Young soccer protégés enjoy "video breakfast" with their heroes

November 12 -Budding young Australian footballers enjoyed a “video breakfast” with their heroes – Qantas Socceroo Mark Schwarzer in London and Westfield Matilda Melissa Barbieri in Melbourne.

Using high definition video technology called Cisco TelePresence the youngsters enjoyed a virtual face-to-face environment, which gave them the opportunity to ask a series of questions about what it takes to become a professional football player.

Former Qantas Socceroo goalkeeper Mark Bosnich was also on hand in Sydney to facilitate the breakfast session.

The children were selected from Football NSW (FNSW) Project 22 initiative aimed at laying down the foundations required to give talented youth footballers the highest chance possible to succeed at the elite level.

The best of these children will progress to the Football Federation Australia (FFA) Skills Acquisition Program.

Project 22 aims to develop the next generation of Qantas Socceroos and Westfield Matildas who will compete at the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

Cisco is the official Information Technology Network Hardware Partner for Australia’s bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

“Football is a truly international game and the technology support we receive from Cisco helps us to connect some of our established stars overseas and interstate with the new generation of footballers,” said Football Federation Australia chief executive officer Ben Buckley.

“If we are successful in winning the right to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022 technology like this will enable us to work with all of our international stakeholders to put on the best tournament the world has seen.”

Les Williamson, vice president Cisco Australia and New Zealand, said: “Video is transforming the way we are able to communicate with people anywhere in the world and to use this technology to provide a positive mentoring experience for the next generation of Australian footballers is very special.”