Aspiring female coach Rachel Clarke wants to continue serving grassroots football in NSW
Rachel Clarke was recently awarded a C Licence Scholarship as a part of the Football Legacy Program’s Women in Football Scholarship Program.
The C Licence scholarship recognises coaches who possess technical football expertise in addition to a fundamental grasp of coaching principles and The Principles of Play.
“With my Molong and Orange District FA rep team, I know I’ll be able to develop and better my coaching throughout the season because of the new skills I’ll gain,” said Clarke.
A passion for football and the community
Clarke spent the 2022 season coaching the Molong District Soccer Club U10’s and the Orange District Football Association U10’s representatives.
Clarke’s passion for coaching was kickstarted because of her devotion to being a mother.
After watching her child, who is on the spectrum, struggle with playing football, Clarke decided that she needed to find a safe space for him to be coached and included.
“I needed to find someone who could eliminate triggers and help him focus on the game, so I decided to pick up coaching. I also needed to find a team willing to learn and understand my son,” said Clarke.
Clarke believes that coach education is a necessity for the Molong and Orange communities.
“Most community coaches are mums and dads, some who have never played and only put their hand up because no one else did. To be able to give kids the best start, develop skills early, and keep an interest in the game, these coaches need all the help they can get.”
On receiving the C Licence scholarship
Clarke was always planning on completing her C Licence prior to receiving this scholarship, but the cost had been a restricting factor for her.
“I’m so grateful to have received this scholarship, it’s become one less worry in my life.
“My community of Molong is quite small. I’m hoping that my development will allow Molong to raise the skills of all our coaches, and be able to support the development of some competitive age teams again.”
Clarke says that her coaching career has been well-received.
“I intend to coach my son’s team for as long as he needs me to.
“Everyone has been super supportive. You receive support at a club level, an association level, and now a Football NSW level.”
NSW Football Legacy Program
The Women in Football Scholarship Program was launched with the objective of growing female participation at all levels of the game. Working to upskill female officials, coaches and club administrators – participants have access to a range of education and development opportunities.
The Women in Football Scholarships are part of the NSW Football Legacy Program – a $10 million investment from the NSW Government. The program seeks to support female football through new community facilities, participation initiatives, development programs as well as tourism and international engagement.
You can get involved in NSW Football Legacy Program opportunities here.
This web story is supported by the NSW Government under the NSW Football Legacy Program.
