Apsiring coach taps into Brisbane Roar secrets

GOLD Coaster Jonathon Pritchard has been given the perfect launching pad for a career in football coaching as he delves into life behind the scenes at the Brisbane Roar.

The Worongary resident is one of the first students to get an access-all-areas pass at the Roar as part of TAFE Queensland’s Diploma of Sport Development. The two organisations are working in partnership to deliver the yearlong diploma qualification, which aims to address some of the skills shortages in the football industry by providing a professional pathway into coaching, development and administration.

While formal classes are held at South Bank, practical classes on site at the Roar’s Crestmead training grounds are providing unprecedented access to coaching and support staff and players.

“I’ve been very serious about pursuing my football coaching career for a while now and I have taken my time researching the options available,” Pritchard said. “We are learning within the Roar’s facilities, working closely with the coaching staff and the players.

“I know there is no other training as hands-on as this.”

Roar CEO David Pourre said the club was happy to play its part in developing the next generation of coaches and staff.

“As Queensland’s only professional football club, we’re the natural tributary for people wishing to work in football as a long-term career,” Pourre said.

“(We) want to give … students exposure to a variety of career opportunities, including the chance to learn from professionals in coaching, sport development, events, media, marketing and operations.”