The Foxtel All-Stars Tim Cahill Academy was held in Adelaide on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December.

Lead by Socceroo Tim Cahill and Everton FC Academy coach Robbie Anderson, the two day event provides young players with the inspiration to be their best, have fun and follow their football ambitions.

To participate in the Academy, a competition was run for children between the ages of 6 and 11 where they were asked to tell Cahill about their football dreams. Each of the 50 winners was then able to bring along a friend for the weekend and participate in various training drills and games.

The majority of winners came from Football Federation SA associated clubs, with over half from West Torrens Birkalla and a number from Adelaide Blue Eagles.

Along with Cahill and Anderson, a team of hand-picked coaches lead participants over the two days. Making the cut following an afternoon of rigorous training prior to the start of the Academy was Adelaide City player Alex Sunasky, Mark Yull and Claus Christophersen who both coach juniors at West Torrens Birkalla, FFSA Multicultural Development Officer Angus Wheaton and FFSA Game Development Officer Scott Hockenhull.

Hockenhull who is heavily involved in primary school visits and coaching clinics said that the experience was fantastic for up and coming coaches as well as junior players.

“To be able to work alongside Tim and Robbie was an overwhelming experience for all coaches involved.

“Their passion and commitment to getting more children involved in our game was on display for every minute of the two day clinic – I had just as much fun as the kids!”

Cahill who currently plays in the Major League Soccer competition in the U.S.A. for the New York Red Bulls says that through playing overseas the past 16 years, he has seen coaching styles develop to be more technical based but the Academy focuses more on fundamental skills.

“It depends on the coach but for me personally, working with young children the main thing really is participation, fundamental skills, being on the ball and playing with a smile on your face.

“It has always been the same elements but it is the way you want to teach the kids, the way you want to come across as a coach and what will get the message across to the kids as soon as possible.”

Cahill, a strong supporter of grassroots football says that the more kids on their feet being healthy the better and this is a primary focus of the Academy.

“You have to keep the kids mentally motivated and understand that some kids are better than others and you have to realise that and slow the process of the training down. If the kid is a bit exceptional then you speed it up a bit.

“That is what we work on mainly. Making sure that everyone has that feel of togetherness and enjoyment.”

The Academy is all about putting back in to grassroots level football in Australia and is Cahill’s focus along side his career with the New York Red Bulls and the Socceroos. Appearing in the Hyundai A-League appears unlikely.

“We travel across Australia from state to state representing the Foxtel Tim Cahill Academy brand and putting on this road show that inspires kids to play football.

“I have another 2-3 years left on my deal with New York Red Bulls and things are going fantastic, we won our first trophy in 18 years just gone and I will hopefully have another World Cup under my belt soon.

“But the main thing in Australia is putting back in to the grassroots, starting from 6-8 and 9-11 year old kids and I think everyone can see rapidly the impact I am having, trying to revolutionise the game.

“I feel it is pinnacle for everyone across Australia to know that I am going to every corner of the country if I can and making sure the kids have this experience.”

To young aspiring Socceroos Cahill’s message is simple and he enjoys delivering the message through the Academy.

“Enjoy your football, practice and train hard. I think the main element of this is helping kids to follow their dreams and understand the way I made it. 

“It wasn’t an easy way but if I can do it then there are definitely opportunities and pathways for kids to do it as well.”