Central Coast Academy in full swing
Tony has experienced the highs and lows of coaching and is now seeking to draw on his experience to help make the Central Coast Academy a success.
Tony, you opened the Central Coast Academy a few weeks ago. Can you tell us a bit about your background as a player and as a coach?
I?ve been coaching for a long time now, arriving in Australia in 1988 and my coaching highlights include managing the Manchester United Development Partnership for Oceania, working with various state institute programs and my current role with the Mariners in charge of development and Head Coach of the National Youth League program. Every step of the way has been enjoyable and for me that is the key ? not looking too far ahead and staying in the moment. As a player I played state Premier League and representative football, but still have fond memories of playing against Manchester United as a youth player in the early eighties.
Why have you decided to open the Central Coast Academy?
The Academy is a joint venture between the Central Coast Mariners FC and Central Coast Football. As Development Manager it forms a key part of my strategy for a coordinated approach to development and my primary role is to establish a communication and education platform to help our coaches develop a strong methodology for what are very demanding roles. Working in the Hyundai A-League is the pinnacle in Australia and to be able to push downwards to harness elite youth, as we have within the community, is a wonderful opportunity.
What areas do you look for when selecting players to be a part of the Central Coast Academy?
Football gives us all the answers we need when looking for players. The game tells us everything we need to know about the qualities required for each position so it?s important that coaches responsible for making selections have the right amount of knowledge for such a big responsibility. My own philosophy fits well within the National Curriculum in terms of player development and the football intelligence of a player and the decision-making attributes are a priority for me.
How are Central Coast Mariners involved in the program?
The Central Coast Mariners have full responsibility for the coaching program. We have undertaken a significant shift in philosophy and methodology to ensure local players have the best chance possible of making it to the Hyundai A-League or Westfield Women?s League teams of the future. It is important for us as a club to take responsibility for the development of young players.
What do you think players will take out of the Central Coast Academy program into the future?
They have to enjoy their football. As I said before, staying in the moment is vital and our coaches are charged with setting high standards that will serve our young players well in the future, both on and off the field. Not everyone will make it; in fact, only a very small percentage will go all the way, so creating a player-centred environment that supports players to become the best player and person they can be should be our focus.
How does your coaching/playing experience help you coach these academy players?
I have had many great experiences in the game, learning from the likes of Raul Blanco, Tom Sermanni, Ron Smith, David Lee and more recently Lawrie McKinna and Graham Arnold at the Mariners. Working with professional players every day keeps me in tune with the demands of the modern game, but coaching is about helping others to be successful. I know what is required at the top level and I understand the level of support players need to achieve their goals and being able to communicate clearly is the key. I insist all youth coaches must put their egos aside in order to find a way to get the best out of all their players.
Finally, how do you see the Central Coast Academy program as a development pathway for young players?
There is no doubt with the building of our Centre of Excellence facility at Tuggerah and the launch of the CCM Academy this year that the club is in a unique position within the A-League. Player development is a long-term proposition and a big responsibility for coaches at all levels and it is a good time to be at the coal face of these developments. The opportunity for local players is better than it has ever been before; the challenge is to ensure the high expectations of everybody involved are matched by the hard work required to succeed.
-By Steven Nguyen
