Melbourne Victory have appointed John Aloisi as Development Coach of its National Youth League and National Premier League sides.

Aloisi begins at the Big V today, working alongside Youth Head Coach Darren Davies ahead of Melbourne Victory's inaugural National Premier League campaign, which starts in March.

The 39-year-old is one of Australia's most experienced and recognised footballers, having made 55 appearances for the Socceroos and famously scoring the winning penalty to secure the nation's place at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

He is also the only Australian footballer in history to have played in Europe's three major leagues – the English Premier League, Italy's Serie A and Spain's La Liga – in a playing career spanning 20 years.

Following his return to Australia in 2007, Aloisi has been heavily involved in the Hyundai A-League as a player and a coach and more recently as a football analyst for Fox Sports.

Aloisi, who made his professional debut for Adelaide City at the age of 15 before forging a successful career abroad, said he was thrilled to be working with some of the most talented young players in the country.

"I'm delighted to be given this opportunity with Melbourne Victory and I'm looking forward to working with Darren as we prepare for the National Premier League season," Aloisi said.

"We'll provide the group with the best resources we can for them to develop with access to state-of-the-art facilities, so it's an exciting time to be involved at the club."

Melbourne Victory Head Coach Kevin Muscat welcomed the appointment of his former Socceroos teammate and looked forward to the club benefiting from Aloisi's expertise.

"John is a highly respected member of the Australian football community whose experience and pedigree will add real value to our youth football program," said Muscat.

"His appointment is another step towards the development of our own football academy and we're delighted to welcome him as part of the Melbourne Victory family.

"John will work solely with our kids, educating the 40-45 players aged between 15 and 19 who will form our National Premier League teams.

"Ultimately, we want these kids to be taught 'the Victory way' and progress to play senior football for the club.

"With John's playing and coaching experience, there are few better placed to be able educate our kids on the style and philosophy that Melbourne Victory aspires to."

Melbourne Victory will make its National Premier League debut on Saturday, March 7 against Dandenong City at Frank Holohan Soccer Complex in Endeavour Hills.