Brad Boardman wanting to follow in dad’s footsteps

They may be huge shoes to fill but former NPL NSW Men’s Player of the Year winner Brad Boardman wants to replicate the success his father Norm experienced during his time in the state’s top tier competitions as a coach.

“Stormin Norman” who has coached the likes of W-League side Western Sydney Wanderers, NPL NSW Women’s outfit Macarthur Rams as well as holding key coaching positions as Macarthur Football Association’s Technical Director and roles at the FFA and Football NSW has been seen as a mentor for son Brad who hopes he too can emulate his father’s success.

The former ace marksman who took out the coveted Gold Medal award playing with the Championship winning Sutherland Sharks outfit in 2009, has been busy running the show as head coach of Football South Coast’s Helensburgh Thistles in the region’s second tier competition.

Holding a special place for the Gerringong Breakers close to his heart, Boardman has been busy doing his bit in getting things ready with the hope of the season commencing shortly after this unexpected layoff due to the COVID-19 virus.

“I was playing for Gerringong in 2015,2016 who were my youth and young adult club before I made the move to the NPL in NSW.

“The Breakers (Gerringong) will always play a special part in my heart being my first love.

“But fortunately in 2017 I took the head coaching role at Helensburgh Thistles FC in the Illawarra District league and am still there as head coach – this has always been my path trying to replicate an incredible mentor ( Norm ) my dad.

“I am currently in my fourth year and have had the pleasure of coaching some incredibly talented players including Ex-Sutherland Sharks 18’s and 20’s player Jarrod Benham.

“The club and community of Helensburgh is unbelievable and I’m grateful for the opportunity they gave me.”

With football temporarily shutdown for the time being, Boardman stated that although he has missed his pad and pen coaching the squad, safety was the number one priority in the current climate.

“Personally, it has been challenging for all of us.

“I live and breathe football and what comes with it.

“The lads the banter and the feeling of joy when you walk out of the dressing room after a win.

“But I am grateful that myself and my family are safe during these unprecedented times.

“There are many people who aren’t so lucky so I need to think about that before complaining about the lockdown.”

Work wise, the 37-year-old has been one of the lucky ones as its been business as usual for the former Kiama High student.

“I am fortunate enough to work in civil construction and our projects have been still active and actually brought forward (due to lockdown) like Parramatta Light Rail and Sydney Metro.”

With the closure of gyms and the issue of having no club training, Boardman has been able to utilise his love and passion for the beach and surfing in keeping him in check with his fitness levels.

“I surf every chance I get which is amazing training both physically and mentally.

“I also grab a bag of balls and head across the park with the old man but other than that I keep mentally fit through meditation as well.”

Football is something that Boardman holds very close to his heart and his love for his playing squad has been evident in more ways than one.

“As I mentioned before, I miss my players and the whole feeling of being part of something.

“Before the lockout, I spent a lot of time with the playing group and club (training, game day, social nights) I regard them as family so when you are all of a sudden stopped from seeing and being with your family, you realise how much you just want to be around them again.

“But when we do reunite, it will make everything so much more special and hopefully we will get a game of football in too.

“We just have to follow the process. Leave the decisions to the professionals so that we can get back to the pitch.

“It’s a really tough time for us all but there is light at the end of the tunnel, we have done so well compared to other countries, so we just need to remain compliant.”