Genova International announces the sixth 18+ tour, to be held in northern Italy from July 15 to July 29. The tour aims to provide a showcase for players without contracts, with an opportunity to show and prove your skills at the top level against Serie A and Serie B italian teams like Palermo, Parma, Chievo Verona, Siena, Padova, Vicenza and Cittadella. Download a .pdf brochure, or use our contact form to register your interest, selecting '18+ tour' from the 'subject of enquiry' list.

Genova International is supporting one of its close associates, Gianni Perrone, in helping a group of refugees from Libya now living in a community project, Isola Di Ariel, in Torino, Italy. Gianni encouraged the boys to form a team and organises friendly matches for them while another volunteer coach and friend, Zaza, trains them.

“Having their own team is a great morale builder for the boys” said director Morris Pagniello, "and at the moment moral support is as important as anything - we want everyone to see them and we will be keeping a keen eye on their progress and open any opportunities if we can. Well done Gianni, and enjoy your team time boys!” (More images...)

March 9: three players have this week signed with Hungarian club Kaposvári Rákóczi FC:
(from left)
Cory Martinello, from Vancouver, 19yrs, spent 4 months in the Giss players abroad program;
Ryan Thomson, from Quebec, 20yrs, participated in the 2011 GISS 18+ tour; and
Ahmad Hakimputra, from Singapore, 20yrs, spent 10 months in the GISS Players Abroad program.

February 26: GISS were special guests at Hungarian current champions team Videoton fc, where head coach ex-Inter Milan, Juventus champion footballer, and national Portuguese icon Paulo Sousa exchanged future plans with director Morris Pagniello, and head of GISS Sports department Ben Johnson.

Morris's comments: "A great day for GISS to be able to partner with such a good club that believes in the pathways development programs. I look forward to seeing some GISS graduates trialling at the club soon. And I look forward to bringing coach Sousa and other staff to Australia and Canada this summer."

GISS would like to congratulate Taran Bir from GISS Canada and Kyeong Min Park from GISS Korea, who have signed with Kaposvári Rákóczi Football Club, in Kaposvár, Hungary.

Director Morris comments: "All the best boys, this is only the start of your playing careers! Work hard!"

After recently spending 5 months in the Zane Players Abroad program in italy, Nicolas Del Moro from GISS New Zealand has officially become a Chievo Verona player and will play in the Serie A youth competition. Director Morris comments: "Congratulations to you Nicolas - you've worked hard and you deserve it. This is great news for GISS and other players coming through our system."

November 25, 2011: three Genova International players are currently trialling with Cluj FC, Romania. From left: Grant Madern (GISS Australia) Antonio Ivanesavic (GISS Australia) Lawrence La'vere (GISS Canada).

For information, email schoolofsoccer@optusnet.com.au