The NSFA Coach Development team is conducting NSFA Super League and Diamond League matchday mentoring throughout the season. This initiative is designed to support NSFA coaches on the ground in their club setting by receiving bespoke mentoring from NSFA Coach Developers. Read on to learn more about NSFA Coach Developer Andrew Galbraith!
Who’s your favourite football team and player – and why?
Favourite team is Leeds Utd (it’s been a rollercoaster).Favourite player is Zinedine Zidane. He was a fabulous playmaker with great vision. With his exceptional technique he made the game look easy.
Why are you involved in the delivery of coach development within NSFA?
Simple – to give back to the game that has given me so much.
What are some of your key highlights as a coach or coach developer?
A highlight for me is whenever I see a “lightbulb moment” when working with coaches. You can feel that they connected with something that was said or demonstrated, and they can then apply that knowledge to their own football coaching journey.
What have you learnt when delivering courses, workshops or mentored others within the NSFA community?
I’ve learnt that you never stop learning! Being open to new ideas is so important. I always make sure that I let course participants know when I have picked up something new from them. Nobody has ALL the answers.
How have the changes to the coach development courses this year within NSFA benefitted the coaching community and you as a presenter?
The changes have made the courses more accessible to a wider range to participants by providing a more convenient learning environment. The module learning approach allows coaches to focus in on their particular area, or age group, of interest. This means that course attendees are more focused, and provide more stimulating feedback and questions, which ultimately benefits everyone.
What are your goals for coaching and coach development this year?
As a coach I aim to make every session challenging, thought-provoking, and fun. I like to offer alternate solutions to football problems. As a coach developer I would like to continue with course delivery and matchday mentoring. I believe that matchday mentoring is a unique development experience for NSFA members, and one that they can use to become better coaches.
In one word, what does being an NSFA Coach Developer means to you?
Gratifying.