Apr 16, 2018 - platform and worked with the legendary Johan Cruyff on a global 6-a-side competition. As part of his new
Media Release 16 April 2018
CRAIG JOHNSTON JOINS SOUTHERN EXPANSION Australian and Liverpool legend, Craig Johnston, is joining the team at Southern Expansion, the Group bidding for A-League and W-League licenses for the Southern Region. Southern announced today that Mr Johnston will act as Technical Advisor for the new Club’s youth programs, working with Head of Football, Craig Foster. “Having Craig join the team at Southern strengthens our programs aimed at developing the finest, technical young players in the Southern Region, providing them with pathways to A-League and W-League football and a career at the highest levels of the game,” Mr Foster said today. “Craig was a trailblazer in the world of football and his years of experience and extraordinary success at Liverpool along with his internationally famous dedication, perseverance and commitment to improving daily as a player will prove to be a great benchmark for our young boys and girls dreaming of emulating his achievements. “Aside from being one of our greatest ever, Craig is demonstrably one of the game’s foremost thinkers, innovators and creative minds on a global level, and these are the prime attributes we are seeking in all of our staff and contributors to the club. “We welcome Craig to the Southern family.” Mr Johnston made 271 appearances for Liverpool, winning five League titles, FA Cup and European Cup winners medals and was a member of the "double" winning team in 1986. He also designed and patented the highly successful Adidas Predator football boot, developed the FIFA accredited Supa Skills measuring platform and worked with the legendary Johan Cruyff on a global 6-a-side competition. As part of his new role, Mr Johnston will collaborate on methodologies and initiatives that will help develop Southern’s youth players to the highest technical proficiency. These will measure, track and monitor the skill development at different ages, ensuring that each Southern youth player develops the ability to perform at the highest international level of the game. “I am very excited to be coming on board with Craig Foster and the rest of the team at Southern Expansion,” Mr Johnston said. “Under Craig Foster’s direction, Southern has been working hard to plan innovative youth and talent ID programs. I’m looking forward to helping shape development programs for talented Southern girls and boys and I’m especially pleased to hear that the Club will be providing academy coaching at no cost to local families.” 1
Above: Craig Johnston with Southern’s Head of Football Craig Foster
Southern Expansion media contact: Richard Lenarduzzi 0411 254 390
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