By JOSIP ZILIC
Local soccer coaches have kicked off a new initiative to develop players for higher levels of competition or just to enhance their love of the game.
The GOFC initiative includes holiday clinics, school curriculum programs and opportunities for participation in tournaments around Victoria and interstate.
GOFC has also formed an official partnership with A League club Melbourne City FC to deliver a Sporting Schools program, which commenced this month.
Coach Peter Bradley was keen for GOFC to help develop players around the region.
“I’ve seen a lot of the youth come through and there are promising signs for our region, not only the technical ability of the players developing but also their understanding of roles within the team. This is evident in the number of the region’s youth in state and national development programs,” Bradley said.
“GOFC will work with coaches to continually improve their standards. Geelong has probably the highest number of recently accredited coaches of all regional areas, which shows that the coaches are willing to learn and that clubs are embracing the pathways.”
The Federal Government schools program would allow more people to experience the benefits of soccer, Bradley said.
“It will take time but the signs are good, especially with the government behind it.
“Focusing on fostering a lifelong interest in sport will flow on to improve the transition of school programs into local clubs participants.”
Bradley said GOFC would benefit local clubs, like NPL side North Geelong Warriors.
“As coaches we all see something different in a player but we all assess against the four core skills taught in skill acquisition and they need to be performed well consistently,” he said
“Identifying talent is not set in any one way but young players should always be encouraged to be challenged, competing with and against the best.”
More information about GOFC is available by phoning Bradley on 0434 945 170 or emailing gofccoaching@hotmail.com.
