Coach Deblaere missing his football
Chris Deblaere, Lindfield FC’s Head of Coaching and Player Development has understood firsthand how much COVID-19 has affected the Northern Suburbs Football Association based club.
On a personal level, Deblaere, who also holds a position as Lindfield FC Senior Men’s Head Coach as well as assisting Joe Haywood with National Premier Leagues outfit North Shore Mariners, has temporarily seen his beloved passion for coaching taken away from him like so many others until an update was announced by the 31st of May – fortunately for the 22-year-old he’s been able to continue on with his strategic work at Lindfield FC.
“It has been tough not being around football in what was a day to day job for me but I feel happy to still be doing my football duties at Lindfield FC during the break concentrating on strategic planning for the club.
“As a grassroots club we are using this time to continue to grow and develop our current membership base.
“Personally, the virus has been a big impact on the season with the North Shore Mariners senior team.
“Being back with the club in a new role as Joe’s assistant coach, it was a very exciting opportunity that has been put on hold for now.
“I think for a lot of coaches like myself, this impacts a lot with the playing group not being together for several months.
“I’m staying positive and excited for football to return in the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition and Northern Suburbs FA so we can continue what is an exciting year for the club and the Community in the North Shore.”
The former North Shore Mariners and Manly United player has kept the players busy via special player programs assisting in preserving their fitness and skill levels during this self-isolation period.
“All the players whether they’re at NPL or grassroots levels have a home training program that hopefully they are adhering to.
“There’s a fair bit of spare time for the players now so I hope at all levels they are keeping themselves in good shape with the assistance and aid of these programs.”
Currently in his final stages of completing his ‘B’ Coaching Licence, Deblaere has continued to play an important role in the fight against COVID-19 helping out in disability care with the very vulnerable.
“Since the break I have been helping in disability care while I am not on the park.
“This has been great for me, staying busy but more importantly trying to lend a hand in an area which needs a lot of attention while people are at major risk of this virus.
“It’s very rewarding but has been very different swapping boots for scrubs each day.”
Football quite simply is Deblaere’s life and the young aspiring coach hopes that we as community follow all the restrictions put in place in getting back to enjoying what is the best sport in the world.
“We all have to do our part.
“Continue to follow the restrictions and do our best to be back on our feet as soon as possible.
“Keeping our loved ones safe and healthy is the most important thing through this time.
“What I miss the most is being in and around the boys each night.
“I spend half the week with the North Shore Mariners and the other days with the Lindfield FC Premier League men’s team.
“Both great groups of boys who I love being around each week.
“I can’t wait for the season to hopefully return and get back to doing what I love.”
Deblaere shown with his Lindfield FC side
