Last week NSFA delivered its second Youth Coach Development Program (YCDP), aimed at encouraging young footballers to become involved in coaching at their local clubs.
Following on from the success of the inaugural YCDP conducted in November/December 2017, the program was reconfigured into a three-day intensive and delivered during the final week of the school holidays at Charles Bean Oval, Lindfield.
“Our association is full of young, passionate footballers and coaching provides these individuals an opportunity to further develop key life skills while giving back to their local community and potentially earning money along the way,” explained Ed Ferguson, NSFA Community Football Manager.
“The growth of the participants throughout the three days was remarkable. Everyone was thinking deeper, working alongside each other to solve problems, and really stepping beyond their comfort zones in their delivery of sessions and communication to the group.”
The January YCDP saw 25 local footballers earn their FFA Skill Training Certificate, with seven NSFA clubs represented: Asquith SC, Berowra FC, Chatswood Rangers FC, Hornsby Heights FC, Lane Cove FC, Lindfield FC and Northbridge FC.
Combined with the 28 participants from last year’s YCDP, this represents a significant addition of new, enthusiastic, accredited coaches who will be able to assist in the development of local players for years to come.
“I look forward to seeing many more young members of our community explore being a coach as it develops key life skills as well as building confidence and leadership within each individual,” said Ferguson.
“I would also like to thank Angelo Maralit (Northbridge FC), Chris Deblaere (Lindfield FC) and Danny Beauchamp (Northbridge FC) and Chris Adams (Manly-Warringah FA Community Coach Education Manager) for their support in the delivery of the program.”
Youth Coach Development Programs are aimed at providing individuals between 15 – 22 years of age a chance to gain the FFA Skill Training Certificate while in a friendly, like-aged environment.
Participants are instructed in the core behaviours and requirements of coaching, as well as designing and delivering their own sessions.
For more information about upcoming courses and other opportunities visit the Coach Education page of the NSFA website.
If you or your club is interested in a Youth Coach Development Program please email edward.ferguson@nsfa.asn.au.