YOUNG FOOTY COACH NAMED BEST
A YOUNG man from Glenorchy described by his local football community as “one of the most down to earth people you will meet” has been named Tasmania’s best junior sports coach in a poll voted by Mercury readers.
Joel Berry has been obsessed with Aussie Rules ever since he can remember, growing up in the northern suburbs just five minutes’ from the local footy ground. “My dad played all his junior football there, my brother played there too and my mum was on the committee.”
After playing for the club as a youngster, Berry transitioned to the sidelines in 2016 to take up a coaching role, training Hobart’s next generation of footy stars.
“My favourite part is definitely building relationships with the players and supporting them – showing them how football can positively impact their lives,” said Berry.
“You can take away life lessons from the game such as collaboration and teamwork.
“I obviously don’t coach for the accolades so it’s a really nice feeling to be recognised.”
A social worker by day, Berry is known by the community as a “great role model” with “respect for every single parent and player”.
“He has lifted these boys from the bottom of the ladder to the finals through nurturing them to be good people and to put in an effort.”parent David Adams said.