Sold Out Football NSW Coaching Conference celebrated

It was an event to remember for the ages as Football NSW hosted the 2024 sold out Coaching Conference where over 800 coaches made the trip to Valentine Sports Park in what was a huge two days for the code.

Hosted by Stephanie Brantz, the Conference saw keynote presentations given by international and domestic special guests with a raft of experience across all levels of the game.

Amongst the many highlights during the weekend were presentations and panel sessions from such luminaries as former national team players and coaches including Graham Arnold, Peter Sturgess, Skye Eddy, Gabriel Bussinger and Kelly Cross to name a few.

“The 2024 Football NSW Coaching Conference was an incredible success which saw us bring together coaches, players, and football professionals to elevate the standard of coaching across the state,” said Football NSW’s Coach Development and Elite Football Development & Education Manager Chris Adams.

“It’s inspiring to see such commitment to learning and growth, as we continue to shape the future of football in NSW.

“Through collaboration, innovation, and education, we’re building a stronger football community and one that will thrive both on and off the field.”

Coaches had the opportunity to sculpt their own learning journey through a series of theory and practical break-out sessions allowing them to choose topics most relevant to their specific interests, ranging from Goalkeeping, Leadership, Player Development, Women’s Football, Strength & Conditioning and Management.

There were several awards that were given during the marquee event as well as honouring one of the greats of our game in former Socceroos keeper Jim Fraser who was given a standing ovation by all the coaching attendees for his tremendous involvement in the world game.

A touching video tribute was also arranged as the likes of past and present Socceroos and A-League stars Mathew Ryan, Danny Vukovic and Liam Reddy shared their thoughts and experiences on how influential Fraser was on their goalkeeping careers.

The great Les Scheinflug was also in attendance and he too was given a warm reception by the coaching faithful present.

Known as the major award of the Coaching Conference event, the Les Scheinflug Medal was taken out by one of the hardest working and well-known and admired coaches in NSW, Norm Boardman.

The Les Scheinflug award is a prestigious award given in recognition of an individual’s exceptional and significant contribution to coaching. The medal honours those who have gone above and beyond the expectations of their role, making a notable and lasting impact on the development of coaching in the region.

With an enormous career spanning over 54 years in football, legendary coach Norm Boardman was a fitting winner of the Les Scheinflug Medal for his dedication to the sport.

Boardman’s contributions have not only shaped the careers of hundreds of players but have also left a lasting mark on the global football community. His achievements, both on the field and in coaching development, stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the sport

Football NSW also announced a host of other award winners across the two-day event acknowledging the hard-working efforts of various male and female coaches across the state.

Southern Branch’s Dale Russell took out the Regional Male Coach of the Year while Lachlan Amateur Soccer Association’s Angela Bottaro Porter the Regional Female Coach of the Year.

The Junior Development Leagues (JDL) category saw South Coast Flame’s Jarrah Fuzz (Female Coach of the Year) and Matthew Edwards (Central Coast Mariners) recognised for their amazing efforts as well as Elyse Finlayson (APIA Leichhardt FC) and Tomas Sarac (Sydney United) taking out the Female and Male Youth League Coach of the Year Awards, while St George Football Association’s Helen Matheson and Manly Warringah Football Association’s Kevin Rozario took out the Grassroots Female/Male Coach of the Year award.

Following on from a successful 2023 and now 2024 Coaching Conference, Football NSW have already commenced plans for yet another blockbuster event in 2025.

2024 Coaching Conference Awards

• Guest of Honour – Jim Fraser
• Les Scheinflug Award – Norm Boardman
• Regional Male Coach of the Year – Dale Russell (Southern Branch)
• Regional Female Coach of the Year – Angela Bottaro Porter (Lachlan Amateur Soccer Association)
• JDL Female Coach of the Year – Jarrah Fuzz (South Coast Flame)
• JDL Male Coach of the Year – Matthew Edwards (Central Coast Mariners)
• Female Youth League Coach of the Year – Elyse Finlayson (APIA Leichhardt FC)
• Male Youth League Coach of the Year – Tomas Sarac (Sydney United)
• Grassroots Male Coach of the Year – Kevin Rozario (Manly Warringah Football Association)
• Grassroots Female Coach of the Year – Helen Matheson (St George Football Association)