Tell us about your journey within football and how you initially got into coaching?I was born into a big footballing family, so I would be taken down to the park from birth to kick a ball around and practice my skills. Eventually, this wasn’t enough and my parents registered me for Kissing Point when I…
Tell us about your journey within football and how you initially got into coaching?
I was born into a big footballing family, so I would be taken down to the park from birth to kick a ball around and practice my skills. Eventually, this wasn’t enough and my parents registered me for Kissing Point when I started preschool. I played juniors in the NSFA comps and youth in representative AYL and NPL teams for a few years and have now returned to the Kisso prems squad where I play throughout the season.
I began coaching as a part time job when I was 16 after deciding refereeing was not going to be of much interest to me and took on an U11s team. My first season was enjoyable and inspired me to complete my badges and after which I was invited to coach with XLR8 which I have been doing ever since. I’ve been involved with numerous skills and holiday clinics, development programs and this year coach two JDL1 teams at Kissing Point.
What is your favourite team and who is your favourite player?
My favourite team is Liverpool FC, as a baby it was decided that’s who I would support and I couldn’t think of anything better. I fell in love with the club as kid while watching Steven Gerrard play and trying to recreate what he did in the back garden or down the local park. For me, he will always be the best.
Who’s been your biggest influence within football (as a coach or a player)?
My biggest influence within the game as both a coach and a player has probably been my dad. The effort and sacrifices he made taking me to trainings and games when I was younger enabled me to enjoy playing at a high level and develop as a player. As a coach he’s still very supportive and always ready to offer advice when I have an issue or just want to talk about different ways of seeing the game.
What do you love most about coaching and why do you coach with XLR8?
The reward from seeing a player and team develop and put the processes from the training pitch into a game is an incredible experience when it all comes together. The positive influence you can have on a players advancement is powerful when done right and the opportunities are endless with a little bit of effort.
Describe a moment that has challenged you as a coach and how did you overcome it?
Taking on a team an U15s super league team as a 17-year-old was a nerve wracking experience as there wasn’t that much difference in age between me and the players. Just being prepared, enthusiastic and patient was the key to build up some rapport with the players and my confidence grew with every training session until we were all on the same page working for the same goal.
What advice would you give to someone to improve as a coach or as a player?
As a player, constantly seek improvement. You will never be perfect, but you can work hard to get pretty close. Enjoy every moment you spend on the pitch because you could be doing something more boring like homework! As a coach, just believe in yourself and put in the hours to become as knowledgeable as you can. Be patient with yourself and others and take every experience as a lesson for the future.
In one word, describe your role as a coach.
Encourager