Victory’s successful W-League season has been assisted by the Club’s partnership with Victoria University.
Two of the university’s alumni, Liz Di Fazio and Jayden Anderson, formed part of the Club’s performance and coaching team during the months of training and hard work.
In the 120th minute of the Grand Final in Sydney, Kyra Cooney-Cross scored Victory’s winner – securing the Club’s second Championship, signalling the end of an inspiring season for Liz and Jayden.
Long-time Melbourne Victory supporter Liz began her career in sports science and strength and conditioning coaching as an intern with the Club’s U15 Academy team while completing her Master of Sport Science (Football Performance).
She has performed several different roles and is currently a performance analyst and team manager for the W-League.
“I’ve been a Melbourne Victory fan since they started, so I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to work with such a special group of staff and players.
“For me, the grand final victory was a fitting end to a great season and a culmination of a lot of hard work,” said Liz.
Jayden, who studied VU’s Bachelor of Sport Science before continuing into the Master of Sport Science (Football Performance) is a sports scientist and conditioning coach.
This is his fourth consecutive role at Victory – a paid internship while he completes his studies.
“To play a role in improving the performance of the team – to help them win the trophy – makes our work behind the scenes all worth it.
“Victory’s strong partnership with VU means the coaching staff places a lot of trust in me – they know I have the best education, so they’re confident I know what I’m doing,” he said.
VU students not only have opportunities for internships and placements with the men’s, women’s, and Academy (youth) teams in a range of roles, but VU also collaborates with the Club on research and facilities and provides industry expertise.
Victoria University is Victory’s match day partner for this Thursday’s clash with Macarthur FC at AAMI Park.
