Football unites at Nepean
Football NSW, the Nepean Football Association and Hyundai A-League side the Western Sydney Wanderers all joined forces recently in conducting a special Grassroots Certificate Coaching Course held at Cook Park.
There were are a number of key learnings experienced throughout the Course as coaches were put through the concepts of discovering one’s possibilities through trial and error along with the natural development of learning football by playing football.
Fun football exercises were also the order of the day as well as replicating the street/park football environment of the past with a strong emphasis on building a love of the game being the major key talking point of the evening.
Football NSW Coach Education Manager Oscar Gonzalez was overwhelmed with the support the course received but was delighted with the support and unity both the Nepean Football Association and Western Sydney Wanderers displayed.
“The aim of the evening was to expose coaches who are more often than not parents, to the type of environment we believe is best for our kids.
“We suggested that for Under 5’s and Under 7’s training around 45 minutes and one game during the weekend is the maximum safe workload, while for Under 8’s and Under 9’s the length of the sessions can be increased to 60 minutes.
“Nepean FA have been fantastic with over 300 coaches attending Grassroots courses so far this year, with more in the pipeline, James (Rankine) is doing an amazing job.”
Rankine, Football Manager at the Nepean Football Association also stated his delight on the running of the evening and the magnificent support it received from all parties.
“Thanks again to Football NSW and Oscar for their support and encouragement toward our coaches.
“With our drive this year to have accredited coaches in the Under 5, 6 and 7’s, I have noticed at least 25% of attendees to these courses have NEVER played our game OR coached anything before, so it is crucial that we connect with them and help and support them.
“In previous years they would still have been coaching our kids without our support.
“The way the clubs have embraced the new idea of coach accreditation is a credit to them.
“We have done this in the best interests of our kids.”
Western Sydney Wanderers FC Community Manager Josh Hunter was thankful of being part of such a special evening.
“Thank you for having WSW present at the Grassroots Expo in one of our key Associations. “Also, I wanted to pass on our appreciation for the work Oscar is currently doing in this space.
“Well done on the great numbers and steps Nepean FA and Football NSW are taking to ensure our kids and coaches are receiving support that will lead to a lifelong love of football. “Looking forward to continuing to work together and grow programs in this space."
