O’connor has coaching in her blood

FOOTBALL is in the DNA of MA Olympic junior coach Kirsty O’connor.

O’connor is the coach of Olympic’s Under-9s team and is highly regarded by her young players and their parents, who have been singing the young mentor’s praises.

Raised in Australia by English parents with a passion for football, it was almost inevitable that O’connor would fall in love with the world game.

“They love their football and I was always around it growing up,” she said.

“I’ve been involved in football for 15 years and I absolutely love it. I moved up to Townsville from the Gold Coast in 2012 and I joined MA Olympic, and for two years I played for Northern Fury as well.”

O’connor has also been a match referee and it was from there that she made her move into coaching.

“I really enjoy working with kids and I think it’s very important that they have fun,” O’connor said.

“At the same time they’re able to develop their skills, and the social part of team sport is very important as well.

“Seeing their progression from the start of a season to the end is really special, and it’s one of the big reasons why I love coaching.”

The Manchester United fan is eager to advance her coaching career and will soon apply for a next level Football Federation Australia Youth C Licence.

“The more you learn, the more you love it,” O’connor said of coaching. “I’m also fortunate our club has a great group of parents who are very supportive.”

O’connor is among the dozens of coaches nominated by Townsville Bulletin readers as being among the city’s best. Keep an eye on the paper and online as we keep going through the city’s outstanding coaches.