Football NSW facilitate successful Riverina regional visit
Football NSW representatives recently undertook a three-day Riverina tour of Albury-Wodonga, Wagga Wagga and Griffith to provide various development opportunities to participants, clubs and Associations in the region.
During the trip, over 200 local 9–13-year-olds attended player clinics, more than 30 participants took part in coach education sessions and 25 Coach and Association representatives attended club development workshops.
As part of the Albury & Wodonga club development session, clubs from both Football NSW and Football Victoria were in attendance to learn more about the resources and support available via Club Changer whilst planning for long-term sustainability and success.
Club Changer is a national program designed to support all community clubs with access to support specific to their club’s needs.
Football NSW Program Manager – Club Changer, Trevor Huxley, was thrilled with the response.
“It was fantastic to see the passion in the club development workshops with clubs keen to foster and facilitate positive club cultures for their participants,” said Huxley.
Bree Kusic, Association Administrator (Albury & Wodonga), spoke positively about the opportunity for local clubs.
“It was fantastic to have Football NSW and Football Victoria facilitating a club development session to support our local clubs in regional areas”.
Football Wagga Wagga ’s Development Officer Liam Dedini celebrated the positive influence of having the Football NSW’s team on site.
“Providing opportunities for our players, coaches and clubs to upskill and grow is a huge positive step for our community,” he said.
Stacey Collins, Female Development Officer at Football Wagga Wagga, recognised the positive attendance signs.
“It was brilliant to have many clubs in the room for the club development session and to discuss the development of female football with these clubs,” said Collins. “The coach education session was also predominantly female coaches, which was great to see!”
The final leg of the regional visit was hosted in Griffith, where 120 participants attended the player clinic. President of Griffith & District FA James Hood said, “it was fantastic to have Football NSW in town, supporting the Association and providing opportunities for participants, coaches and our club volunteers!”
The Player Clinics and Coach Development sessions provided a great opportunity for participants to develop, supported by theory and practical sessions.
“It was pleasing to see the range of coaches from various levels within the football landscape attend and be engaged with these events,” said Pete Nowakowski, Legacy Plan Development Officer – Coach Education.
“As part of Football NSW’s overall Regional Football Development Plan, these events are important to bring to regional coaches who are an important part of our football family.”
Football NSW Regional Development Officer (Riverina), Daniel Lucas, added that, “this shows a thirst for coaches who are wanting to continue their development after recently completing their MiniRoos and Foundation of Football coaching courses earlier this year.”
Football NSW is now looking forward to the Western and Southern regional visits coming up over the next few months to continue Coach Development and Club Development across the regions.