Congratulations to the following coaches who have been named recipients of the Eastern Region Coaches Association’s Coach of the Month for April.
PICTURE: Boronia’s Matt Clark is April’s senior recipient.
Youth Coach of the Month – Damien Sadler (Bayswater)
Damien has overseen this current Bayswater under-13s group for several seasons and the development in skill and understanding of the game for many of the players over Damien’s tenure has been evident.
Damien’s communication to the playing group is clear and he can instil his coaching philosophies to the broader group with his exceptional communication skills.
The club and players were very happy Damien continued coaching this group. Generally speaking the junior coaching role at a community club is undertaken by a parent, given Damien is not a parent of the playing group it is further testament to his passion for coaching and development at community level and more specifically the Bayswater juniors.
Junior Coach of the Month – Sonia Buckley (Lysterfield)
Lysterfield under-9s are enjoying the guidance of Sonia Buckley who leads an environment of fun, learning and teamwork.
A key attribute to Sonia’s coaching is the way she communicates, she wants to help the team she is coaching to learn. Sonia’s philosophy isn’t one where the coach has all the answers, instead, she sees the coach as supporting the process of learning and having fun. Sonia has previous experience as an Auskick coach and is a shining example of the new wave of females coaching at community level.
Sonia values all the players and ensures that they feel that valued, both as players and young individuals. As a result, she receives the respect from parents and officials of the Lysterfield Football Club.
Senior Coach of the Month – Matthew Clark (Boronia)
Matthew Clark (pictured) is enjoying a perfect start to his coaching career at Boronia Football Club with an undefeated start to the season. Matthew brings a measured, honest and consistent communication style to the playing group at the Hawks, with the ability to always deliver honest and constructive feedback.
Matthew has already built strong relationships and cohesion between himself and the playing group at Boronia. After diverting from Wantirna South in 2017 and bringing his right-hand man, senior assistant, Steve Teakel across to the Hawks, this strong coaching team have ensured the senior list is playing a united brand of football with the buy-in from all players clear to see. Matthew demands a high level of responsibility and ownership amongst his playing group, the players are encouraged to own the outcome and drive each other towards success in 2018.
EASTERN OUTER
Auskick Coach of the Month – Dale Lapham (Mooroolbark)
Dale has a keen interest in seeing his preps’ further develop their football skills. Dale communicates effectively one on one with young children using multiple skill techniques as well as delivering clear and concise instruction to the group.
Dale has been a great soundboard for the other new coaches at Mooroolbark Auskick this year. Dale is mentoring our new coaches, helping build their confidence and skills that will benefit the Mooroolbark Auskick program for years to come.
Female Coach – Jess Grace (Mitcham) – Under-10 Girls
Jess is enthusiastic and is a great ambassador for girls football. She has run clinics at local primary schools, driving an increase in registrations from eight last year to 22 currently. The girls love having a young girl as a coach and she is an excellent role model and communicator.
Jess is highly respected around the club for the fact that at the age of 16 she has volunteered to coach and train a team of young girls. Parents love the way she interacts with the girls and have encouraged their friends to join.
Junior Coach– Mark Shalders (East Ringwood) Under-10s
Mark is an excellent junior coach. He has a wealth of knowledge and outstanding ability to communicate this to his players to help them develop their skills and read the play
The way Mark talks to boys, his patience and his encouragement is unsurpassed. As shown by the significant leaps in learning and game play we see the boys showing every week of the season.
Youth Coach – Dan McCall (Montrose) Under-17s
Dan is a master communicator he has the respect of all his peers with the way he approaches the game and the way he communicates with the boys. Dan is always well prepared for training sessions, ensuring that sessions include effective & engaging drills, enhance skill development, and the boys importantly have some fun.
The skill development of the boys has been clearly noticeable this year, resulting in some very solid on-field performances. I’m positive the players, parents and club officials respect and appreciate Dan’s football skills and knowledge, open communication style, enthusiasm and leadership.
