The 2008/20009 season promises to be bigger and better than last season with teams to be fielded in additional age groups, and new zones to compete against. We are pleased to announce that Central Zone will return to Kingston Heath Soccer Complex for training and home games. 

COACHING APPOINTMENTS

Wael Gharzeddine returns as Technical Director having, since the end of last season, completed an intensive residential coaching course in Brazil,  serving as State Coach for the Victorian U13 Country Team and being appointed as State Coach for the Victorian U15 Futsal Team. Wael successfully completed Part A of the FFA Asian Level A License (2007), and coaching courses in Germany (2001), the Czech Republic (2000) as well as two residential coaching courses in Brazil (2007 & 2008). Wael  has also successfully completed two Futsal Coaching Courses conducted by Confederaceo Brasileira De Futebol (2006 & 2007), and holds level 3 & level 4 qualifications in fitness.  Wael has just taken part in a 7 day residential Youth Coaching Course at the Australian Institute of Sport  that is being conducted by KNVP (Royal Netherlands Football association).  Wael will coach the U14 team at Central.                                                                         

AFS is pleased to announce the appointment of Laurie Ferns as Central Zone's Youth Team Coach.  Laurie is a former State League player with 9 years experience coaching elite junior players. Laurie has previously worked for the Football Federation Victoria with Academy and State Representation projects. and is a current elected member of the FFV Coaches Standing Committee. Laurie has attained the FFA Asian Level C Licence, and has previoulsy coached tours to the Gold Coast (2004 & the Champions of the U12 International Youth Cup in 2005), South Australia (2006) and the Australian Capital Territory (2006 & 2007).

Central  Zone will field two strong teams in the U15 age group.

Manni Katakis will coach the U15 Yellow Team. Manni has recently completed the FFA Asian Level C Licence. His background includes: former FFV Academy Coach, Victorian futsal team coach for national championships, Womens and Mens National Club Competitions. Manni has coached for 17 years and is currently at Monash JSC with the U14 Superleague Side.
Manni says "I am looking forward working on technical youth development over the summer, Football Skools provides a relaxed atmosphere where coaching technique and football is the main emphasis"

Vata Garcia will coach the U15 Green Team.  Vata's playing experience in Europe is exceptional, and includes playing in the 1990 European Champions League Final for Portuguese champions Benfica  Vata played for the club from 1998 until 1992 and was the league leading goalscorer in the Portuguese first division in 1989, having kicked 16 goals.                                                   Vata represented his country (Angola) 35 times and played professionally in Malta and Indonesia after leaving Benfica. Vata is currently a Player/Coach with Brighton Soccer Club, but has a substantial amount of experience in coaching juniors at academy level and in soccer camp programs.

Kon Kyranakis will coach our U11and U12 Teams (7 a side games).  Kon's qualifications include having obtained his Junior Coaching license and Coever License. Kon comes to us highly recommended for coaching younger players.

Thakshan Balendran returns as Physiotherapist, Rad Savic returns as Assistant Coach (U14) and Julie Green returns as Zone Manager.  New assistant coaches include Nick Gatzonis (U15 Yellow), John Cavalrayac (U15 Green) and Arped Cseh (U11 & U12). 

Your contact for Central Zone is Julie  on (0425)  727815