Hosted by Irish singer/songwriter Brian McFadden and ex-Matildas star player Amy Taylor, FOX8’s exclusive eight x one hour series is the only Australian television program of its kind that will embark on a nationwide search for Australia’s most gifted young football player.

The winner will walk off the pitch with a prize package consisting of a season-long contract with Sydney FC youth squad, alongside a one-year scholarship with Macquarie University.

Tryouts have been held in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, attracting hundreds of young footballers, aged 16-21 years.

During the tryouts, the hopefuls are put through their paces with a series of scientifically designed tests devised by Fun Sports Group, Australia’s leading football concept development company, in conjunction with coaching experts at A-League heavyweight team Sydney FC.

Following the day-long trials in each state, the group are short-listed to 50 players who are selected for an intensive weekend at Sydney’s training ground, where they are assessed by the FOOTBALL SUPERSTAR judging panel.
The judging panel of three consists of Head Judge, John Kosmina (Sydney FC Coach) and Vitale Ferrante (Director of Fun Sports Group and Football Superstar mentor), with the third judge alternating between Nik Hagicostas (Sydney FC Strength and Conditioning Coach) and Steve O’Connor (Sydney FC Technical Director)

Kosmina and his fellow judges whittle down the top 50 to 15 finalists who will spend a month at Sydney FC’s training ground at Macquarie University, Sydney.

The chosen 15 will live in a state-of-the-art mansion with mentor Vitale Ferrante, as they’re given a taste of what a professional footballer’s lifestyle could be like.

During their stay, the hopefuls are judged on both their on-field performance and off-field behaviour, with players being evicted by the judging panel and sent home each week.

Throughout the series, the boys will play full football matches against teams including the AIS football team, Manly United and the Central Coast Mariners youth team and will be given weekly challenges including an iron man competition, army assault course and public speaking and talent competitions.

They will be visited by high-profile football stars from leading A-League teams, get the opportunity to meet and train with the Young Matildas, attend a Socceroos game, and receive media training and tips on grooming, fitness and nutrition.

On the morning of each eviction there will be a football trial, eg. a ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ test, with the loser automatically nominated as one of the candidates who will be up for eviction that day.

In the final episode, the three remaining players compete in one last trial and Kosmina will anoint one lucky player the ultimate winner – and Australia’s first ever FOOTBALL SUPERSTAR.