FFA Centre of Excellence
| Company type | Sports development program |
|---|---|
| Industry | Football (soccer) development |
| Predecessor | Australian Institute of Sport Football Program |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Defunct | 2017 |
| Fate | Closed by Football Federation Australia |
| Headquarters | Canberra , Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Owner | Football Federation Australia |
The FFA Centre of Excellence—previously known as the Australian Institute of Sport Football Program—was a football talent identification and player development initiative managed by Football Federation Australia (FFA) at the Australian Institute of Sport located in Canberra. Concentrating on men's football, it stood as one of the inaugural eight sports programs established at the AIS in 1981. The FFA declared the centre would cease operations at the conclusion of 2017.
History
Supported financially by the Australian Federal Government through the Australian Sports Commission, the AIS soccer program received funding totaling A$1,115,000 for the 2005–2006 period. Each year, approximately 20 participants were selected for a residential training and education program lasting 12 months, with an option to extend for an additional year. Typically, candidates ranged from 15 to 17 years old and were required to be Australian citizens or eligible for citizenship.
The primary objective of the men's program was to identify and nurture players for Australia's national under-20 squad while simultaneously fostering coaching expertise via its Scholarship Coaching initiative.
Head coaches
- Jimmy Shoulder (1981–1986)
- Ron Smith (1986–1996)
- Steve O'Connor (1996–2008)
- Jan Versleijen (2008–2011)
- Tony Vidmar (2012–2017)
National representation
Following instances where several graduates chose to represent other nations at senior international levels (such as Josip Simunic), the AIS implemented contractual agreements requiring repayment of scholarship expenses if players competed internationally for countries other than Australia.
World Cup
Numerous former AIS players have gone on to represent the Socceroos at the prestigious FIFA World Cup tournaments.
2006 Germany
Prominent AIS graduates in Australia's 2006 squad included John Aloisi (1992), Marco Bresciano (1997), Brett Emerton (1995–1996), Joshua Kennedy (1998–1999), Mark Milligan (2002), Craig Moore (1992–1993), Lucas Neill (1994–1995), Josip Skoko (1992–1993), Mile Sterjovski (1996), Mark Viduka (1992–1993), and Luke Wilkshire (1998). Additionally, Josip Šimunić (1994–1996) represented Croatia.
2010 South Africa
Key players developed through AIS who featured in this tournament included captain Lucas Neill (1994–1995), Craig Moore (1992–1993), Brett Emerton (1995–1996), Luke Wilkshire (1998), Joshua Kennedy (1998–1999), Adam Federici (2002), Vince Grella (1996–1997), Carl Valeri (2000–2001), Nikita Rukavytsya (2005–2006), Mark Milligan (2002), Dario Vidosic (2005–2006), and Marco Bresciano (1997). Once again, Josip Šimunić represented Croatia.
2014 Brazil
AIS alumni who participated included Marco Bresciano (1997), James Holland (2006–2007), Mitchell Langerak (2005–2006), Matt McKay (2000–2001), Mark Milligan (2002), Matthew Spiranovic (2006), and Dario Vidosic (2005–2006).
National Soccer League
The AIS fielded a team in the youth division of the former National Soccer League, competing in the Northern Division and capturing titles in 1986, 1998, and 1999.
Victorian Premier League
In 2005, the men's squad began competing in the New South Wales Premier League and transitioned to the Victorian Premier League in 2007 to ensure consistent competitive opportunities for scholarship recipients. Being the sole team from outside Victoria, all their designated 'home' fixtures in 2007 took place within Victoria. Although they ended the season in 12th position, the experience was considered valuable for player growth. The following year, 2008, saw an improvement to 8th place, with home games hosted in Canberra and select marquee matches held across regional Victoria to boost league exposure.
Following the 2008 season, the men's team exited the Victorian Premier League as the AIS shifted its focus towards developing younger talent, diminishing the necessity for involvement in senior-level competitions.
National Youth League
On 3 July 2009, the AIS became a participant in the National Youth League. In August 2017, Football Federation Australia (FFA) decided to close the Centre of Excellence as part of a broader initiative aimed at increasing development pathways for emerging players.
Notable alumni
The list below features players who have earned 10 or more international appearances. Those highlighted in bold have competed at a FIFA World Cup.
Template:Sortname || Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showallCoomera Colts Soccer Club || Defender || 1992–93 || Coaching || Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showall || 52 Template:Sortname || Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showallPerth Glory || Defender || 1993–94 || Coaching || Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showall || 11 Template:Sortname || || Midfielder || 1992–93 || Retired || Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showall || 51 Template:Sortname || Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showallWestern United FC || Forward || 1992–93 || Coaching || Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showall || 55 Template:Sortname || || Forward || 1992–93 || Retired || Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showall || 43 Template:Sortname || || Defender || 1994–95 || Retired || Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showall || 96 Template:Sortname || Template:Country data CROTemplate:Namespace detect showallCroatia national under-19 football team || Defender || 1995–96 || Coaching || Template:Country data CROTemplate:Namespace detect showall || 105 Template:Sortname || || Midfielder || 1996 || Retired || Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showall || 95 Template:Sortname || || Midfielder || 1996 || Agent || Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showall || 46 Template:Sortname || || Defender || 1996–97 || Retired || Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showall || 26 Template:Sortname || || Midfielder || 1996–97 || Retired || Template:Country data CROTemplate:Namespace detect showall || 16 Template:Sortname || Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showallMacarthur FC || Midfielder || 1996–98 || Coaching || Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showall || 43 Template:Sortname ||| Midfielder ||| 1997 ||| Retired ||| {{flagicon ||| 84 {{sortname Ivan Ergić} ||| Midfielder||| 1997–98||| Retired||| Template:Flagicon SERLuke Wilkshire, Midfielder, 1997–98, Coaching, Template:Flagicon AUS, 80 caps Joshua Kennedy, Forward, 1998–99, Media, Template:Flagicon AUS, 36 caps Jade North, Defender, 1999, Retired, Template:Flagicon AUS, 41 caps Alex Brosque, Forward, 2001, Retired, Template:Flagicon AUS, 21 caps Matt McKay, Midfielder, 2001, Retired, Template:Flagicon AUS, 59 caps Carl Valeri, Midfielder, 2001–02, Retired, Template:Flagicon AUS, 52 caps Adam Federici, Goalkeeper, 2002, Retired, Template:Flagicon AUS,16 caps Mark Milligan, Midfielder, 2002, Coaching, Template:Flagicon AUS,80 caps Robbie Kruse, Forward, 2005–06, Retired, Template:Flagicon AUS,75 caps Nikita Rukavytsya, Forward, Free agent (2005–06), Active player, Template:Flagicon AUS,21 caps Dario Vidošić, Midfielder, 2006, Coaching, Template:Flagicon AUS,23 caps Matthew Spiranovic, Defender,2006 , Coaching , Template:Flagicon AUS,36 caps James Holland , Midfielder ,2006-07 , Retired , Template:Flag icon AUS,17 caps Nathan Burns , Forward ,2006 , Retired , Template:Flag icon AUS,24 caps Rhyan Grant , Defender ,2008 , Active player , Template:Flag icon AUS,21 caps Trent Sainsbury , Defender ,2009-10 , Active player , Template:Flag icon AUS,61 caps Adam Taggart , Forward ,2009-10 , Active player , Template:Flag icon AUS,16 caps Milos Degenek , Defender ,2012 , Active player , Template:Flag icon SRB,44 caps