How Liz is kicking career goals at Melbourne Victory
VU gave me my pathway into working for Melbourne Victory. It’s really exciting to work with young, up-and-coming players and follow them on their journey as footballers.
Liz Di Fazio
Masters of Sports Science (Football Performance)
Growing up as a Melbourne Victory fan, Liz Di Fazio dreamed of working in the world of football. She shares how Victoria University (VU) set her on her path to becoming Melbourne Victory’s Women's Football Operations Lead.
“I’ve been playing football since I was 10 years old – it’s something I’ve always loved and enjoyed. I’ve also been a fan of Melbourne Victory from the early days.
“I did an undergraduate degree in podiatry and worked as a podiatrist for a few years, as well as coaching football at junior NPL level.
“In 2018, I decided to deepen my skills and experience in football performance and enroll in the Master of Sport Science (Football Performance) at VU.
“This not only gave me valuable skills for my career; it also gave me my pathway into working for Melbourne Victory, where I’m now the Women's Football Operations Lead.”
The power of data in sport
“Studying at VU, I did a broad range of subjects, including data analysis and video analysis. These skills have opened up great opportunities for me working in football performance.
“Data analytics adds another level to a high performance program. The data can assist coaching staff and players to prepare for matches and track performance. It can also assist in the recruitment of players.”
From internship to dream football career
“I started at Melbourne Victory through the VU internship program with the under-15s in a sport science role. I was involved in the academy for three years before getting involved in the women’s senior team.
“The VU Block Model made it really easy to continue being involved in the club and getting both learning experiences – learning the theory, but also having the opportunity to be out in the sporting club and getting practical experience as well.
“As the Women's Football Operations Lead at Melbourne Victory, my role now covers the day-to-day operations of our women’s team. Anything the team needs – from facilities and equipment, to registrations, travel arrangements and more – they come to me.
“It’s great to be a part of the club I followed growing up. I get to work alongside really good coaches, staff and players. It’s really exciting to work with young, up-and-coming players and follow them on their journey as footballers.”
Making a real difference in women’s sport
“As part of my role at Melbourne Victory, I also work as the team manager for our Afghan Women’s Team.
“Their story is inspiring, and it's really rewarding to know that we've had the opportunity to help them settle into Australia and overcome difficulties to continue to play football.
“It’s a great time to be working in women’s sport, and I’m grateful for the opportunity that VU has provided me with.”
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