Game Development Newsletter – September 2011 September 2011

All roads lead to Alice Springs ...... 1 Coach the Coach a Huge Success ...... 4 Cottee’s Schools 5‐a‐side Gala Days hit Regional NSW ...... 5 The Cottee’s effect – Growing the game ...... 6 Disability Football Awareness ...... 7 Football4All Gala Day a Success ...... 7 Newcastle Disability Football Program ...... 8 ’s Equal Footingball League looking forward to 2012 ...... 9 21st an Unmitigated Success ...... 10 Northern NSW Football – Valuing our Volunteers ...... 11 Football West’s Referee’s Seminar a Great Success ...... 12 National Coaching Network Update ...... 12

ALL ROADS LEAD TO ALICE SPRINGS By Matt Bulkeley, Head of Game Development and Vito Basile, National Participation Manager, Football Federation

It has been an extremely busy and productive period for the development of Indigenous football over recent months culminating in two fantastic events recently held in Alice Springs. Much progress has been made both in a planning sense but also in terms of the momentum that has been made through the delivery of some substantial and meaningful activities.

INDIGENOUS STRATEGIC PLANNING FORUM

In late May 2011, two of the most decorated Indigenous footballers in Australian sporting history joined key stakeholders at Football Federation Australia’s Indigenous Strategic Planning Forum in . John Moriarty, the first ever Indigenous footballer to be selected to represent Australia, and Harry Williams, the first ever Indigenous player to compete at the FIFA World Cup (West , 1974), were among a select group including Warren Mundine, a former national President of Labor Party and an FFA Indigenous Ambassador, and Indigenous mentors Lachlan Wright (Captain Qantas Futsalroos), David Williams (Qantas Socceroos) and (Westfield Matildas).

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Also in attendance were Tanya Oxtoby (Captain Glory Westfield W‐League team), John Meers (CEO Football Federation Northern Territory), Greg Griffin (Chairman of United FC), Andrew Penfold (Australian Indigenous Education Foundation) and leading football broadcasters Andy Harper and .

The forum started with a report on two exciting scholarship programs involving Indigenous school aged children. The first being the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation where 25 boarding schools take in 300 Indigenous students each year across Australia and the other was a specific football program called the ‘Footprints Football Program’ focusing on Indigenous kids attending boarding schools in the Northern Territory.

This was followed by presentations and discussions relating to the vision for Indigenous football, in particular the work that is being done by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR), the Australian Sports Commission, the NT Government, Football Federation Victoria, Football Federation Northern Territory and FICA (Football in Central Australia).

The identification of key areas together with their associated strategies and activities were the agenda of day two and the three key focus areas within the new Strategy which will result from the forum are:

• Increasing participation in football in Indigenous communities • Using football as a vehicle for social development in Indigenous communities • Identifying and developing more talented Indigenous footballers

INDIGENOUS FOOTBALL FESTIVAL 2011 FFA were delighted to recently present the second ‘Indigenous Football Festival’, held in Alice Springs, Northern Territory, between July 6th‐ 8th. The festival catered for over 160 Indigenous players from regions across Australia. In the boys division, teams were represented from Perth, Adelaide, Alice Springs, Darwin, Borroloola and Sydney. While in the girls category, players were selected from areas including , Sydney, Moree, , Adelaide and Borroloola. Players were selected based on their previous or future involvement in the ‘No School – No Play’ Indigenous Football Development Program implemented by FFA and delivered by each Member Federation.

In 2011, the festival adopted a ‘participation’ focus, with each team playing five ‘non‐competitive’ games in a round robin format (no emphasis on winners, scores or records kept), with the intentions of providing players a fun and enjoyable first time football experience which would lead into mainstream club football.

Not only did the festival provide players with the opportunity to participate in a non‐competitive football ‘carnival’ style event, important educational messages were also delivered to all participants. Current Hyundai A‐League Melbourne Heart and capped Socceroo ‐ David Williams, together with Westfield W‐ League Adelaide United player Ruth Wallace, presented to both male and female participants, sharing their life and playing experiences with the captive audience, emphasizing the importance commitment and dedication, combined with a healthy balanced lifestyle can have in contributing to a long and successful 2 Game Development Newsletter – September 2011

career. Both David and Ruth also spoke of and highlighted the effects drugs and alcohol could have on an individual’s life and the limits it may have on ones career. All festival participants also visited Desert Park (a local cultural experience) and engaged with the local drumming group ‘Drum Atweme’, at the local youth centre.

FIFA GRASSROOTS COACHING COURSE

Football coaches from all around Australia descended upon Alice Springs again in early August 2011 thanks to the support of FIFA, with the staging of the first ever FIFA Grassroots Coaching Course to be held in this country. A total of 21 participants, representing all of FFA’s Member Federations, including current Westfield Matilda – , took part in the three day course delivered by highly experienced and accredited German FIFA Instructor, Mr Horst Kriete. All the course candidates currently work within Indigenous communities and regions, or are of Indigenous heritage.

The course was aimed at equipping participants with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to work with young players, and importantly, also focused on the effective organisation and delivery of grassroots football festivals. The trained participants will now be able to deliver football festivals locally, which will also assist in the ongoing Indigenous development work carried out across Australia by FFA and its Member Federation.

The intended outcomes of the FIFA Indigenous Grassroots Course include:

• The ability to conduct regular grassroots football festivals nationally by FIFA trained grassroots educators. • Creating an awareness of and ‘passion’ for the game, especially for grassroots football participants, their families and surrounding communities. • Linking local players to mainstream club football. • Being able to deliver the game at grassroots levels to both metropolitan and regional areas of Australia, especially Indigenous communities.

The practical component of the course included hosting two grassroots football festivals. A ‘mini’ festival consisting of approximately 50 children aged between 8‐12 years was staged on Thursday, while the ‘Friday Football Festival’ catered for 120 children from local and surrounding schools.

NEXT STEPS FFA will shortly be appointing a National Indigenous Football Development Coordinator who will support the completion of the National Strategy and begin to lead the delivery of further activities within this important area of Game Development. The next major event in the calendar is a ‘State Festival’ being organised by Football Federation Victoria in November and the No School No Play program will continue throughout the remainder of the school year.

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COACH THE COACH A HUGE SUCCESS By John Mundy, Game Development Manager, Football Federation

Melbourne Heart Youth League coach and Socceroo on board information from different sources legend headlined Football Federation around the world and never hesitate to ask for help SA’s Coach the Coach evening held at the Westpac if needed." Centre on Monday night, July 25. More than 80 people attended the free information session with Trimboli's transition has not been so smooth with the event exploring the transition from player to Campbelltown battling relegation in the Devine coach. Super League this season.

Aloisi provided an hour‐long presentation including "I think I was able to offer an insight into the a practical session with the help of 10 young mental stresses of coaching and it was a good volunteers from MetroStars and spoke about his complement to John's presentation as well," he philosophy on football from the Grassroots said. upwards. "I think for ex‐players like a former team‐mate of Current Campbelltown City player‐coach Jason mine Robbie Saraceno from White City, it was a Trimboli was also a guest speaker and discussed his good event and highly beneficial. I'm sure for those own transition from player to coach. guys looking to take the next step they would have definitely got something out of it." Former FIFA referee and current FFSA Referee Head Coach Craig Zetter completed the presentations talking about his transition from player to match official.

FFSA Game Development Manager John Mundy was delighted with the event and thanked everyone involved. "The FFSA were privileged to host this event and would like to thank John, Jason and Craig for their excellent presentations," he said.

"We'd also like to thank Melbourne Heart and Westpac for their support and we will look to continue running Coach’s nights such as this event, Former Adelaide United striker Cristiano as the feedback has been very positive”. acknowledged the evening was important for him as he begins his coaching career. Cristiano is Mundy praised all three presenters who were able enjoying a stint playing with White City in the to offer insight into their various transitions. "Aloisi Devine while also coaching juniors is showing all the qualities of going on to become at the club. one of Australia’s top coaches and could eventually be the National Coach," he said. "I think it was very good for me because I am beginning coaching," he said. “Some of the "There is also a lot to admire in Trimboli, in his exercises John showed us were excellent and I think humble but passionate approach, this rookie coach could help improve football in Australia. I who lives and breathes the game. He has a great remember these exercises from when I was in future ahead of him. Both John and Jason Holland as a 15 year‐old and I think coaches really emphasised the need to be open minded and take learnt a lot from the presentation." 4 Game Development Newsletter – September 2011

Noarlunga United coach Brenton Hiern also think the more the referees are out there the more applauded the event. "We need to do more of respect they'll get and the more beneficial it will be these sessions," he said. for everyone."

"It's definitely a positive and the presentations "The facilities were very good and the whole thing were great. John was really professional and was very positive." informative and Jason was very honest and I think the younger coaches needed to hear that about his transition. Craig's talk was also important and I

COTTEE’S SCHOOLS 5-A-SIDE GALA DAYS HIT REGIONAL NSW By Matt Sheppard, Game Development Coordinator, Projects & Events, Football Federation Australia

Football Federation Australia (FFA) will soon be visiting a town near you if you are living in regional NSW.

FFA has eight regional Cottee’s Schools 5‐a‐Side gala days planned in the next two months and are looking for local primary schools to participate. Each day can cater for up to eight primary schools, with schools able to register as many or as few teams as possible.

FFA’s National Participation Manager Vito Basile encourages all schools to get on board. “The Cottee’s Schools 5‐a‐side gala days are purely focused on fun and participation for school children, regardless of football ability. I strongly encourage all schools to become involved, even if this provides students their first football playing opportunity. No scores are recorded which takes away the pressure situations created by winning and losing, providing an ideal environment for students inexperienced in football”.

Over 11,000 students across Australia have previously participated in Cottee’s Schools 5‐a‐side gala days in 2011, with a large percentage of students having experienced football matches for the first time. The structure of the days has been altered from the usual mandatory three teams per school, to schools being able to ‘pick and choose’ which teams they can nominate.

“Catering for the needs of small regional townships, schools may not be able to register the usual full complement of 24 children required to participate in an event, therefore, FFA have allowed schools to nominate teams based on their student populations. This will ensure all gala days go ahead as planned and provide more children opportunities to experience football.” To become involved in the Cottee’s Schools 5‐a‐side program, notify your school or teacher of the day nearest to you and request they contact Football Federation Australia for further information.

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Details of the scheduled regional NSW events are as follows:

Friday 2nd September Parkes Thursday 15th September South Nowra Friday 16th September Warilla Tuesday 20th September Moss Vale

Click on the link below to witness the fun and excitement of participating in a Cottee’s Schools 5‐a‐ Side gala day: http://www.cottees.com.au/football/about

For more information relating to the Cottee’s Schools 5‐a‐side gala days, please contact Matt Sheppard on 02 8020 4064 or [email protected]

THE COTTEE’S EFFECT - GROWING THE GAME By Anthony Alexander, Southern Development Officer, Football Federation Tasmania

Earlier this year Football Federation Tasmania staged a Cottee’s 5 a side gala day in one of the more remote communities of the island. The gala day consisted of four primary schools from the upper Derwent Valley and Central Highlands. The Cottee’s day enabled 180 children to participate in an organised sport, which is a rarity within their community.

Prior to the Cottee’s day, Football Federation Tasmania had sent one of their development officers into the region to run school clinics for each of the four schools. These clinics informed the students and prepared them for the gala day.

Overall the gala day was a huge success within the communities and left the students within this remote area wanting more. Since the Cottee’s 5 a side gala day there has been a drive for the community to undertake and organise a four week Sunday roster in October 2011. With some organised locals putting together a successful grant application and full support from Football Federation Tasmania and the Northern Suburbs Junior Soccer Association the four week Sunday roster will come into fruition this October.

This will be the first time football will enter a roster within this region of Tasmania…….and it all started with a Cottee’s day.

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DISABILITY FOOTBALL AWARENESS

As a sport, Football Federation Australia (FFA) Within the framework of FFA’s National Game values inclusion, fairness, excellence and fun. Development Strategy, FFA will help promote These values apply across all levels of the game – positive and informed attitudes towards people regardless of age, gender, race or ability, from with disabilities and encourage and assist staff junior clubs through to the elite levels of the and volunteers to develop skills and facilities to sport. meet the needs of people with disabilities within available resources. FFA strongly supports the right of people with disabilities to participate in football as players, Through ‘Disability Football Development’, FFA coaches, referees or administrators. FFA is and its Member Federations (including committed to developing an environment where associations, zones and clubs) will ensure that accessibility and diversity are valued and people with disabilities have the opportunity to nurtured amongst our community. become involved in, and experience the fun and excitement of the most popular game in the world ‐ Football.

FOOTBALL4ALL GALA DAY A SUCCESS! Article written by Football NSW

Over 220 participants from 15 clubs across NSW and Victoria partook in the third annual Football4all Gala Day on Sunday 19th of June at Valentine Sports Park, Glenwood.

A Football NSW initiative introduced in 2009, Football4all gives people with a disability or special need an avenue to enjoy a wonderful day of football with family and friends, at no expense.

It was a carnival like atmosphere as competitors from various age groups took part in multiple competition free matches.

Teams such as Just for Kicks (Victoria), Special Olympics (Hills, Upper North Shore Indoor, Sydney South, Blue Mountains, Country NSW), ESFA White Knights (Eastern Suburbs), Freeman Socca Kids (Abbotsbury), WPH Cherrybrook, Blue Kangaroos Hazelbrook, Disability Trust – White Knights (Illawarra) and Nepean Dragons all participated in the 2011 Football4all Gala Day.

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Special guests from the Central Coast Mariners; Trent Sainsbury, John Hutchinson, Michael McGlinchey, Mathew Ryan, Bernie Ibini‐Isei and , were on hand to sign autographs and interact with Football4all participants and their families and friends.

The event again attracted significant media presence with and SBS on site shooting the day’s proceedings. The continual growth of the Football4all tournament solidifies Football NSW commitment to special needs football. This commitment was reaffirmed by Football NSW CEO Eddie Moore.

“Football NSW is committed to supporting the right of people with disabilities to participate in football as players, coaches, referees or administrators and we are committed to developing an environment where accessibility and diversity are valued and nurtured.

“Football4all has now been running for three years and is going from strength to strength, I want to congratulate everyone who participated in the event and of course thank all the volunteers and staff who made this event possible.

“Football4all is a fantastic initiative which Football NSW will continue to grow and develop for years to come.”

Football NSW Risk Manager and State MPO Michelle Hanley was delighted with the day’s proceedings which brought much joy to the many involved.

“It brought a smile to my face to have seen so many happy participants take part.”

NEWCASTLE DISABILITY FOOTBALL PROGRAM

By Kean Marshall, Regional Participation Manager, Football Federation Australia

Northern NSW Football recently commenced a With a varying range of abilities in attendance, regular football program catering for people with results become a secondary objective as disabilities. Disability services across the participation is the main focus. With the support Newcastle region have entered teams to from both FFA and Northern NSW Football, the participate in regular football activity once a vision is that opportunities for participants will month and are very excited to become part of continue to be expanded throughout NNSW. the football family. This opportunity has enabled participants to become part of a team, some for These events have been taking place once a the first time and enjoy the benefits of what month in the Newcastle area and will continue football can offer not only on the field but off it until the end of the year. If you would like your as well. disability service to be part of the football family contact [email protected]

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FOOTBALL WEST’S EQUAL FOOTINGBALL LEAGUE LOOKING FORWARD TO 2012

By Rechelle Hawkes, General Manager ‐ Football, Football West

This inclusive present five of the players with To find out more about other football competition which physical disabilities are also programs please contact your local kicked off for the undergoing high performance Member Federation or one of the following: first time in 2011 is a development in the WA Paralympic step in Football Football Program and 10 players

West’s participation have been fed into the Special Pamela Tindall and development pathways aimed Olympics stream. Football Gympie Inc. at providing opportunities for young [email protected] PO Box 234 Gympie 4570 people graduating out of small sided Currently the participants are completing feedback forms so P: 07 54821801 F: 07 54837224 football age categories for whom M: 0400 421 801 Football West can assess key parts having to play on a full‐size pitch Tim Sheridan would preclude them from playing. of the program and preparations are underway for a big end of season Maroochydore Football Club [email protected] At the halfway point of the final day to celebrate where the M: 0407767260 inaugural competition season, 17 league has gotten to from being Jeff Stewart teenage players with physical and perceived as an unlikely aspiration Special Olympics, Brisbane North Region (on intellectual disabilities have joined nine months ago to now being in a behalf of the The Gap Football Club) the league at three participating position to expand to more players Coach and Sports Coordinator clubs (Cockburn City SC, Tuart Hill and areas in 2012. [email protected] M: 0403 682 312 JSC and Western Knights SC) and play and train in an inclusive club VICTORIA environment. Beyond expectations, Brian Paterson Football West has been approached Barnstoneworth United F.C. by three other clubs; one looking to Melbourne host matches and the other two Football4Fun Program (for primary aged children with disabilities) wanting to enter teams of their brianpat@jobs‐west.com.au own! M: 0409 179 884

On 16 July the teams had their first Steve Colelough exhibition match day in the middle North City Lions SC Glenroy of the school holidays where two Goals For Kids Program teams of players played curtain‐ [email protected] raiser during the pre‐game and half FFA have recently M: 0417 012 189 time intervals to a packed Cockburn conducted a NSW City home crowd as they played ‘National Disability against Western Knights SC in the Club Audit’, many Paul Phelan West Pymble F.C. Allflags State League. Two other Member Federations, [email protected] days are being lined associations, clubs M: 0404 810 038 up with friendly state league clubs and zones provided an insight to the Sharon Slender following the success and wonderful work currently taking Nepean Soccer Dragons enjoyment of this event. place to develop and provide M: 0438 742 534 opportunities for people with a One of the key aims of the Equal disability. Whether integrated into Footingball League is to operate as a mainstream football, or specially Sam Yarnold North Canberra Fustal small‐sided format priming players designed modified programs, for the pathways of Paralympic, [email protected] numerous opportunities currently M: 0419 093 765 Special Olympics and AUSRAPID exist for football disability representative opportunities. At participation. 9 Game Development Newsletter – September 2011

21st KANGA CUP AN UNMITIGATED SUCCESS

By Russ Gibbs,

The 21st Kanga Cup, held in Canberra from the 10th‐15th July 2011, attracted a record number of teams to the tournament with 231 entrants descending on the Capital City in an attempt to prove that they were the best team in the land in their particular age group. As usual there were teams from around Australia, and the entry list even extended as far as Asia with four teams making the trip overseas, two from the Republic of Korea and one each from Malaysia and the Philippines.

Included amongst this number was PoCheolDong PS, the youth feeder team to the ultra‐successful and former AFC Champions League winners and SinGok PS, regular visitors to the kanga Cup with this being their sixth entry. Both teams lit up the tournament on the field, claiming their age titles despite playing above their age‐range, and did the same off the field thanks to their liaison with host clubs Monaro Panthers and Gungahlin United respectively.

There were titles for Tasmania and Queensland to celebrate also at the end of the week with Tilford Zebras from Hobart winning the Boy’s under‐13 plate in an epic 4‐3 win over Mindil Aces, the first team to enter from the Northern Territory, joining Northern Tasmania who won the Girl’s’ under‐16 Cup with a 5‐4 win on penalties against Canberra Olympic (ACT) after the match had ended all square at 2‐2. From the sunshine state Whitsunday JSA took out the Boy’s under‐14 plate seeing off their NSW rivals Highlands FC 4‐1 in a cracking Grand Final.

As usual there was a splattering of winners from inside the boundaries of the Australian Capital Territory itself with congratulations being merited to seven local sides namely, Belsouth Fury (Boy’s under‐10 Plate), Belnorth (Girl’s under10/11 Cup), Majura Dodgers (Boy’s under‐12 Plate), Majura Mini Matildas (Girl’s under‐12 Cup), Belconnen United (Boy’s under‐15 Plate), Canberra City (Boy’s under‐16 Cup) and Gungahlin Suns (Girl’s under‐18 Cup).

The remaining ten titles all went North of the border to some outstanding teams from including West Pymble Eagles (Boy’s under‐10 Cup), Fairfield Hotspurs (who did the double of Boy’s under‐ 11 Cup and Boy’s under‐14 Cup), the Bangalow Bluedogs (Boy’s under15 Cup) and Colo Cougars (who mirrored Fairfield in claiming two crowns in the Boy’s under‐18 Cup and Girl’s under‐14/15 Cup). Regional NSW was well‐represented throughout the week and when Devils kept their nerve to win a heart‐ stopping penalty shoot‐out against Northbridge FC in the Boy’s under‐11 Plate they also had a trophy to take home.

Outside of the football there were, of course, plenty of other attractions to keep the participants happy. Visits to many of Canberra’s World‐Class tourist attractions, including the Australian War Memorial and Questacon, invigorated the minds of player’s when their bodies were in need of rest and a trip to the Cinema, courtesy of discounted tickets from, Dendy, was well received. It wasn’t just the youngsters who had other things to occupy their mind with a Coaching Seminar on a cold Wednesday evenings enticing over 100 coaches from the participating teams to brave the freezing weather and watch a demonstration of finishing drills put on by Capital Football’s technical Department alongside the coaching staff from Hyundai A‐League Grand Finalists Central Coast Mariners. 10 Game Development Newsletter – September 2011

The Mariners were in town as part of their build‐up to the new Hyundai A‐League season and played pre‐ season friendly matches against local Rock Premier League sides Belconnen United and Canberra FC with admission free for all Kanga Cup participants. The Mariners also attended a ‘Meet and Greet’ with the young Kanga Cup teams at the University of Canberra Hub, from where tournament merchandise could be purchased, and Kaleen Playing Fields. Signing autographs, giving away free posters and posing for photographs was certainly an extra treat for these football‐mad youngsters!

Of course an event such as this couldn’t go ahead without the valued support of the tournament sponsors, the exceptional work of the organising committee led by Tournament Director Adam Castle, the volunteers who gave up their time to help out around the grounds and the parents and managers of all teams who made dreams come true for thousands of budding footballers in a wonderful week of fun and friendship. After all, that’s what the Kanga Cup has always been about.

NORTHERN NSW FOOTBALL – VALUING OUR VOLUNTEERS

By Gary Fisher, Club Development Officer, Northern NSW Football

Northern NSW Football this year upon their club and on the game operators, Fund Raising Co‐ introduced a “Volunteer of the of football as a whole. Ordinators, Canteen personnel, Month” program that on a Grounds people, Publicity monthly basis over the course of These worthy recipients are then Officer’s, Registrar’s, Secretaries, the season April to September, rewarded with a Northern NSW Treasurers, Presidents, Coaches, recognises outstanding Football Volunteer’s Jacket, a Managers, Gala/Club Day volunteers from each of our Certificate outlining their Convenors and Referee Co‐ seven zones. The volunteers are achievements and a $50 Gift Ordinators. At the end of the nominated by their club’s or card. Together with this we year we will choose a Volunteer zones each month with the zone acknowledge their efforts with of the Year that will be further winner’s being decided by the an article about each of them on recognised for their outstanding nature of their volunteer work, our website each month. The achievements to their club & the the amount of time the program has seen volunteers in game. volunteer is contributing and the an array of capacities win the impact that their efforts have monthly award from BBQ

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FOOTBALL WEST’S REFEREES SEMINAR A GREAT SUCCESS

By Richard Beazley, Game Development Coordinator – Volunteer, Coach and Referee Accreditation, Football Federation Australia

Football West, in conjunction with The FA (), hosted an elite referee workshop in Perth on 29th to 31st July. The presenter was Ian Blanchard, Senior National Game Referee Manager at The FA, who attended as a guest of Football West and the Western Australian Department of Sport and Recreation.

Over 20 referees and assessors from , Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth were involved in the 3‐day workshop. Attendees included Hyundai A‐League officials, including referee Chris Beath as well as a number of National Youth League officials.

Sessions included positioning & movement, match & situation management techniques, extensive match analysis and group discussions.

The sessions were well presented and Ian has a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the game. It is a shame that more referees didn’t take up the invitation to attend. Football West is keen to stage this type of workshop on a regular basis and FFA will certainly work with them to make this possibility a reality.

NATIONAL COACHING NETWORK UPDATE

By Norm Boardman, National Community Coach Education Manager, Football Federation Australia

The FFA vision of each club or small clusters of clubs throughout the nation having a Coaching Coordinator is starting to take shape with a number of Associations/Zones taking the initiative and putting the system in place. For example Sutherland in Sydney, who have around 18,000 registered players, are leading the way with all but two of their clubs appointing a Coaching Coordinator/Technical Director. This has been a huge boost for the young players in the area due to the fact that each one of these clubs have conducted their own grassroots football coaching course which means that the kids are getting looked after by qualified coaches who have been instructed on how to coach kids. We are currently in the process of reviewing the Community courses for both outfield and Goalkeeping and have been gathering information from the Member Federations in an effort to continually improve what we do in Community Coach Education.

FFA EXTENDS MEMBERSHIPS FOR S2S

In fantastic news for all currently accredited coaches, Football Federation Australia has extended its offer of free membership to s2s, an exciting online coaching tool which boasts an extensive (over 1600) library of practices where one can download readymade age appropriate practices or simply create your own.

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For those coaches who will be attending courses in future, once you enroll and pay for a coaching course, the S2S membership and log in details are sent out by the Member Federation and the coach can start to use the tool immediately.

COMMUNITY FUTSAL COURSES

Following an extensive review of Futsal coaching, the FFA recently conducted a Futsal Community Coaching workshop on the weekend of the 26 – 28 August in Sydney. Each Member Federation was represented by at least one person to gain a qualification which will allow them to present the course to others in a similar manner as what is done with all our coach education courses. The new courses have been tailored to suit the community coach through an entry level (Certificate) course which is three hours and covers basic techniques and the License level course which is a day long course and deals with more tactical approaches.

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CONTACTS

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Produced by Lisa Gatt, Technical Department Coordinator