Career Paths
Life at the Academy
Training
Classes
A.C.R. MESSINA
GLOBAL ID CAMP
The ACR Messina Football Australia Academy offers young Australian footballers the opportunity to experience elite Italian-style training directly from ACR Messina’s professional staff. Open to players aged 10–19 years, the academy delivers a high-intensity technical and tactical program designed to elevate each athlete’s game.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Who It’s For
Ages 10–19
- Group 1: Ages 10–14
- Group 2: Ages 15–19
- Grouped by physical & tactical level
What You Get
$299 AUD per entrant
- Full training program (all days)
- Official ACR Messina training top
- Official ACR Messina training bag
How Long
- 2.5 hours of training per day
- Age-specific structured sessions
- Camp duration varies by city
What to Bring
- Football boots
- Shin pads
- Water bottle
- Black shorts
- Black football socks
Camp Dates & Locations
Melbourne
21–23 January 2026
3-Day Camp
Adelaide
24–25 January 2026
2-Day Camp
Sydney
27–29 January 2026
3-Day Camp
Brisbane
30–31 January 2026
2-Day Camp
*Exact venue and schedule will be confirmed via email after registration.*
Every player receives an elite development experience built on ACR Messina’s professional standards. This is not just a camp — it’s an authentic European training environment led directly by the club’s technical team and Racing City Group representatives, giving young athletes real exposure and a genuine pathway into Italian football.
✔ Official ACR Messina training top & training bag
✔ Professional Italian coaching methods
✔ Exposure to ACR Messina’s coaching philosophy & methodology
✔ Assessment by Italian club scouts & technical staff
✔ A genuine European pathway opportunity
✔ Sessions run by the official ACR Messina technical team & Racing City Group
European Pathway & Elite Scholarship Program
ACR Messina is the official European base for this academy pathway, opening a genuine door from Australia to professional football in Italy. From all participants across Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney, three standout players will be selected to receive an exclusive scholarship in Sicily with ACR Messina.
Integrated into the Club
- 1-month program in Sicily with ACR Messina
- Integration into the First Team environment
- Exposure to the Under-19 squad
- Daily contact with the full technical staff structure
Professional Daily Routine
- Daily training sessions with club coaches
- Work with conditioning staff and performance team
- Support from analysts and technical staff
- Gym work, tactical sessions, and video analysis
Support, Mentoring & Stay
- Access to club scouting and performance feedback
- Professional mentoring on next steps in Europe
- Accommodation at San Filippo Stadium – ACR Messina Academy Hotel
- Full immersion into European professional standards
Why Us?
Messina Promises
Player Outcomes
The ACR Messina Academy provides every player with exposure to national scouting events and competitive fixtures, creating real opportunities to be seen by professional clubs. Former academy players have signed professional contracts across Italy, and graduates progress into professional or semi-professional football, opening university pathways through our educational partnerships.
International Player Profile
The ACR Messina Academy attracts talented players from around the world, offering full support with visas, bilingual English–Italian programs, and dedicated language classes. International athletes immerse themselves in Italian culture through guided tours, social experiences, and daily life within the vibrant Messina community.
Education & Life Skills
The ACR Messina Academy ensures every player under 18 is enrolled in a recognised education program, supported by weekly classroom hours focused on academics, personal development, and life skills. Language development is central, with international players learning Italian and Italian players studying English. Workshops in leadership, financial literacy, nutrition, digital etiquette, and media skills further prepare athletes for their future in and beyond football.
Staff & Scouts in Attendance
Elite professionals leading the ACR Messina Football Australia Academy
Justin Davis
President of ACR Messina
Morris Pagniello
Vice President ACR Messina
Carmine Coppola
Ex Messina Legend / Captain & International Technical Director
Giuseppe Savanarola
Current ACR Messina 1st Team Assistant Coach
Vince Battiato
Head of ACR Messina International Academy (Italy) & Inaugural Women’s Head Coach
Frank Marcaccio
Head of ACR Messina Australasia & Victoria
Daniel
Head of ACR Messina New South Wales (NSW)
Steven Grelli
Head of ACR Messina South Australia
Davide Dalla Pozza
Head of ACR Messina QLD Division
GLOBAL ID CAMP
A.C.R.MESSINAACR Messina Youth Academy: The Future Starts Here | Building Tomorrow’s Champions – ACR Messina Academy | 125 Years of Passion. A New Generation of Talent. | From Sicily to Serie A – The Path Begins at ACR Messina.
REGISTRATIONS
Arrival
Players must arrive 20 minutes before their scheduled session start time to allow for check-in and warm-up.
Code of Conduct
Players and parents are expected to:
- Show respect to coaches, staff, referees, and other players.
- Follow staff instructions at all times.
- Represent ACR Messina and their club with professional behaviour.
The organisers reserve the right to remove any player from the program for serious misconduct.
Media Consent
Training sessions and events may be photographed or filmed for promotional purposes.
By registering, parents/players consent to the use of images and footage on:
- ACR Messina and Racing City Group websites
- Social media channels
- Printed and digital promotional materials