Female SAP players in safe hands under Rockall?s guidance

One coach in particular has provided staunch advise to budding female footballers wishing to take it to the next level being former Australian international Taryn Rockall who has been busily involved with the Skills Acquisition Program (SAP).
Taryn recently coached the NSW Metro side that won the 2012 Under 13 Girls FFA National Youth Championships. On top of the NYC win, numerous players from the NSW state teams also gained selection to the tournament?s all-star team.
SAP Writer Steven Nguyen interviewed Rockall and asked what her views on the successful Skills Acquisition Program were.

SN: Taryn, please tell us about your playing career so people can understand the experience you bring to you role.
TR: I played for a couple of teams during my time as a player obviously represented my country at Senior level as well as playing in the NSW Sapphires and Under 19 and 16s squad and had some time with the Arsenal Ladies side in the U.K.

SN: Recently you coached the Under 13 Metro NSW state team that won the 2012 FFA National Youth Championships, which is a great achievement. What attributes do you look for when selecting players to be a part of the SAP program?
TR: Players need to have a sound technical ability, as well as a general tactical understanding of the national system which is of course (1-4-3-3).

SN: What do you think players will take away from the SAP program for the future?
TR: SAP aims to develop the next generation of technically gifted Westfield Matildas. SAP is centred on being able to achieve best practice in providing an elite competition and training environment for future national team players.
SN: What are the main skills players learn when they are involved in the SAP program?
TR: SAP is there to deliver the best possible football education to the players in regards to technique, and the tactical, mental and physical aspects of the game.
SN: How does your playing experience help you in your SAP coaching role?
TR: My playing experience helps to teach the girls about the requirements of competing at the elite level, both on and off the field.
SN: Finally, we have seen that players from the SAP girls? program have excelled in their progression at elite youth level. Why should players join the Football NSW girls? SAP program?
TR: The Skill Acquisition Program (SAP) forms the basis of the National Football Curriculum and is the agreed Elite Development Pathway.