SFA HEAD OF COACHING EDUCATION - DONALD PARK

Donald Park has praised the initiative of the MFS Tour and supports the philosophies of Melbourne Football STARS.

(He said) “The MFS Tour provides clubs in both Scotland & England with an opportunity to view Australian talent at it’s best. I have been very impressed with the attitude of the lads who have represented Melbourne Football STARS and they have shown that Australia has alot of talented players at youth level.

We have experienced teams from Australia who have not been at a level good enough to mix it with academies over here and this has not reflected what Australia really has to offer.

MFS Results on the 2008 and 2009 Tours demonstrate that Australia are producing competitive youth footballers.

“It has been a twice in a lifetime experience, firstly for my son Michael Emsley then for both Michael and I. The second time gave me the opportunity to Experience the Dream first hand and what a dream it was! We lived, breathed, ate and slept football and still had time to absorb the majestic sites, sounds and lifestyle of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Manchester (something I will never forget). I watched intently and supported vehemently the MFS boys who under the excellent guidance of coach George Campbell, went into battle with Rangers, Scottish Youth, Dundee United, Hibs, Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers.

It was a roller coaster of emotions and of immense pride to see how well our boys did.

The friendships formed on the trip amongst the boys and parents will last a long time.

To top it off I was able to see my son, Michael, grow and mature as a player, to experience football at a pace and skill level not easily found in Australia. He has definitely improved as a result of the MFS Tours and I am confident, if he wants to, that he can take his football to the highest level”. Mark Emsley, 2009 Touring Parent and father of Michael Emsley, 2008 and 2009 Tour Participant.

“The Tour was not just about a great soccer experience for Chris, it was a life experience that he will treasure forever. If I was not there to see it for myself I would not have appreciated how organized and professional the Tour was and will not hesitate to send Chris again in 2010”. Richard DiBartolo, 2009 Touring Parent and father of Chris DiBartolo, 2009 Tour Participant.

“Thanks for looking after our young soccer player and for helping him to improve physically and mentally, not just as a footballer but also as a person and student. All the best, hope your dreams become a reality”. George Covarrubias, Parent and father of Rodrigo Covarrubias, 2008 and 2009 Tour Participant.

“My experience of the MFS 2009 Tour was truly an experience to remember. The Tour helped me to mature as a person and as a footballer as I wasn’t able to rely on my parents and in turn had to look after myself. I will never forget beating Manchester City 2-0 and scoring the winning goal against Scotland Youth”. Christian Hesse, 2009 Tour Participant.

“The 2009 Tour was an extremely unbelievable experience that I will remember forever. This wonderful tour gave me the opportunity to benchmark my abilities against some of the UK’s top youngsters. It also allowed me to experience and learn things that I will cherish forever off the world’s top coaches. Therefore allowing me to expand and develop my game further and achieve my life long dream. This awesome experience helped me to become independent. The tour will stay with me throughout my life and not many young players can say they played and trained and visited the likes of Rangers, Manchester City, Blackburn, Manchester United, Dundee United and Hibernian. Thanks immensely for this opportunity George”. Daniel Piovesan, 2009 Tour Participant.

“My experience from the Tour was truly life changing. The trip benefited me in not only my football but also my characteristics as an individual. The amount of things you learn, once again not only involving football really amazes you. Overall the trip was a great experience and I will definitely remember it for the rest of my life.”. Michael DeMarco, 2009 Tour Participant.

“The Melbourne Football STARS 2009 Tour was an amazing experience that will remain with me for the rest of my life. Leading up to the tour and during it I learnt what it takes to make it as a professional footballer and match it with the best in the UK. On the tour I made many new friends and had some fantastic life experiences. The highlight of the Tour was beating Manchester City, Dundee United and the Scottish Youth Team, not many people can say that”! Damian Siljanovski, 2009 Tour Participant.

“On this trip I learnt that to be a footballer you need to be the best you can be always. I also learnt that you can’t win every game and you shouldn’t belt your team mates when you lose. I loved going to all the big games and watching my heroes, like Robinho, Carlos Tevez, Kris Boyd and Nacho Novo of Rangers. I had a great time here and became great friends with some of the boys. We had some hilarious and great nights in the UK like fight night when Dobbie nearly died and we had some weird times like the last night of the Tour. I experienced the dream with my mates and shared some great times with the boys but now its time to go home. But I will be back soon when I sign my 90,000,000 Pound contract with Glasgow Rangers or Manchester City and play along side my heroes. Thanks George for the opportunity and hope all goes great for you:]”. Moe Matar, 2009 Tour Participant.

“This years Tour was brilliant, it really made me feel like I have experienced the dream, playing all the professional and elite footballers and comparing our abilities. Knowing that I can mix it with some of the best players makes me want to continue living my dream and following the journey, to one day playing against these boys again professionally”. George McHeileh, 2008 and 2009 Tour Participant.

Message from the Scottish No2 to the “Stars” of Melbourne Football Stars.

Greetings good friends in warmer climates.

This is a letter from a land that you have just travelled - Scotland. Looking back at the tour 2009 I will have many fond memories which will live with me for a long time. One memory however that I would have liked to pass on to the players before I left the tour was your behaviour.

For young adults at your stage of life and maturity how you conducted yourselves on the tour was

amazing. You should all be very proud of how you represented your nation as should your parents.

You have left the country but lots of people are still talking about Melbourne Football Stars and we all await the return of the next crop of young Melbourne football stars with much anticipation.

I wish you all the very best in whatever challenges that you now face in your quest for football

stardom. I hope that you enjoyed “Experiencing the Dream” I know I did.

A massive thank you also goes out to George for your encouragement and friendship. I can’t wait to

being involved again next year.

I look forward to seeing some of you again next year.

All the best for the future.

Steven Adam

Melbourne Footballs Stars Scottish No2 (Assistant Coach - MFS)