The Tasmanian Football Foundation Coaching Mentor Program was launched in February 2018 and mentors are now out right across the state, working with junior coaches to assist and develop them on their journey in the game.
We will be providing updates on the Mentors as they work with junior coaches and sharing some of the stories and experiences.
Mark Reid is one of the mentors and has commenced work with the Richmond Junior Football Club.
Tasmanian Football Foundation Mentor Program
Richmond Mini Blues – Coaching Mentor Update for May 2018
Program Coordinator – Tony Ryan
How timely it is to have access to the Tasmanian Football Foundation Coaching Mentor Program. This season our participation levels for Under-8s have virtually exploded. Early expectations, and somewhat ambitious expectations, were to rally 10 to 12 kids however our community’s positive response continues to be overwhelming.
We now have over 24 kids actively involved and there is every chance of more kids. We have run out of playing jumpers – what a great problem to have!
This expansion has led to the establishment of two teams, and coupled with this, is the need to engage new coaches.
Mark Reid has and continues to provide significant support and guidance to our original under-8s Coaches (we have two per team) but in recent weeks Mark has stepped up to the plate and mentored another two dads, Rob and Andrew, who have jumped in to coach our second under-8s team.
Having Mark being recognised as a Coaching Mentor provides a lot of confidence to our coordinating team; and I am sure our parents can see a structured approach being implemented. Mark makes an effort to meet with the coaches weekly as well as providing useful online content. Mark is our go to for all things coaching which is very reassuring for everyone involved.
Mentor – Mark Reid
As Tony knows, I like to be organised, and having the resources of the Mentor Program certainly helps me develop and roll out a consistent coaching approach. This also adds value to my coaching of our Under 11s team.
Getting around the coaches at training has its challenges, but it is important that as a group we are all informed and delivering quality experiences. It’s too late to teach some training methods after training – that is a training session that could been more productive and more satisfying for the coaches and the kids. We only have the kids for 90 minutes a week so every minute is important.
Judging by vibrancy at training sessions and the improvement in the kids’ skills and play on Sundays does suggest that we are on the right track.
Under 8s Coach – Rob De Soza
This is the first year of competitive footy for my son Andrew after a few years with Auskick. Participation numbers were increasing weekly and a rotation system from week to week was considered.
The parent feedback was pretty clear though that establishing two teams was the preferred option. Andrew and I answered the call and Mark touched base to steer us through what we expected to be a daunting learning curve.
Being able to rely on Mark for the coaching side of things has certainly been a big help and allowed Andrew and myself to hit the ground running. We are loving our new roles within the Program.
The Tasmanian Football Foundation Coaching Mentor Program is proudly supported by Hydro Tasmania