Duncan Ireland named coach of the year
Warranor Junior Football Club under 10s coach Duncan Ireland has been recognised by the Australian Football Coaches Association, awarded junior coach of the year for his outstanding work at the level.
His fun and value driven approach to the game was significantly praised, as was his commitment to the Junior Match Policy was also highly commended during the presentation.
During the season, he employed a rotation system that allowed all juniors to receive the same game time, regardless of the score, which then extended to grand final day where he ensured participation and inclusion remained the priority over the result. It portrays a testament to Ireland’s coaching ability and attitude towards junior football, and a wonderful achievement to be recognised in the region.
Ireland said it was a real honour to receive the award.
“It’s a real honour and a real credit to what we’re doing at Warranor Football Club, we don’t see the kids as top age or bottom age, they’re all just apart of the team and we love to facilitate that. My favourite part is to see them smiling and enjoying their footy and wanting to come to training and have fun.” he said.
Warranor president Graeme Carter said having Ireland on board was a real win for their football club.
“It’s a real win for the club, we’re really thankful that Duncan devotes so much time to the club and to help develop the kids, we have plenty lining up to come back and Duncan is a real reason for that because of his coaching ability.” he said.
Other coaches in Gippsland recognised were Phillip Island’s Sean O’Brien, named the youth coach of the year and youth girls team coach Anne-Maree ‘Diddy’ Cuthbertson named as the female coach of the year while Leongatha’s Paul Carbis was named the senior coach of the year.