Troy (pictured second from left) is the current Club Coach Coordinator at Hornsby Heights and a previous recipient of an NSFA Coaching Scholarship.
Can you describe why you first became involved in football at HHFC?
Long story but HHFC was my first club where I played from u7’s (u7F’s actually….) up to u12’s (co-incidentally playing in the same team as Mick Da Silva our Women’s Football Development Head Honcho). Then life happened, (a few other teams, uni, work, marriage etc.) but eventually we settled back in Hornsby Heights so that was the logical choice for my family to join. When my son was old enough to start playing I started coaching again and we have been there ever since.
How did you become the CCC?
I had been involved with the club as a parent and coach for a number of years. A few seasons back I decided to undertake some more coach training and the club asked if I’d be interested in the using some of that experience in the role of CCC. I had no idea at the time what it entailed but after a few discussions with the committee it sounded like an interesting position so I decided to take it on. Not without its challenges but certainly a very satisfying and enjoyable role.
What steps are yourself and HHFC taking to improve the community football experience of players, coaches and all involved?
The ultimate aim for pretty much all community clubs is to allow as many of our members as possible to enjoy the game of football. Whether it be totally for social reasons or the more competitive players it ultimately needs to be fun. If I can help the coaches with any issues they may have, provide help in session planning, interaction with the players, parents and officials etc. then I believe it can go a long way to helping the club maintain a positive football environment.
More specifically the committee and I work through the pre-season and season to provide:
- coaching workshops
- game manager/referee sessions
- first aid workshops
- joint sessions with Northern Lions SAP teams
Plus on going interaction with coaches through newsletters, encouraging participation in coaching courses/Inspire Program, formal and informal conversations, attending training session and other general activities.
I think is is important to keep up-to-date with the latest methods and ideas about football coaching/administration. If we can then help filter that information down through our coaches/managers, players and parents then it helps us all work together and towards the same goal or betterment of the club.