El Classico Athena vs 3.1

Athena vs Perth 3.1 at Dorrien Gardens.

The match day program greeted the fans of both sides to a confronting numerical table. The fact that both clubs were foundation federation clubs since 1960 is established as part of our shared history. Besides the differences inn the honours count another distinguishing feature is the fact that Perth have never been relegated! And when dividing their final league ladder placings by the number of seasons they end with a staggering overall figure of 3.1- a remarkable achievement - 60 years of continual top flight sky blue WA football - Perth were formed in 1948 vs Athena in est. 1951 - 60 years of blue and white passionate football.


It is always a classic contest Perth vs Athena and last Sunday true to form and history it was no exception on Sunday 20 July 2011. Post match arm chair pundits throughout the WA football family were quick to point out that it was not the “Real Perth” with three high profile players not featuring in the match (Naglieri – vacation, Oliveria – club suspension and Puca – sudden retirement). But whilst this may have been a hypothetical reason that can never really be proven what cannot be disputed was Athena’s dominance of the game and the emphatic scoreline 3-0. 

Perth Soccer Club stalwarts Aldo Trinca and Gary Marochi - were in unison as they muttered "I have never seen a Perth side play like that". While the clubs engine driver and organiser extraordinaire Margaret Trinca stated - "congratulations guys on your big win or was it more a case of how bad we played". Since I was kid I have loved every moment of visiting the Gardens to play Perth - because the clubs machine is powerful and well oiled - and they constantly remind you of how the game should be played and how a club should behave and be organised. This feeling comes not from a position of envy but one more of respect and admiration.

The match was a pleasure to witness. The game plan was executed with the precision of Swiss watch. And the arrival of the goals matched the timeliness of a Japanese bullet train. The personal match-ups were superb for the Athena boys as the fans once again left the ground pondering just how far can this side go in 2011 with only 5 league proper matches remaining. 

Congratulations to AK, Taki and the entire squad for their performance that did the club and its fans proud.

This match was built up all week as being a crucial encounter to return to winners circle after a narrow loss to Balcatta an and hard fought draws vs Sorrento and the Western Knights.

The strict adherence to a certain style and form play and game plan was evdident throughout the 90 minutes. The overall consistency and tactical play showed signs of  experience and maturity. The plans set in place to tackle the might of Perth were obviously meticulous and well thought out.


On Tuesday night AK spoke to the Lets Talk Football crew on live talk back radio. Some notable quotes were extracted and are presented below:

Finals football is a realistic goal for the club now being only three points off 3^rd. 

I am definitely pleased with where we are a currently at. I am confident in the calibre of players we have.

I don’t fear other clubs -  I only fear that we don’t play to our potential. 

I am happy with the result of course – any coach beating Perth at Dorrien Gardens would be happy - but I am also very satisfied with the way we played.

How often do you see teams dominating near the fist half hour mark - miss a penalty and fail to go on to win the game - that is what I was concerned about.

But full credit to the boys for sticking to the game plan and they go the reward they deserved.

We are a little blessed at the moment - touch wood with a full strength squad being available for selection each week.

But right from the outset of the season I have stressed - its all about one game at a time and now we have 5 to go to secure a top five berth.

I still think that Perth will still grab second spot – but if we play like we did on Sunday - our destiny will ultimately be in our hands.

At a post match media interview with Peter Simcox comments made by assistant coach Taki Nicolaides also reflected overall satisfaction with the day at the office:

Very rapt with the result and a performance - well done.

I thought we won the important battles in the individual battles in every position.

And on AK - you can't fault his experience and what he gives to our defence and our whole team is fantastic.

"It was a hard day for Liam Boland, missed a penalty hit the bar twice - but he was outstanding today"

Really happy with Liam Boland he fought hard, chased down balls, won headers, did everything right but score goals. and importantly he is at least he is getting i the righ positions to be scoring its just now that he has to work on his finishing.

A great day for Paul (van Dongen) popping up for two great goals - a nice volley for the second one and even Danny Trev  coming in for the third off the save from the keeper.

Floreat assistant Coach Taki Nicolaidis was delighted with his side's performance. "It was a good performance from the side, and we had no passengers today and really deserved the win," said Nicolaidis.  

"We're in the mix know for the top five, but we have a tough game against Mandurah City next week, who had a good win yesterday, so we need to keep focused for the rest of the season."

Scoring Summary: Perth SC 0 Floreat Athena 3 (Paul VAN DONGEN 30', 68' Daniel TREVISIOL 90')

Perth SC: GK Devon SPENCE, 2 Trent KAY, 3 Adam BACHILLER, 4 Craig SIMPSON, 6 Shaun KILKELLY, 7 Matt DANSKIN, 9 David ONOFORO, 14 Josh PEREIRA, 17 Vlad NAUMOVSKI (16 Matthew IZZO 80'), 18 Dom DE FELICE, 23 Greg SHARLAND


Substitutes not used: RGK Luke MARTINO, 13 Matt BEYER, 20 Thomas BLACK, 21 Josh WILKINS


Floreat Athena: GK Alex DUNN, 4 Julian MADASCHI, 5 Jarrad SMITH, 8 Michael VAN DONGEN (6 Miki VUJACIC 79'), 9 Paul VAN DONGEN (11 Damien CATALANO 80'), 10 Liam BOLAND, 12 James ISAIA (17 Daniel TREVISIOL 87'), 13 Kyle MORAN, 14 Mark PRITCHARD, 16 Ante KOVACEVIC, 18 Callum O'CONNELL


Substitutes not used: RGK Simon MADASCHI, 15 Callum FRANSZ,

Highlights from the big one Athena vs Perth at the Gardens 24 July 2011 3-0 Athena

Floreat Athena striker Liam Boland and Perth SC defender Shaun Kilkelly in action at the BGC Stadium - Photo by Peter Simcox

A Word from AK - 22 July 2011

        Ante Kovacevic - Athena First team Coach - No Mug

Traditional WA football giants Perth SC and Floreat Athena will go head-to-head for a vital three points on Sunday afternoon at BGC Stadium. Athena will get a 9-day break coming into this fixture after they thrashed the National Training Centre (NTC) 7-1 last Friday night in the non-points contest. Their opponents in Perth are also coming into the match with some form, after defeating ECU Joondalup 2-1 last weekend

David Onoforo is Perth’s top goal scorer this season with seven strikes to his name, including the opener last weekend against ECU and his form will be crucial to the outcome on Sunday. Liam Boland bagged Floreat’s seventh last Friday night and he remains Athena’s main marksman with nine goals since joining the club.

Also coming into the match with some form are the Van Dongen brothers - Paul and Michael - after they combined for three goals against the NTC. The last time these two teams met saw Perth come out 4-1 winners, but Athena has since turned their form around to become another finals contender.

Athenista - the Floreat Athena blogger – has been flat out like Baghdad Brickie in the lead up to this huge fixture with tips from a past president and interviews with 3 Athena stars this week already.

So with a focus on always aiming to keep the blue and white faithful updated on first team ongoings we catch up with Ante Kovacevic for his low down on the big one.

Hello Ante and thanks for making the time to be grilled by Athenista blogger on behalf of Athena fans world wide.

Cheers mate – as always I love the grilling and questioning!

Ante, it is a big weekend for us, it could almost be season defining as we now sit within striking distance of a finals spot. Thinking back to last weekend - we gave the NTC a lesson in adult football in a sense.

Did any of them impress you?

Without singling any of the players out, I’d say I was impressed with the confidence in trying to play the ball. Their movement off the ball impressed, and made it difficult for our boys to win it back. We needed to lift our intensity, to be able to compete with them. We probably did this after the first 15 minutes where we took control of the game. But credit to the NTC they always tried to play the way they have been instructed. Obviously, it may have seemed they overplayed at times, but its more about development for those boys at this stage.

Some of their tackling in the dying moments got you quite animated.

Some of their tackles got a little reckless, but I was more disappointed about some of the off the ball incidents in what is technically a friendly match. The NTC boys will only be playing another friendly match next week so they have nothing to lose, where we have 6 important games coming up to try and make the Top 5 Finals. Thankfully none of our boys got too involved to warrant any action from the referee that may have seen one of our boys miss next weeks game due to a stupid suspension incurred from a friendly game.

How have the players pulled up?

Most of the players have pulled up fine. We should be going into next weekends fixture with a full squad to choose from.

Your feelings leading up to the Perth clash?

It is a massive game after a long break for us where 3 points are vital. After the 3 week lay off from league football, 3 points will go a long way to set us up for our run for the finals. Perth are obviously a quality side, with players that have won the last 2 championships, so it we will need to be at our best. They’ll also still be chasing top spot and the 3 points is equally as important for them.

The team has generally selected itself due to our depth limits and has performed very admirably we must add! But are we to expect any surprises come Sunday?

I don’t think so. Thankfully injuries and suspensions haven’t hurt us so far this season and hopefully it remains that way, but I’d suggest the match day squad will pick itself and the starting 11 will almost be certain barring 1 or 2 positions. 

I estimate that this is now probably your fifth Athena vs Perth league derby at Dorrien Gardens and I know to the consummate professional it is ‘just another game’ but what’s it like a player and player coach?

Yes, probably my fifth Athena-Perth derby at Dorrien Gardens but considering we play twice a year and we have met in night-series competitions – I have been involved in several more.

It is always a passionate affair amongst the 2 of the traditionally strongest clubs in the league. It is definitely the one game I look forward to, home and away, because of a number of reasons; the 2 venues which are a joy to play state league football, the rivalry and the football that both teams try to play. The contests are always competitive which is usually enjoyed by both sets of supporters and the neutrals that come along.

Dangerous players that we are going to have to be on the look out for?

Perth are dangerous all over the park and have proven performers at this level. Their attacking options will be their main strength that we need to be weary of. Players like Onoforo, Sharland and Olivera are proven goal scorers at this level and they will need to be stopped if we are to get maximum points this weekend.

If we get a serious run of victories where we repeat our first half performance we will be into finals contention. What are your plans ahead for these goals?

Obviously the goal is to make the Top 5 finals playoffs for the championship. Once again, we are just focused on taking each game as they come. I hate using the cliché but it literally is taking it one week at a time and concentrating on what we need to do to win each game. Each opponent will be different and each approach will be different according to what we need to do to win. We don’t want to look to far ahead, but yes, we know we have to win the majority of our games remaining.

Are you going to South Africa with the Glory pre-season tour?

Unfortunately I wont be travelling to South Africa for the tour which would have been a great experience. I obviously have my focus on my day job with Glory and the job at hand at getting Floreat Athena into the finals this season. Pre-season tours are fantastic for the squad to get away from their home base and solely concentrate on football during the 2 weeks. Pre-season can get monotonous, especially the abnormally long HAL pre-season this year which will be about 5 months. So a change of environment, and 3 competitive games against South African competition will hopefully go a long way to gel the team in preparation for the upcoming A-League season.

Thanks Ante for filling us in with everything regarding our build up to the Perth fixture - good luck and we're all looking forward to singing our hearts out for the boys!

Athena vs Perth – More Than Just a Game!

Undoubtedly this a big game for the club historically. Unfortunately the win loss ratio for Athena in crucial games like finals makes somewhat sad reading that does not need converting to numerals and decimal points!

The clubs achievement to date after the drastic rebuild project and the uncharacteristic very slow start has been remarkable. But as AK keeps reminding us all - keep a grip on reality and in football it is always a case of one game at a time.

No doubt we will be match of the week - enabling us to build a up nice archive of these fixtures.

In the lead up to one of the perennial big games on the WAPL calendar Athena vs Perth at the Gardens Athenista - just like every other die hard blue blood was I dying to find out what the fixture means to three of our stars. 

Firstly, from the back we get some insights from the man in the cage  - Alex Dunn and the crack to the head he copped from Onoforo when we last me in April.

This is followed somewhat more forward by captain courageous -Julian Madaschi.

And finally to the middle of the park into the creative engine room of the side that is located in the mind and boots of Milorad (Miki)Vujačić.

Flying Alex Dunn

Hello Alex and thanks for being part of the Athenista blog.

No worries pal.

Please tell me what this game means to you as a player and what you recall about the knock in the head from the last time we played.

Games against Perth are always high intensity and passionate games, as Perth have been the most consistent team for many years. Along with having quite a few mates in the Perth squad it adds a little bit extra for when we play them. I think no matter what retrospective of either clubs positions on the table, the games are always action packed with goal scoring chances and good football. This one is even bigger for us than last time we met earlier in the season as we are pushing for a finals berth instead of relegation. A lot of boys are hungry to get back to some competitive football after having 3 weeks off.

As you can see from the video of the match - the knock to the head last time when we played Perth, was a through ball and I came out aggressively to and dived head first to smother the ball as Onoforo was closing in.

 As I claimed the ball, I think Dave had already committed and studded me just below my eyebrow and split me open. I don’t think there was any malice involved, Dave is a tenacious striker who never gives up and has made a career by scoring goals through his persistence, its just one of those things that happens I don’t hold any grudges

Cheers Alexander and here's hoping for another outstanding performance and hopefully a clean sheet and 3 points!

Athenista also caught up with our captain courageous Julian Madaschi to continue this theme of the personal meaningfulness of this fixture:

Jules, you have played in a few of these City of Vincent derbies now - is there one that is particularly memorable for you?

One that stands out to me was the away fixture in our undefeated season of 2007. Having played and beaten Perth 1-0 at home, we travelled to Dorien Gardens in round 15. I’m pretty sure we were 1-0 down quite early but we regrouped and put four past them in a clinical display to smash them 4-1! That was just one of many amazing moments in that unbelievable, history making season.

As an Athena player and as captain - what does the Athena vs Perth match mean to you?

It is one of the biggest rivalries going around in the Western Australian Premier League and it never fails to deliver. Being a 10 year veteran at Athena and also having an Italian background and being a junior at Perth, this is more than just another game, it’s war! It’s a massive game of significance, not only for the years of rivalry, but for the context of our season. With six games remaining, we need to get back to winning ways by knocking off Perth which hopefully sparks a winning streak to help us push for a spot in the top five.  

We obviously have a mad desire for revenge for our first loss at home to Perth in 8 years in Round 6.

Jules - how pumped are the boys for this one?

The boys are buzzing!! Jumping out of their skin!! The loss at home this year was devastating, especially because we were probably the better side and some decisions didn’t go our way but that is football. The 4-1 score line didn’t really reflect our efforts and it blew out as we got caught pushing forward to try and get back in the game. But now it’s time for payback!! We have two more sessions this week (Thursday night and Saturday morning) and I will continue to rev the boys up and get them focussed for this blockbuster vs Perth S.C. 

Now to finish off this unique trifecta of interviews with the Athena stars we catch up with a club favourite both on and off the Park midfielder Miki V!

Miki V (centre)

Hi Miki and thanks for making the time to contribute to the blog

Always a pleasure to talk about our football club Athenista!

What does the game mean to you?

Personally I always enjoy playing against Perth, they are always near the top of the ladder which ensures that you’re playing against some of the best players in the State.

These are the sorts of games you look forward to playing in throughout the year, so Sunday will be no exception and given our respective positions in the league both sides will not want to give up any ground to the teams surrounding us.

So I expect a highly intense battle and hopefully some good football on show!

How big is the Perth Floreat match amongst the players?

It’s become a big fixture of late, since I’ve been at Floreat both teams have been near the top of the ladder so in a football sense it has been an important game for both clubs.

There seems to be a strong, respectful rivalry forging again between the clubs which is great for the league and both sets of supporters.

With the 3 week break just gone we have been looking forward to this match for a while now, so the focus within the playing group is getting ourselves ready for this fixture and the run into the finals.

What's it like playing at the Gardens?

It’s a great place to come, I had about 4 great years at Perth and really enjoyed it there so it brings back some good memories.

Plus it’s one of the best playing surfaces in the league so it makes it enjoyable to play on too!

What years were you at the Perth SC and what coaches were you under?

1998 – 2001

-       Perth SC Under 18’s – Frank Faraone - I was fortunate enough to captain the team in a very successful period and won the league twice and made the cup final.

-       Perth SC Reserves – John Coyne – Probably the best reserves side I have ever been involved in!

-       Perth SC First Team – Graham Normanton – trained with the first team for a couple of years before I got the opportunity to join Future Glory. Still goes down as the hardest pre-season I have ever done in my life! Cheers Normo!

Thanks you blokes for sharing your views with your adoring fans. We wish you luck and we collectively dream of the result that we desire and deserve – 3 valuable away points at Perth.

Just imagine how tasty the pasta will be! 

Well that’s it Athena fans throughout the world –  some very special and exclusive insights into this massive fixture from three of our stars.

Al that remains for me to say is see you Sunday 3.00 PM at the Gardens and that well – I’m excited!

Athena vs Perth - Head to Head

The healthy rivalry between the two clubs located smack in the heartland of the City of Vincent is certainly one that attracts much interest not only from the traditional respective fan bases but also from the neutral!

This Sunday’s fixture takes on some further special meaning. Perth are out to do the 2011 double over Athena after their 4-1 victory at Litis Stadium in April and consolidate a top 2 spot. While Athena needs to string a run wins after the break to be in a position to claim a finals spot come September.

Athenista caught up with past President Constantine Poulios for his interpretation on the head to head and form statistics pouring out of global betting sites these days like www.futbol24.com.

His thoughts follow below.

This weekend’s clash between Perth SC and Floreat Athena promises to be an exciting clash as always when the teams meet at 3pm on Sunday afternoon @ Dorrien Gardens. Athena is one of the few teams to boast a good record of away wnis in the league over the years and Perth has to go back to June 2008 to find the last time they won a home league match against Athena !

The probability of a draw is also quite low with Perth not having played in a draw when at home in 2011, while Athena have drawn twice away from home in 2011 with draws against Sorrento and the Western Knights earlier in the season.

There is also the high probability that we will see quite a few goals with the last 7 league meetings seeing 31 goals at an amazing average of 4.43 goals per match.

Despite losing 4-1 in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, I’m tipping an Athena win to continue the Goddess’ good form at Dorrien Gardens.

Loving a flutter on his football

Anji and Constantine Poulios - Immediate Past President FAFC - taking a break from football club administration while concentrating on business ventures in the fitness industry and being a newly we bloke.

On the NTC High Road with Kenny

                                                 Kenny Low in a thoughful coaching pose

Whether one loves, loathes or is indifferent to the concept of the Football Federation of Australia’s (FFA) National Training Curriculum - it is certainly here to stay for at least the foreseeable future.

The principles of the NTC are grounded in talent detection, identification and development. Young WA footballers enter the program if they have shown that they possess the raw ‘right stuff’ to become a pro-footballer according to a scout or coach. It is then hoped that under the right and at times intense supervision and training the skills and abilities of the player will be of the standard required to be Matilda or Socceroo.

The NTC model is designed to develop football expertise in young players. It is influenced by the Theory of Deliberate Practice  - the notion that it is not simply training of any type, but rather a minimum of 10 years engagement in deliberate practice that is the necessary condition for the attainment of expertise. Deliberate practice refers to practice activities done with the specific instrumental goal of improving performance, and which:

•      Are performed in a daily, work-like manner

•      Require effort and attention

•      Do not lead to immediate social or financial rewards

•     Are frequently not enjoyable to perform  (i.e. the “hard yards”)

In 2011 The NTC squads at three age levels has entered the three tiered WA Premier League.  Matches involving the NTC do not accrue points and the NTC sides are not subject to relegation. Currently Football West and the State League Standing Committee are undertaking a review of the NTC looking into 2012 and beyond for ways in which their involvement in the WAPL could be improved.

For any Floreat Athena fans who think that the upcoming fixture vs the NTC is meaningless – Athenista challenges you think again. When the two sides met in the first round the victory for the blue and whites was their first for the season. It essentially kick started our season and reinforced the importance of always striving to win in football.

Athenista recently caught up with the NTC supremo Kenny Lowe to get the low down and insights into the man entrusted with the development of young footballers in Western Australia.

Hello Kenny and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts on the NTC with the Athenista blogger on the week of your encounter with Floreat Athena FC.

Thanks my pleasure.

For the uninformed - how would you describe - what the general principles of the NTC are all about?

Further, you have been noted for commenting that clubs are typically outcomes or results focused whilst the ethos of development programs such the NTC are process or style based. can you explain this concept further? 

The Program takes a holistic approach to the development of the players within the NTC environment. We get the players to understand the required attributes that make a top class player ie,

·         Physically capable

·         Technically proficient

·         Tactically aware

·         Mentally tough

·         Emotionally balanced

·         Live a lifestyle to help support all of the above

We then identify (in consultation with the player) where his strengths and weakness are in relation to each of the 6 attributes and try to enhance his capability in all areas.

For example if the centre half needs to be better on the ball technically, it’s pointless asking the keeper to kick the ball up field......we want the centre half to get on the ball and play. He will make mistakes but that is because we have put him in an environment to develop him (initially it may be uncomfortable as he may struggle). To ensure we do not affect his confidence we remove any pressure whereby we tell players to let the coaches worry about the mistakes, we say they are a bonus, mistakes are part of the dance. They actually give us and the players food for thought in how we can help them to the next level. The main focus is not to keep repeating the same mistake or to drastically reduce the number of times you make the mistake. 

Game day is for the players to enjoy. Mistakes are for the coaches to use for the next training session. Winning is not be all end all.

We find the process allows the players eventually to cope with the ball in tight areas, under pressure, at speed with enhanced decision making capabilities so ultimately all players improve, team improves and then begin winning games.

With 6 league matches to go - how do you feel the introduction of NTC into the 2011 WAPL has gone?

We are very happy with the initial introduction. All the clubs have been fantastic in supporting us on game day. It has been really exciting. From our perspective Coaches have loved it, Players have loved it, Parents have embraced it. They named a 26 man Joey’s National squad this week and we had 7 players in it. Massive pat on the back for all people in the WA football family and great support  for us.

Moving forward we need to address issues like playing for points and the bye to ensure clubs are not affected adversely in the way they run their own entities.

We hear that the NTC/WAPL engagement model is unique in Australia. Is this true and how is the NTC dealt with elsewhere in Australia?

All States have their own model but I believe ours is more complex and unique. I believe WA are leaders in the country at youth level we are trying something new and brave. Everyone in the WA football environment should be proud of themselves in allowing this to go forward and for being a stakeholder. We are close to winning NTC Challenges. We are winning National Championships.......but still playing from a process based philosophy, it’s just that the processes are working so well in allowing us to actually win games.

WA players made up nearly 30% of ‘new’ U17 National Squad named last week. WA made up half the under 17 Team against Brazil in U17 World Cup.

We should be looking at ‘Worlds’ best practices, including other codes. I do not think we should be insular and look to see what other states are doing....they should look at us !!!

As you so well know there are so many knockers out there for all aspects of the game down under and the NTC is not immune to its critics (and supporters I might add!). Clearly you are very passionate about WA youth football development - deep down what drives you so enthusiastically about the NTC?

Looking back at my own experiences as a young player (I was small, weak but technically competent). I had a love like all kids in UK to be a footballer. I saw and felt all the obstacles and barriers that could have held me back. I want to remove the things I had to fight through to make a less difficult pathway for players to progress. I want to be a part of something that is good for the players to allow them every opportunity to try and achieve their dreams. To create an environment where they try to maximise whatever potential they have to be the best they possible could be wether that potential is to be a world star or a state league star............but make sure we all have a giggle and a bit of fun along the way.

There was a collective sense of pride for all WA lovers of the world game when we saw 5 local players take the stage at the Under 17 Cup in Mexico during June - it must have been very rewarding for you personally - can you tell us how this achievement for the boys felt for you?

I was chuffed for everyone associated with the kids, the parents, the clubs and coaches who have had input over the years. Wonderful gesture by Riley Woodcock he came back to a NTC training session last week and give me his shirt he wore against Brazil. I filled up. This really touched me. Five or six of the NTC boys have done that now after playing for Australia. It has the same effect each time on. Just shows lads are not only good players but nice kids, credit to themselves and their families.

What in your mind is the ideal preferred format for the conduct of NTC matches? i.e., points no points, timing of fixtures etc.

Ideally, 3 teams. Play Saturday of nominated KO time for the round. No points for NTC 1^st Team. Points for opposing 1^st Team team. Points for NTC U18 NTC U23 and opposition U18 U23 teams, No bye week.

Which opposing WAPL teams have impressed you the most? and in your mind which clubs at this stage have the most impressive ' youth player production lines'

Balcatta and Inglewood are the best teams we have played. Ash Rosendale is the best player in the League for me. I believe ECU and Stirling have the bulk of better players coming into NTC program. We also get guys from left field like Blamo Qua Qua who played at Western Knights U18 last season and will play for Glory against Celtic this weekend. That’s the beauty of the game there are fairy tale stories everywhere if players are afforded opportunity.

It is always risky to predict the future and sometimes unfair levels of expectation may be placed upon young footballers - but polishing off your crystal ball just for a moment - which few players are you feeling have big potential for success at the higher stages of our game?

I do not like to name players. There are so many temptations they have yet to experience because of their young age. There are a number of boys in the program who really excite similar to Julius Davies at Bayern Munich and Tom King at Liverpool. I just hope they get the chance......but I also hope they give themselves a chance by sticking religiously to the improvement of their football attributes noted in the 6 pillars of our holistic approach.

Thanks Kenny for taking the time to chat with the Athenista blogger – we look forward to hosting the NTC next Friday night at Litis Stadium for the reserves and first teams. Who knows it could be a close encounter as it was in the first round.

Kenny Lowe

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kenny Lowe (born 6 November 1961) is an English former professional footballer who played for ten clubs in English league and non-league football as well as a stint in Australia. He also later managed Gateshead and Barrow before he returned to Australia to work in football in Perth.

Playing Career

Lowe played for ten clubs during his career, which started on a part-time basis in 1981 with Hartlepool United, while he served an apprenticeship as a pipe-fitter and welder with ICI. He moved to Australia during the 1980s to play for Spearwood in the the Western Australian Premier League before returning to England. He was twice signed by manager Barry Fry, first for £40,000 for Barnet in 1991 and secondly at Birmingham City for £75,000, when at the age of 31 he turned professional. He finally ended his career at the age of 39. He also won two caps with the England semi-professional team.

FFA's John Boultbee on Socceroos and NTC 

FWTV catches up with FFA Head of National Teams and Football Development John Boultbee when he recently visited Perth in March 2011.