NICK Monteleone’s passion for soccer is palpable.
The 49-year-old was elected Football Federation Victoria (FFV) president for the next four years on 17 March and there are several items on his checklist.
Monteleone, who replaces Tony Dunkerley, has been involved in the sport for 35 years, filling roles as a player, coach, referee, club administrator and board member.
In an interview with Star, Monteleone said his “grassroots” experience meant he had plenty to offer.
“I come from a management background, so I’m hoping to impart some of those skills. I look forward to working with the rest of the board to achieve some great outcomes for the game,” Monteleone said.
Monteleone has spent the past four years on the FFV board and is under no illusions as to the challenges ahead. But he is also aware that simply comes with the territory.
It is no secret soccer is rapidly growing, but an independent survey conducted by Sports Business Partners and commissioned by the FFV revealed that over 5000 players were turned away from clubs across Victoria in 2010.
With several clubs bursting at the seams, it is vital that facilities match the demand.
It is a problem, though, that won’t be fixed overnight.
“The real challenge to ensure the sport continues to be united, moving in a really positive direction and understanding that the game belongs to everyone. We’ve all got a stake in it,” Monteleone said.
“We’ve got to manage the growth in the game, particularly junior participation and we need to encourage it.
“We’ve been on an upward spiral the last four years so it’s important to continue that. But it’s also very important to put energy and resources into coaching and referee development as well.”
Concerns have also surrounded the FFV’s top competition, the Victorian Premier League (VPL).
The length of the season – which starts in February and finishes in September – has been criticised in some quarters, while others have called for a salary cap to be reintroduced to stop the high numbers of player movements between seasons.
“There is a national competition review going on by the Football Federation Australia and that will have profound impact on what happens across the country in second tier competitions,” Monteleone said.
“All those things are now up for discussion It is great that the sport’s now having that discussion and, to be honest, it’s probably a little bit overdue.”
Monteleone said he was confident the standard of the VPL was getting better by the year and he encouraged young players to also become supporters of their clubs and watch the senior sides on game-day.
Monteleone also ruled out a salary cap in the VPL in the short-term.
“When I was elected first to the board, there was a salary cap in place. But we took the view that it’s great to have a salary cap, but if you can’t enforce it what’s the point of doing it?
“There are better things to spend money on – junior development is certainly one of them – rather than worrying about a salary cap.”
And there is little doubt Monteleone is looking forward to the times ahead.
“What I deeply enjoy is the ‘quality people’ in the game. I love the game and, coming from that grassroots level, you just meet soul to the earth people who just work really hard in providing for community sport.
“A lot of credit needs to be given because they’re the lifeblood of the game.”
