Group Training
Weekly term sessions focused on technique, decision-making and game understanding — players grouped by age and ability.
From $400 / 10-week term
See fees & register
Frederick Watcher Reserve · Melbourne
Gavin de Football
Youth football academy · Ages 5–18
Now enrolling
Academy Term 3 (2026)
GDF Academy × South East United — secure your spot for the term.
Dates13 July – 18 September10-week term
VenueFrederick Watcher Reserve
SessionsMonday · Wednesday · Thursday · Friday5:00pm
Ages5–18, grouped by age and ability
Term fees
| 1 session / week$40 per session | $400 |
| 2 sessions / week$35 per session | $700 |
| 3 sessions / week$30 per session | $900 |
South East United players train at reduced rates: $350 / $600 / $825.
What we offer
Programs
Private & Small Group
1-to-1 and small-group sessions for focused work on a specific part of your game — ball mastery, goal scoring, position-specific detail.
Enquire for pricing
Enquire
School Holiday Programs
High-energy camps during the school breaks — games, skills challenges and plenty of ball time.
Enquire for dates & pricing
Register
Meet the coach
Coached by a former River Plate player
GDF is led by Gavin de Niese — a Melbourne footballer whose journey through the game is anything but ordinary. At just 13 he moved to Argentina to play for River Plate, one of the most competitive football environments in the world, before playing on in Portugal and across Europe, with tournaments in China, Turkey and Mexico.
Back home, he's played 100+ games in the NPL — for Avondale FC, Dandenong City, Dandenong Thunder and South Melbourne FC — and has trained and played alongside players who went on to win the 2022 World Cup.
- NPL Victoria Champions & Premiers (2023)
- Records for most points & most goals in an NPL Victoria season
- State League 1 Champions (2025)
Three major surgeries — two ACLs and a hamstring tendon — never kept him from the game. Now he pours that experience into the next generation: consistency, repetition, and an environment where kids love to train. His motto? No dreams too big.
“The best coaches I had growing up in Argentina and Portugal were elite communicators and obsessed with small details that most people overlook.” — Gavin de Niese
As featured in the Sydney Morning Herald and Olé (Argentina).
Gallery
Life at GDF
Sessions with Gav
Holiday Camp
Drills
Drills to try out
Free drills straight from Gav’s sessions. Filter by skill, then tap any drill to watch — new ones added regularly.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What ages do you coach?
We coach players aged 5–18, grouped by age and ability so everyone trains at the right level.
Where and when is training?
Term training is at Frederick Watcher Reserve on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 5pm. See the registration page for current term dates.
How much does it cost?
Term fees start at $400 for a 10-week term (one session a week), with discounts for more sessions and for South East United players. Full pricing is on the registration page.
What should my child bring?
Football boots, shin pads, a water bottle, and clothing suitable for the weather. We provide the balls and equipment for sessions.
How do I register or enquire?
Tap Register for a Camp to book, or Enquire Now to send a quick question. You can also reach us by WhatsApp, email or Instagram in the Contact section.
Get in touch