Trials are now all but complete and rosters being submitted by Victorian Champions League (VCL) Zones in preparation for the second season kick off of FFV’s summer competition.

                 St Monica's College students model the new Victorian Champion 
               League strips with Melbourne Victory's Aziz Behich and Enza Barilla.

With only two weeks to go, there is plenty of excitement surrounding this year’s Victorian Champions League (VCL) which has seen a number of improvements since its introduction to the FFV event calendar as the ‘Summer League’ in 2008-09.

Not only has the competition been given a new name and its own logo, but all Zone Clubs will take to the pitch in new uniforms featuring their newly designed Zone colours and logo.  A new fixture format and a shortened season are two further changes which came about as a result of extensive research and feedback following from the inaugural season.

Perhaps one of the highlights to come from season one is the rise of Matthew Leckie who recently made his A-League debut for Adelaide United.

Leckie, 18, signed a 2-year contract in early September with the A-League outfit after impressing for the North Eastern Zone in last year’s VCL and also with the Victorian State team.

Leckie cited the VCL as the reason for him being initially spotted as a potential professional player.

“I played in the Summer League (VCL) & my agent, who wasn’t my agent at the time, saw me play and then gave me a call.

“I wouldn’t have an agent if it wasn’t for the Summer League,” Leckie said.

Leckie went on to say that the VCL was a great league to be a part of because it allowed him to keep playing football during the off-season.

“The Summer League allowed me to play with all these different players in different areas in Victoria.”

With the 2009 – 2010 season fast approaching, Football Federation Victoria is looking forward to producing a great summer football program that will further develop the skills of Victoria’s best junior players.

This continued development gained from the VCL will give Victoria recognition for leading the way in junior football development throughout Australia.