undertaken at clubs and NTC programs.
The Football Program is a select entry program, delivering opportunities for talented footballers to balance both their sporting and academic pursuits in an "athlete friendly" environment. In addition to a Year’s 7-12 academic program students are involved in a Technical Football Program and a comprehensive High Performance Preparation Program.
High Performance Coaching
The Program has been designed to develop a training schedule to assist elite youth football players in their pathway towards State, National and International representation.
Student-athletes have access to strength and conditioning, injury prevention programs, sports science, nutrition, match analysis, sport psychology and physiotherapy.
Coaches
In order to achieve our main aims, the college enlists the services of a Football Technical Director and team of highly qualified and experienced coaches.
Adrian Mazzarella - Technical Director of Football (Head Coach)
FFA A Licence. UEFA Licenses: Senior B, Youth & Children’s A Licenses. Current Future Matilda’s Program – Head Coach for Victoria.
Former - Head Coach of Australian School Boys, Victorian State Team Head Coach, Victorian Schools State Team Head Coach, NPL Club Technical Director, Melbourne City FC Youth Coach, Crystal Palace Academy Coach & Chelsea FC Development Centre Coach.
Assistant Coaches
Adrian Zahra
Former Player for European club Valletta, played in Champions League qualifiers.
Former A-League Player with Melbourne City & Perth Glory
Current NPL Captain and Player for Heidelberg United
Over 200 NPL Senior Appearances
FA C licence, currently attaining B licence.
Current Assistant Coach for U/21 Heidelberg United NPL
Brody Crane
Former short-term playing contract Central Coast Mariners
Australian National Team Coach for Women’s u19s, Men’s 17s, 20s and 23s
Westfields Sports High coach for 17 years
Level 3 GK coach and B License
NYL/W-League Coach Sydney FC current NPL seniors Western Utd.
Camila Fresneda
Football Victoria, Coach Education Administrator.
Heidelberg United, Head Coach U15's
NPLJG and Assistant Coach U19's NPLW (current).
Football Victoria, TIDC Assistant Coach.
Daniel Girardi
FFA A Licence.
NPL Technical Director.
Former Adelaide Utd youth assistant coach.
Nicholas Viaggio
Collegiate playing career at NCAA Division 1 Siena
College (USA) setting school records for games played and started.
Playing career with Jersey Express and FC Motown in the third tier (USA)
Current JNPL Club Technical Director Coach
Current Technical Skills Coach at Football Victoria NTC FFA and USSF B License
Michael Matyevich
Current Melbourne Victory NPL and Youth Academy goalkeeper coach
Playing career with Western Suburbs and won the 2012 Hellenic Cup
Previous Senior Goalkeeper coaching experience at various NPL clubs including Pascoe Vale FC, Box Hill United, Essendon Royals and Whittlesea Ranges
FFA/AFC Level 1 Goalkeeping License, Exercise and Sports Science Degree