Port Saints Football Club held a successful skills clinic for coaches at Findlay Park on Sunday 19 May as part of a continuing partnership with St Agnes’ Catholic Parish.

The Parish’s sponsorship program includes funding for five referee workshops and fifteen skill training certificates to assist in training referees and coaches to meet growing demand as football becomes an increasingly popular sport with local youth.

The twelve people, ranging in age from 30 to 55, who participated in the clinic are working towards gaining their Skills Training Certificate, which covers: developing good coach behaviours to assist in the development of players; how to plan, organise, and deliver an effective training session; using small-sided games to challenge and motivate players to learn and develop; match day processes and developing the team environment.

Run by Northern NSW Football, the clinic also provided an opportunity for participants to learn about and discuss strategies to help in the prevention of bullying, racism, and referee abuse.

Tahlia Danks, Manager Client Experience for St Agnes’ Catholic Parish, says identifying areas of need and providing support to the community in meeting them has always been important to the Parish.

“Building community is an integral part of St Agnes’ Catholic Parish – that’s why we are committed to exploring local partnerships that foster positive experiences, particularly for youth,” says Tahlia.

“One way we can do this is by breaking down barriers to community participation through partnerships such as this one with Port Saints, which addresses the specific challenges around not having enough coaches and referees to sustain the desired number of teams,” she adds.

Luke Foley, Vice President, Port Saints Football Club, who believes the increased participation in soccer is driven, largely, by the hype around the Matildas, says the partnership with the Parish is making a big difference.

“Thanks to the Parish’s support, we were able to fund the participation in this clinic of eleven representatives from Port Saints, who have volunteered to coach some of our competitive teams and non-competitive ‘miniroos’ teams,” says Luke.

“Sometimes, the cost of doing the Skills Training Certificate can be prohibitive for the parents and others who take on the role of coaching a team, especially with the current cost-of-living pressures, so being able to offer this skills development free of charge is a win-win situation that benefits everyone, not least of all our players.”

“Having qualified, knowledgeable coaches, means that players are more likely to enjoy being engaged in football, increasing their skills, and having fun with their friends.”

“Recruiting coaches can, at times, be difficult so being able to offer this type of practical support through training helps people develop confidence in their ability to coach and, from experience we know, this leads many to stay on to coach as the team progresses through the different age groups.”

“Having the ability to host clinics like this, means we are well on the way to achieving our overall aim, which is to keep people – players and coaches – involved and enjoying football well into adulthood,” concludes Luke.

For more information, please contact Port Saints Football Club via their website at www.portsaints.com.au

Below are photos taken on the day of the clinic at Findlay Park.