Football NSW representatives recently undertook a three-day Riverina tour of Albury-Wodonga, Wagga Wagga and Griffith to provide a range of development opportunities for participants, clubs and associations in the region.
During the trip, more than 200 local young people aged 9 to 13 took part in player clinics, more than 30 participants took part in trainer training and 25 representatives of coaches and associations took part in workshops on club development.
As part of Albury & Wodonga’s club development session, clubs from both Football NSW and Football Victoria were present to learn more about the resources and support available through Club Changer, while planning for long-term sustainability and success.
Club changer is a national program designed to support all community clubs with access to support specifically tailored to the needs of their club.
Football NSW Program Manager – Club Changer, Trevor Huxley, was pleased with the response.
“It was fantastic to see the passion in the club development workshops, with clubs keen to nurture and facilitate a positive club culture for their participants,” said Huxley.
Bree Kusic, association manager (Albury & Wodonga), spoke positively about the opportunities for local clubs.
“It was fantastic to have Football NSW and Football Victoria facilitate a club development session to support our local clubs in regional areas.”
Football Wagga Wagga Development Officer Liam Dedini celebrated the positive impact of having the Football NSW team on site.
“Providing opportunities for our players, coaches and clubs to improve their skills and grow is a hugely positive step for our community,” he said.
Stacey Collins, Female Development Officer at Football Wagga Wagga, recognized the positive signs of the turnout.
“It was great to have many clubs in the room for the club development session and to discuss the development of women’s football with these clubs,” said Collins. “Also in the coaching training, there were mainly female coaches, nice to see!”
The final part of the regional visit was held in Griffith, where 120 participants attended the players’ clinic. President of Griffith & District FA James Hood said: “It was fantastic to have Football NSW in town, supporting the association and providing opportunities for participants, coaches and our club volunteers!”
The Player Clinics and Coach Development sessions provided a great opportunity for participants to develop, supported by theory and practical sessions.
“It was nice to see many coaches from different levels of the football landscape attend and be involved in these events,” said Pete Nowakowski, Legacy Plan Development Officer – Coach Education.
“As part of Football NSW’s regional football development plan, these events are important to showcase to regional coaches who are an important part of our football family.”
Football NSW Regional Development Officer (Riverina), Daniel Lucas, added that “this shows an appetite for coaches looking to continue their development having recently completed their MiniRoos and Foundation of Football coaching courses earlier this year.”
Football NSW now looks forward to visits to the Western and Southern Regions taking place over the coming months to continue coach and club development in the regions.
Click here for more information about Club Changer.
