Vaughan Coveny is looking forward to his new role at George Cross. 88716_02 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By ADEM SARICAOGLU
DOWN at George Cross they’re calling it a coup.
Former A-League star and New Zealand international Vaughan Coveny has taken up a junior development role with the Sunshine-based club and will start as soon his current commitments with Melbourne Victory conclude in February.
Coveny will coach George Cross’ under-13As team but will also provide development assistance across the club’s entire junior program, including its young players and coaching staff.
Club junior president Jamie Chetcuti had been chasing Coveny to join George Cross for six months.
“It’s very big for our club,” Chetcuti said.
“It’s going to give our kids the very best opportunity to develop into our senior group and to be taught how to play football in the right manner.
“He’s one of the best coaches that other clubs could only dream of having.”
The Georgies are looking to push their junior development programs in a bid to boost their chances of securing senior promotion into the Victorian Premier League in coming years.
Chetcuti said Coveny’s appointment is a significant step in that direction.
“That’s the sort of pathway we’re going for,” he said.
“We want to develop our kids to play into our senior football roles and if they’re good enough, they’ve got the right pathways and the right coach to develop them to go further on with their careers, too.”
Coveny, who will this summer continue his role as an assistant coach for the Victory’s youth team, told Star he is looking forward to getting started with George Cross next year.
“Talking to the committee and to the club, they’ve got a real drive and passion and desire to really build their junior base, and that’s what really enticed me to the club,” Coveny said.
“It was just that they’ve got some really strong ideas on building their junior club and they’ve got some talented players.”
George Cross is looking for new juniors, particularly from the Melton area, to join the club for 2013.
If interested, contact Chetcuti on 0425 811 373.
