As nine Queensland state teams compete at the 2020 FFA National Futsal Championships, it’s a great time to look at the achievements not only of the players, but also of the Queensland coaches in attendance.

Not many coaches know the feeling of representing Queensland better than current Under 15 Boys coach Scott Prickett.

From coaching children’s football at the age of 14 to Queensland’s Youth team at FFA Futsal Nationals at the age of 22, Prickett’s pathway to elite coaching has been inspiring.

After landing his first big coaching role at the age of 18 with Vikings, Prickett became known in the game and was eventually asked by current Football Queensland (FQ) Futsal Administrator Trevor Edwards to coach one of the Queensland state teams – a role he gladly accepted.

Over a decade later, Prickett is still enjoying his role as a Queensland state team coach as he looks to guide his Under 15 Boys team to back-to-back Grand Finals.

Football Queensland caught up with him on Tuesday for a Q&A to find out more about his passion for coaching.

Q&A WITH SCOTT PRICKETT

When did you first become a coach and why?

“I started coaching at the age of 14 to give younger players the opportunities that I had. I’m 32 now and still coaching so it’s something that I’ve really enjoyed.”

What is your favourite thing about coaching?

“I think it’s showing kids the opportunity to express themselves through the game.”

“When kids know they’re good, but don’t know how good they can be at different levels – to help get that out of them is always a good thing to see.”

“When that light bulb flicks, they go “oh wow,” which is always great.”

Where are you at currently in your timeline as a coach?

“This is my eleventh Nationals –  eleven years with Futsal Nationals, Trevor and Football Queensland, so it’s been a long time. I’ve also coached through the outdoor program with Logan Lightning FC in the NPL.”

Where does coaching at FFA Futsal Nationals rank in your coaching achievements?

“It’s high, I’ve had the opportunity of making a few Grand Finals and winning the Nationals as well – bringing some trophies back for Queensland. When you put on that maroon and represent your state either as a coach or a player it always means something special to you.”

What is your highlight as a coach?

“The year we won FFA Futsal Nationals in 2014 was a big highlight. We started off with two losses and to come back and beat New South Wales Thunder on penalties, who beat us 6-0 in the rounds, that was special.”

“I’d also say making the Grand Final last year after not making any Finals the previous year was a highlight as well. To see those kids I took the year before come back and redeem themselves in that way was great.”

What are your ambitions as a coach?

“I’ve always wanted to get myself into a national program somewhere and learning but if state is where it has taken me – that’s still a great achievement.”

“It’s hard to get into those programs – so I want to make sure I’m the best high-level experienced coach that the state has.”

“As I said, I’m very happy where I am now, but I’d love that national opportunity which I think is the next step.”

What would your advice be to someone who is just starting their coaching journey or wants to become a coach?

“Be open minded and ask questions to other coaches.”

“Were always learning, it doesn’t matter how long – whether it’s one year or twenty years coaching – we’re always learning, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and watch other coaches. After all, we’re all here to help each other and not be individual or stubborn.”

See all the Queensland results so far from the 2020 FFA National Futsal Championships.

Words: Darren Newell