Watching the top stars of football is one of life’s great joys. But what is it like to be one of them? For most of us, football fantasy fades into our 30s and beyond, as we build careers, support family and friends, and influence the life of the community. But why have regrets? Here’s a chance to enter your field of dreams at the:
PROSPORT FOOTBALL REALITY EXPERIENCE, Royal Pines, Gold Coast
Dream. Play. Connect.
This is an experience you’ll never forget.
In the ProSport Football Reality Experience you’ll go hard, have heaps of fun, and feel the intense camaraderie of the squad, making lifelong friends and connections.
Live like a pro.
ProSport Reality Experience puts you in the real-life role of a sports professional.
You’ll have everything you need to succeed. But you’ll also be under pressure. Can you feel it already?
Coaching Team – Train With The Best
Our coaching team has top-class technical and tactical knowhow, with coaching and playing experience at the very highest level.
Ron Smith and former Socceroo Steve O’Connor have the track record of being Australia’s greatest development coaches, nurturing the Golden Generation of Socceroos that emerged in the 1990s and 2000s through the Australian Institute of Sport and national junior teams programs, providing the basis of the past three FIFA World Cup qualification campaigns.
That Golden Generation is now turning to coaching, and you’ll have the opportunity to be coached by Josip Skoko, as assistant to Ron and Steve. You’ll also be cared for by our support team including doctor, physios, massage therapists, and other health professionals, as well as video capture and performance analysis sessions.
Coming away with clear personal improvement and massively increased knowledge from an experience you’ll always treasure, you’ll be inspired to share your new knowledge.
Meet The Coaches
Ron Smith
Head Coach
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Steve O’Connor
Head Coach
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Josip Skoko
Assistant Coach
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Jeff Olver
Goalkeeping Coach
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The Golden Generation
Australian Football’s achievements 1991–2011
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World-Class Facilities
World-Class Facilities
Everything about this experience oozes class.
Our venue at RACV Royal Pines Resort at Benowa on the Gold Coast is a quality hotel and spectacular training venue, chosen by Manchester City in preparation for the English Premier League 2015-16, and the UAE in preparation for the 2015 Asian Cup.
You’ll be fully kitted out in quality apparel, and train with professional standard equipment. With meals, video/analysis sessions and medical/support activities all contained in our spacious, dedicated headquarters facility located within the resort, you’ll eat, sleep, dream and live football.
The excitement then reaches a climax when your training comes to fruition at the final match to be held at the spectacular Cbus Super Stadium at Robina.
Give a kid a break.
What’s the deal?
Many unfortunate families can’t afford for their kids to play football.
And some talented kids are left by the wayside because of the extra expense required to play National Premier Leagues football, which is the only pathway to get noticed and work towards state representation, academies, institutes, national teams and a professional career.
How You Can Help?
By taking this amazing experience, you’ll also be backing these kids’ future.
$500 from your fee will go directly to our charity partners, helping the next generation of champions seize opportunities their family couldn’t afford, or getting unlucky kids active and into community football. You can of course, make extra contributions or undertake extra fundraising activity if you wish.
Our Charity Partners
Football United
ProSport Reality Experience is proud to support Football United, to create chances for youth from disadvantaged communities.
Reagan Milstein Foundation
Based in Victoria, the Reagan Milstein Foundation raises funds to assist youngsters who may not have an opportunity to play or develop their talent in football.
Your football contract is nearly ready.
Interested?
ProSport Football Reality Experience
Royal Pines, Gold Coast
Sign on with our Expression of Interest form and you’ll go onto our ‘draft’ list.
Give us your feedback and we’ll keep you updated about our future events and let you know when you can sign on conditionally (by deposit) and ultimately when to commit to the ProSport Reality Experience.
I’ve gotta make this.
We’re all busy making life work; pushing ahead in business, updating our professional qualifications, caring for family, helping others, getting involved. But this one’s for you.
The discipline, hard work and sheer fun of the ProSport Football Reality Experience will enhance other aspects of your life, while raising money for a good cause.
FAQs
WHAT IS THE PROSPORT FOOTBALL REALITY EXPERIENCE?
The ProSport Football Reality Experience, or “Football Heaven,” is a professional-style training camp for 35–50 year olds set to take place in 2017/18 at RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast. There will be plenty of physical and mental activity, as you’ll not only train every day (possibly twice) gaining fitness and improving your technical skills, but you’ll be absorbing high-level tactical concepts, taking part in game analysis sessions and gaining an insight into the mentality required of top-level footballers. As well as our legendary coaching team of Ron Smith, Steve O’Connor and Josip Skoko, you’ll be looked after by a team of medical, health and other support professionals. You’ll also have fun as Ron and the team provide plenty of stories and laughs to get you through, and feel the intense camaraderie of the squad, making lifelong friends and connections. This all culminates in the match at Cbus Super Stadium at Robina and a celebration dinner.
Not only all this but $500 from your fee will go towards helping the next generation of champions seize opportunities their family couldn’t afford, or getting unlucky kids active and into community football.
WHAT IF I’M JUST OUTSIDE THE AGE RANGE?
That won’t stop you expressing your interest. While we will initially select from the 35–50 years bracket, we may include 30–35 or 50+ year old players depending on the professional assessment of your application by our coaching/support team.
HOW COMPETITIVE IS IT AND WHAT LEVEL OF SKILL IS REQUIRED?
There will be different levels of talent attending the camp. Some participants may not have played since juniors, while others may be active through Over 35s football and other physical activities. You probably won’t be the worst nor the best player. However we probably won’t be making any recommendations to Real Madrid from this camp.
WHAT KIND OF PHYSICAL SHAPE MUST I BE IN TO ATTEND?
The program is constructed to be fun, but we want you to be in your best form for the camp. This is why we’re giving you time to prepare. In order to participate you will need a medical clearance and to be insured with comprehensive private health cover. The camp won’t be easy but your load will be adjusted if required, which is exactly what happens with professional footballers. In rare cases, we may have to decline your participation in your own best interests.
WHEN IS THE PROSPORT FOOTBALL REALITY EXPERIENCE BEING HELD AND HOW LONG DOES IT GO FOR?
While it’s still early days, the event is being planned for 2017/2018. Importantly, you have a say in when and for how long. Just express your interest and let us know what your preferences are. We envisage somewhere between 4 and 9 days.
WHAT IS THE COST AND HOW/WHEN DO I PAY?
This will depend on your feedback as to how many days the camp will run. You can express your interest to start the conversation, and when more information is at hand we’ll let you know when you can sign on conditionally (by deposit) and ultimately when to commit to the ProSport Reality Experience.
IS THE CHARITY PORTION OF MY PAYMENT TAX-DEDUCTIBLE AND CAN I BE SURE MY DONATION WILL REACH KIDS IN NEED?
Yes, because you will pay our charity partners directly, and they will issue your receipt.
IF MORE APPLICANTS PAY THE DEPOSIT THAN THE SIZE OF A SQUAD, WILL PLACES BE ALLOCATED ON FIRST COME FIRST SERVED?
In principle, yes. But we may need to make adjustments for optimal outcomes at the camp, based on a number of important factors. For example we can’t play a match with 11 goalkeepers!
WHAT IF I'VE PAID BUT MISS OUT ON A PLACE?
If you pay the deposit and are then not accepted, your deposit will be fully refunded.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Closer to the camp we will advise a more complete list of what to bring with you and what will be provided. You should of course bring ‘personal’ football equipment such as boots, shinpads, goalkeeping gloves, compression garments etc
DO I KEEP THE TEAM APPAREL SUPPLIED TO ME?
Yes, you do! You will receive a range of gear to use for training, the match and in between times. Full details will be advised in due course to those who register an expression of interest.
WHAT MEALS ARE PROVIDED?
All meals are fully provided, and the menu will be designed for athletic performance. If you have special dietary requirements, these can be accommodated.
WHAT ARRANGEMENTS ARE THERE FOR TRAVEL TO THE CAMP?
You will be responsible for your own travel to and from RACV Royal Pines Resort. Information is available on the resort website regarding travel connections.
DO I SHARE A ROOM WITH SOMEONE AT THE RESORT?
We plan to allocate you a room mate from your own team and accommodate you on a twin-share basis. If no further twin shares are available, or if you specifically request a single room, a supplement is payable.
CAN I BRING MY SPOUSE/PARTNER AND/OR CHILDREN TO THE CAMP?
No. Just as in real professional camps you will be fully occupied training and preparing for your match. Having family members on camp will not be conducive to optimal results for you or your team mates. Of course you can book additional days at the resort with family members either side of the camp.
MAY I REQUEST TO BE ON THE SAME TEAM AS A FRIEND?
Yes, of course. But we can’t guarantee it. If you’re both superstar strikers it might unbalance the teams!
WHAT IS THE ITINERARY?
A detailed schedule of events will be provided at a later date. Complete the online expression of interest and stay tuned.
