IMPROVING THE REGION

Q What tips do you have for grassroots coaches to make effective use of the curriculum?

A If possible try to attend a coaching course, whether it’s a grassroots three-hour course or a 14-hour community skills training certificate. This is where clubs come into it, because I think clubs have got to be proactive in putting somebody in place within their clubs as a coaching director or coaching co-ordinator. I’ve already got three or four people within the clubs who I’ve mentored to do that, but these people then can work with the zone to book a course in for their clubs to try to help their coaches. At the end of the day they need some help with how the curriculum works. Most of the coaches are volunteers, parents, who don’t have a big understanding of football. I suppose if you’re not going to a coaching course, my tip is to make sure the sessions are lots of fun, lots of touches of the ball, kids are engaged and lots of smallsided games and you’re not going to be far away with the younger ones. As soon as you get to the older ones, you should get yourself educated.

Q What do you think will allow the most talented footballers in our region to reach their potential?

A Just like what happens all over the world and in all other parts of Australia, we need to develop a fulltime training program, bring in the best coaches within the region to provide the most professional learning environment we can, under the guidance of Football Queensland. This will give the best players and coaches the opportunity to be their best.