Sport
Michael dared to dream, it paid off
03Jun08
WHEN you're not even a teenager, playing against one of the power teams in world football in front of 50,000 fans at Telstra Dome is probably not high on your "to do" list.
But Melbourne Victory goalkeeper, Richmond's Michael Theoklitos, who played against Juventus at the weekend, is living proof that if you dare to dream from a young age, one day those dreams might come true.
Theoklitos was a graduate of the Victorian junior program, having first represented the state at under-11s alongside Socceroo superstars Mark Bresciano and Vince Grella.
Last week he paid a visit to the next group of aspiring footballers, who are trying to emulate the exploits of the 27-year-old when the Victorian under-13 soccer team trained at the Darebin Indoor Sports Centre in Thornbury.
The under-13 team will head to Sydney in July for the Friendship Games, an annual event involving the best juniors from every state and territory.
"I first represented Victoria in under-12s as it was back then in the Friendship Games," Theoklitos said.
"It was the first time I'd been on a plane.
"It was the first time I'd felt like I was around a professional environment.
"We were away for five days. It was a terrific experience to be around so many top young players."
The Victorian side will be looking to finally put a stop to the dominance of the New South Wales team when it competes from July 6-13.
Assistant-coach Greg Mangonis said Victoria was starting to catch up to its neighbours north of the Murray.
"I think maybe in the past, New South Wales has had a more professional program in bringing young players through," Mangonis said.
"We've taken on a new approach with the players and we're very happy with the way things are travelling with the squad this year."
Theoklitos said with the impressive group of youngsters and the scope for growth of the A League further, the future was bright for the game in Victoria.
"I know when they first mooted the A League, they were a little bit unsure about the Melbourne club," he said.
"But one thing you know is that if you've got the product in Melbourne, the people will support it.
"Who would have thought within three years we'd have 22,000 members.
"There's now talk of a second Melbourne side. They have had a five year exclusion zone, so we know it won't happen for at least another couple of years.
"I think it's inevitable as the league expands.
"I for one think it's a great idea."
