With most Victorian Champions League trials done and teams selected, it has come down to the wire for the last few spots at zones all across the state. Some zones, such as North-West Wanderers have gone to great lengths to ensure that the players with the most ability have been selected.

FFA Skills Acquisition Trainer Ivan Jolic attended the last session to form a panel of four independent assessors that included Head Coach Fabrizio Soncin in making their final squad selections.

As all squads will be playing in line with the FFA National Curriculum, Jolic’s opinion as a top FFA coach is invaluable.

“Technical ability is the governing factor in the talented player pathway, and I was there to ensure that selections were in line with the National Curriculum and identify traits that the state and national coaches will be looking for,” said Mr Jolic.

“Through programs such as the VCL, we have seen a transition from win at all costs football to more refined play, I’m confident we can produce players who will be better on an international stage.

Mr Jolic said that he was very impressed with the talent on display and that Victorian football was moving ahead at a rapid pace.

“Over the past four years I’ve seen a definite improvement in the technical ability of players across the entire Victorian Champions League,” said Mr Jolic said.

“The FFA encourages all Victorian juniors to try out for the VCL. Every Victorian state team consists of players from the VCL, so it’s the place to be for players who have hopes of playing at a higher level.”

FFV Technical Director Sean Douglas said that it was great to have Ivan Jolic present at the trial.

“It was great to see FFA Skill Acquisition Trainer Ivan Jolic as a part of this process to ensure we selected the right players based on ability as per the National Curriculum,” said Mr Douglas.

 “It was very pleasing to see the process that was put in place to ensure that the selection of players was based on ability and is in line with recommended FFV trial processes.

“These procedures are there to minimise any potential conflicts of interest by having a panel of coaches make the final selection.”