The most essential part of self-development and improving yourself as a coach is to absorb as much information as possible.
What is your favourite team and who is your favourite player?
My favourite football club is Manchester United and my favourite Footballer is Lionel Messi.
Tell us about your journey within football and what initially got you involved in coaching.
My first experience of coaching came when I was 14 for Coerver Coaching in Griffith, NSW. This sparked an obvious interest where I then went on to coach an Under 11 team. After this, I went on to coach all through my teens for Riverina Rhinos in Sydney’s Regional Premier League and in the Canberra NPL. After finishing school, I moved to Sydney for University and found a home at Northern Tigers and am thoroughly enjoying my experiences there as a SAP and Youth Coach.
Who’s been your biggest influence within football coaching – and why?
I have been surrounded by a family of coaches, particularly my dad who shared my football journey with me. I have always wanted to follow his footsteps and learn from his teachings both as a player and football coach.
Why do you coach with XLR8 and what do you love most about coaching?
XLR8 is a fantastic initiative with a well-educated and performing team, this persuaded me to join the cause and give back to the community. I love extending knowledge onto players at a lower level and watching them grow and through working with XLR8 I was able to fulfill this dream. Working alongside coaches with various skill levels, backgrounds and philosophies only improves me as a person and as a Coach.
Describe a moment that has challenged you as a coach, and how did you overcome it?
The most challenging part of my journey was moving from a country town where we could only get 16 kids available for rep teams, to walking into an NPL club in Sydney who have a larger player pool with numbers exceeding 60 players per age group. This adjustment at the beginning was difficult but it makes football extremely more exciting and helps drive my passion for the game. It also taught me to be more persistent and patient as a coach. Now I love the competition for positions and being part of the journey for many young footballers.
What would be your advice to coaches and players that strive to improve themselves?
The most essential part of self-development and improving yourself as a coach is to absorb as much information as possible, listen to other ideas, watch as much football as you can and take things away that you can use now and in the future. You can never know everything about football especially, therefore for me it’s critical to have targets to reach and things to look forward to.
In one word describe, your role as a coach.
Mentor.