GISS is an AS Roma affiliated academy which trains soccer players aged six to 19 years in Melbourne for the international market.

The clinic, with professional coaching staff, aims to improve ball skills, balance and coordination to raise the standard of training for boys and girls.

The European-style training will be a first for most Australian players.

GISS director Morris Pagniello said every player had the ability to improve if they were taught correctly from the start of their career.

"There is great potential in Australian players but they need a system that will continue to develop and raise the player's game exposure not just nationally but internationally," he said.

"Australian players need to experience what it is to train and play as a professional at an elite level.

"My academy is trying to bridge the gap between the Australian standards and that of a European player.

"When I went to Europe to play I found it difficult because I had no-one to help me into a club, or to train me up for it. I learnt much the hard way and it was difficult leaving my family behind.

"I was alone in another country, not to mention the financial costs to my parents.

"These players have an opportunity to avoid most of that."

Pagniello said the biggest challenge Australian players faced was the difference in cultural attitudes.

"Most European players take care of their bodies, healthy lifestyles and live for football," he said.

"In Australia, European football is treated as a sport and there has been little focus on career prospects for those who want it."

Past participants at the school were selected for the GISS Australian Elite squads which travelled to Italy to play against Seria A, B and C youth teams.

Several players returned for trials and seven signed professional contracts in Europe in the last year.

Players Peter Labros, Gianni Romano and Stephen Maselli have participated in these events. The latter two are to return to Europe later this year to further their career prospects.

The Melbourne campus runs a full-time academy training Monday to Saturday under the supervision of Pagniello and head coach Joe De Martino, who regularly travel to Italy with players.

The clinics will be held this Sunday and Monday. Six to 13 year-old clinics are from 9am-12pm and 14 to 19 year-old clinics are from 1.30pm-4.30pm.

They will be held at Latrobe City Soccer Stadium, Morwell and cost $80 per person for the two day clinic.

For more details visit www.genovainternational.com and www.asroma.com.au or call 1300793505.