Representatives from eight international clubs, including four of the top 50 ranked academies in the world, will be in attendance at an information evening held by the Athletic Football Group, in partnership with TF14, in Melbourne.
Previously held in 2016, last year’s edition saw the representatives provide invaluable insight into the operations of their clubs and youth development in their own nations, along with intense and impassioned discussion on the state of Australia’s own youth development.
The clubs are part of the 2017 Talent Identification program which aims to increase Australian players’ exposure and opportunities overseas while building mutually beneficial networks with numerous clubs and academies, coaches and administrators.
To be held at Punthill in South Yarra on Monday December 18 from 6.30pm to 9.30pm, the evening will include representatives from:
GNK Dinamo Zagreb: The 2nd ranked Youth Academy in Europe, represented by Andjelko Ivanjko – Head of Youth.
SC Heerenveen: Top 20 Youth Academy in Europe and recently tasked with guiding Real Madrid C.F. prodigy Martin Ødegaard, represented by Niek Westra – Youth Coach.
Esbjerg fB: Historically one of the more successful clubs in Denmark, represented by John Lammers – Head Coach.
Chicago Fire: Current home to Bastian Schweinsteiger and this year’s Major League Soccer (MLS) finals represenatative.
Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio: Ranked the #1 Academy in Italy, Atalanta BC has the most Academy players playing in Serie A TIM & Lega B than any other club in the land, represented by Flavio Margotto – Technical Manager and Youth Team Affiliation Manager.
FC Twente: The Eredivisie club is in the Top 30 Academies in Europe and has a history of signing Australian players, most notably David Carney, Jason Čulina, Nikita Rukavytsya and Luke Wilkshire, represented by Kenneth Zandvliet – Head of Academy Scouting.
ПФК ЛЕВСКИ / PFC Levski: One of the biggest clubs in Bulgaria, the perennial UEFA Champions League & UEFA Europa League club in ranked in the top 20 Youth Academies in Europe, represented by Marin Slavchev – Technical Scout.
Ferencvárosi Torna Club: The biggest club in Hungary, current led by Legendary German player & coach Thomas Doll, represented by Peter Elekes – Scout.
For more information about the evening contact Boris Ivanov on 0413 470 575 or via email on Boris@tf14.net, or visit www.athleticfootballgroup.com. Admission is free for participants.