Following on from Part 3 of our Diamond League retrospective, we explore the importance of coaches within Diamond League!
Quality coaching has been a key pillar of the NSFA Diamond League since its inception, with minimum qualifications and training standards required for each team.
“One of the biggest factors in a player’s development is their experience with coaches,” explained Eilidh Mackay, NSFA’s Head of Female Football.
“Our goal is to support coaches within the association to ensure our footballers get the best development environment at training and games, especially within Diamond League.”
In addition to the in-club support offered by Club Coaching Coordinators, NSFA provides multiple workshops during the season for NSFA Diamond League and Super League coaches aimed at improving their knowledge and coaching style.
Female coaches within the association are also encouraged to improve their craft by stepping into the Diamond League space, with 31% female representation in this year’s cohort of Diamond League coaches.
“It’s great to see Diamond League leading the way in female coaching numbers as our association aims towards 25% total representation by 2023,” said Mackay.
“This is further bolstered by our Female Coach Mentoring program, which is open to any female coach that wants to further their development.”
One of the key coaching personalities from the early Diamond League years was Northbridge FC Coach Danny Beauchamp. We tracked Danny down and asked him for some of his recollections of his Diamond League experience.
Danny coaching Northbridge G12 – 2015 State Cup winners.
What are your most positive memories from Diamond League?
From one year to the next the quality of games just went through the roof. We got access to some great facilities and just the opportunity to see young footballers develop in a positive environment.
What was the most memorable game or moment that you were involved in?
The Northbridge vs Hornsby Heights games had an incredibly strong rivalry, and those games were of a very high quality. Whether it be Kanga Cup, State Cup or Diamond League, both teams were incredibly competitive and created an optimal environment for ambitious female footballers.
Who was the standout player you coached during that period?
Without doubt Tess Rickard (current Northern Tigers Reserve Grade Player). She was a standout due to her work ethic and mindset to improve.
Where did your football journey as a coach take you after 2015?
I finished working at Northbridge / North Shore Mariners in 2017 and moved to the Central Coast for a role with the Central Coast Mariners. I then found another opportunity which led me to my current role working as a full-time football coach at the Central Coast Sports College.
What advice would you give to any young girl playing in the NSFA Diamond League?
Enjoy yourself and keep striving to be the best you can be every day. You never know where pathways and the next opportunity is going to lead.
Click here to read Part 5!