Carlo Vilani honoured

With over 40 years of coaching experience under his belt, one of Albury’s most recognised coaches, Carlo Vilani, recently received a surprise visit from a well-known football figure in the Australian game.

Socceroo Joshua Kennedy, an Albury boy born and bred, took part in a recent FFA/FNSW C-Licence coaching course where Vilani was present.

Having driven from Melbourne to Albury for the coaching course, Kennedy was looking at furthering his knowledge and jumped at the chance in being involved with the setup.

“The opportunity came up with the course in Albury and it’s probably the first time I’ve had the time to do something like this.

“It’s good to see the game from a different angle.

“The coaching course is a good opportunity to excite my interest and see if it’s something I want to do more serious,” he stated to the Border Mail.

Vilani, a veteran of continuous coaching in the local community, who also coached Josh during his time in Albury, eagerly watched on as he witnessed future coaches take part in various coaching drills.

Vilani, a former Football NSW State Award winner, was delighted when he was recognised by Kennedy in an informal presentation which saw the veteran coach praised for his achievements throughout his years in the Albury-Wodonga region.

Football NSW Board Member Stephen Hayes also heaped praised on Vilani’s commitment to the world game.

“Carlo is the longest serving and oldest active coach in the region.

“He is the only person in the area to have coached both Josh Kennedy and Archie Thomson (two Socceroos) at the representative level.”