Mazenod Football Club, located in Glen Waverley, is a welcoming and family-oriented soccer club that serves the communities of Mulgrave, Wheelers Hill, Notting Hill, Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley, and Rowville. The club aims to create a positive and inclusive environment for players of all ages and skill levels to develop their football abilities and enjoy the sport.
One of the highlights of Mazenod Football Club is the Mini Zebras Programme. This programme, designed for children ages 3 to 8, is a fun and all-inclusive football programme that caters to players of all skill levels and abilities. Run by the Juventus Academy and supported by Mazenod Football Club, the Mini Zebras Programme aims to help children achieve their full potential through participation, inclusion, and personal development.
The Mini Zebras Programme focuses on teaching kids important football skills while ensuring that they have a great time in the process. The programme is divided into age groups to provide age-appropriate coaching. In the 3-4-year-old group, children learn while having fun. The 5-6-year-old group focuses on developing core skills, while the 7-8-year-old group prepares children for team play.
The benefits of participating in the Mini Zebras Programme are numerous. Children develop coordination, confidence, and character through their involvement in the programme. They also improve their fitness levels with the development of agility, balance, and strength. Additionally, the programme helps kids acquire significant life skills, team skills, and social skills.
The Mini Zebras Programme also serves as a pathway to club football through the Mazenod Football Club. By encouraging learning and development through experience and skill repetition, the programme prepares children to transition into MiniRoos and Junior football. The Juventus Academy, a world-leading football curriculum, runs the junior training programme at Mazenod FC, helping young players further develop their skills using the Juventus training method.
Parents have provided positive testimonials about their children's experience in transitioning from the Mini Zebras Programme to the Under 7s team. This transition highlights the success of the programme in nurturing a love for the sport and developing players' abilities.
The Juventus Academy Melbourne, with its presence in over 50 countries and on every continent, brings Juventus' methods, values, and colours to children. Aside from teaching and developing football skills, the academy provides educational training, accompanying young players in their growth both on and off the field. All activities focus on respect for participants' mental and physical well-being, with fun at the centre of everything.
The Mini Zebras programme runs throughout the school year, with sessions held over four terms. Term 1 sessions are held on Saturdays at the Freccia Azzurra Club, while Terms 2 and 3 offer the option of sessions on either Saturday mornings at the Freccia or Sunday mornings at Brandon Park Reserve. Term 4 sessions take place on Tuesday evenings or Saturday mornings at the Freccia Azzurra Club.
At Mazenod Football Club, the focus is not just on developing football skills but also on creating a supportive and enjoyable environment for players and their families. With a commitment to fostering the love of the game, Mazenod FC welcomes new players and partners who share their passion for soccer and want to support the growth and development of the club.