[Images: Paul Smith/Football Queensland]
Over 100 Queensland coaches joined Football Federation Australia technical staff and guest presenters at Griffith University in Brisbane over the weekend for the 2016 State Coaching Conference.
Based around the central theme of ‘player-centred coaching’, the annual conference stretched over two days and incorporated both theoretical discussions and practical demonstrations as some of Australia’s most well-regarded coaching minds offered insights into their elite methods.
Presenters included FFA technical director Eric Abrams, Young Matildas coach Ante Juric, Centre of Excellence technical director Peter de Roo and National Goalkeeper Development Manager Dean May.
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- Dean May
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- Eric Abrams
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- Ante Juric
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- Peter de Roo
Saturday’s topics ranged from the player pathway and ecosystem to the future of coach education and an analysis of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Football Queensland state technical director David Abela was pleased with the enthusiasm of the coaches in attendance.
“It was a good conference. It was a very good crowd from all different levels,” Abela said.
“We tried to interact a lot because the room was conducive to that.”
Also among the expert presenters was renowned coaching guru Wayne Goldsmith (pictured below), who has worked domestically and internationally across the likes of swimming, cricket, rugby league and rugby union, including with the all-conquering New Zealand All Blacks.
“That was quite dynamic,” Abela said of Goldsmith’s insights.
“I think the way he delivered, in particular the message of understanding it’s about the player and not about the coach was important.
“Sunday’s demonstrations indicated the way to go about it. So not only did they get the information, they actually got a picture. I think that’s important.”
Day two of the conference demonstrated a variety of practical sessions involving young goalkeepers, skill acquisition players and the Brisbane Roar/QAS National Training Centre Women’s squad.
Abela hopes the coaches in attendance will continue the ethos of mutual development.
“It’s not often we get together in large groups. I think it’s important they can network together and share ideas if possible,” Abela said.
