Record numbers attend Grassroots Coaching course

Over 300 interested participants took part in a memorable Grassroots Coaching Course that took shape at ELS Hall in North Ryde with both Gladesville Hornsby Football Association and North West Sydney Women’s Football joining forces in conducting the evening targeted at coaches of sides for Under 6 to 8’s.

It was a first ever alignment of courses for both associations as the night was truly unforgettable which also featured the elite North West Sydney Koalas teams training which further provided a perfect back drop on what was a great site for football aficionados.

A show of hands confirmed that over half of the attendees were first time coaches eager to learn from Football NSW Coach Education Manager Oscar Gonzalez, as he led the session with the emphasis on ‘so change it’, to give the aspiring coaches a framework to guide them through the coming season. 

The focus was on fun with Gonzalez giving both positive and negative role models of coaching behaviours to a few nervous laughs as some might have recognised their previous selves.

The special session built further on the Gladesville Hornsby Football Association Skill Training course from the previous week that had over 100 participants being rewarded for their commitment to being better coaches with the first dry night in weeks at Christie Park. 

By seasons end, another 300 coaches will have attended Gladesville Hornsby Football Association run courses building on the 500 plus that attended the community courses last season.

Gladesville Hornsby Football Association Coach Education Manager Bruce Hort was thankfully to a number of key personnel that made the night that more insightful and enjoyable.

“Thanks to all involved from both associations, host club Ryde Panthers and presenters on the night, Jack, Paul, Hugh, Andrew and new appointed former Socceroo Steve O’Connor and National Soccer League legend, Gerry Gomez.”