Western Sydney Uni students partake in Skills Training Coaching Certificate

Third year students from Western Sydney University recently took part in a Skills Training Coaching Certificate conducted by Football NSW Community Coach Education Manager Oscar Gonzalez and Nepean Football Manager James Rankine.

The course was conducted as part of their Coaching Sports and Recreation Activities and Applied Exercise Science for Personal Trainers and Coaching Degrees.

This fruitful partnership has seen Western Sydney University, Football NSW, Nepean Football Association and Football United all unite in further educating and promoting the world game.

Students took a number of key learnings in what was a very insightful day where they were all able to identify and demonstrate the four core skills and the three components of a training session as well as the ‘Change It’ philosophy of game sense approach to teaching.

Along with their new skills sets, students are also required to undertake community volunteer hours which will only further benefit the football community.

Not only are these students receiving a nationally recognised qualification that they are able to take with them to Schools, they are also able to further instil their knowledge and support to local clubs.

These ways include coaching of MiniRoos teams, game leaders/referees, setting up and packing up fields for the day as well as being general helpers at clubs.

Gonzalez was only too appreciative of the contribution the students showed as well as promoting the fact that the partnership between Federation, Association and University would only strengthen the game.

“We are pleased that we are able to connect our member Association and a leading University for the benefit of students, players and clubs.

“This is a relationship we will foster with the drive and assistance of James (Rankine) to ensure it continues to grow long term.”

Rankine was also appreciative of the partnership and was looking forward to what lay ahead for the program.

“This has been a major factor on our involvement in this partnership.

“To be able to contribute to future teachers learning is great for our future in the game but the immediate hands on deck to our grassroots clubs is fantastic.

“To be able to tap into additional, highly motivated volunteers from outside the normal parent and family groups is awesome.”