Five Victorians named National All-Stars

Two U15 and three U14 Victorian players have been selected in National All-Star teams at the recent National Youth Championships.

Five Victorians have been named in the All-Star teams at the recent FFA National Youth Championships in Coffs Harbour for Under 14 and Under 15 Girls.

Both teams played well with the U14s finishing equal second in their group while the U15s finished fourth in their pool.

Madeline Stockdale and Beattie Goad were named in the U15 All-Star team and Jaimee Williams, Edith Fordyce-Croker and Eleni Fakos made the U14 All-Star team.

Football Federation Victoria Technical Director Sean Douglas said that he was happy with the performances of both teams.

“Each team performed very well and had some incredible passages of possession football.”

“It is a fantastic achievement for the five girls who made the All-Star team and I congratulate them. And to be honest, I thought we had a number of other players who also merited selection,” said Douglas.

2011 was the most successful year for Victoria at National Championships and with 2012 shaping up to be just as good, Douglas believes that this is due to a change of focus in Victorian football and how young players are developed.

“I think our players are being recognized for their skills and knowledge given the stage of learning they are in,” he said. 

“Previously, I think we were too focused on results at the expense of learning at these ages.”

Douglas went on to say that while present results are impressive, the true test will be the long term development of players.

“We are trying to equip these girls with the skills and knowledge to play at the highest level. So at these ages, there is a huge emphasis on playing out and building up,” he said.

“In a few years, when they can do this well, we focus on when to play out and when not to, as the focus turns to how to win games.” 

For all of the scores and updates from the tournament be sure to ‘Like’ the FFV Talented Player Page of Facebook.

Also have a look at ‘Stocky’s Scribbles’ for a parent’s take on the two Under 15 All-Stars including a background on Stockdale and Goad.