The annual NIAS education weekend was held at Sport UNE in Armidale and for these players the under-12s football squad the education was not only in the lecture hall.

The morning was spent learning about nutrition, psychology in sport and sport specific exercise and recovery with a broad section of other NIAS athletes including, netball squads, mountain bikers, hockey players, basketballers, golfers and lone star athletes.

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Following that the young footballers had the opportunity to show former Socceroo Craig Foster what they were all about.

Foster spent some time with the squad sharing some of his pearls of wisdom from an illustrious playing career both in Australia and in England.

The man affectionately known as 'Foz' played for clubs like Portsmouth and Crystal Palace as well as the Australian National team where he earnt 29 caps and scored nine goals.

He was more easily recognised by the youngsters for his presence on SBS as a football analyst and commentator, a role he held for some 18 years.

Foster was impressed by the skill and attitude of the young players and encouraged them to develop their football 'brain' alongside their physical attributes. He also offered advice on how to take their game to the next level.

The squad trains twice a week in Inverell and plays out of Coffs Harbour once a month. They will be hoping to implement some of the advice that Foster imparted on them on their upcoming season.

This year NIAS have been given the task of providing high performance programs to the regions soccer players with opportunities for athletes aged under-9 up to under-16.

NIAS CEO James Cooper is excited at the prospects that the football program can offer in our region and hopes to provide tangible pathways for talented players.

"We're thrilled to see the return of football into NIAS in 2021. This program is aligned with the NNSW Football development pathway and that brings with it the opportunities that will facilitate the program growth over the years to come" Cooper said.

"The education weekend allows new athletes to see what NIAS is all about and for them to see that they are a part of a much bigger fraternity of athletes."

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