Thunder Strikes First With Coaching CourseTuesday, December 2, 2025 - 10:51 AM

Peel Thunder has become the first WAFL club to host and facilitate an Elevate Coaching Course in conjunction with WA Football.

Formerly known as Level 2 for aspiring coaches, the Elevate Coaching Course involved 20 players and staff from Peel Thunder who gathered at Lane Group Stadium on Saturday.

The course was facilitated by Reserves coach Brad Oldfield, who also serves as Head of Coach Development at the club.

The event covered three components including coaching environment, coaching at training and coaching the game.

Jayden Heuer, Coach Coordinator - Metro South at WA Football, said the event fulfilled expectations.

“We were really happy with the attendance and the way the group engaged throughout the course which contributed to the success of the day,” Heuer said.

“I think this is a great opportunity for WAFL clubs to invest in its players and give them the chance to assist in Development squad programs at their club.

“Also, to up skill its staff and make sure we are providing the best possible coaching for players coming through the WAFL system.”

Heuer believes Peel is keen to make this an annual club event.

“The feedback was very positive with the most common theme being they liked being in a room with people from the same club and having a familiar face in Brad Oldfield presenting, “he said.

“This is something the club wants to continue over the next few seasons.”

The Elevate Coaching Course wouldn’t have happened without the input of Peel Football Manager Sam Skinner and Rachael Hayes, Peel Head of Women’s Football.

"Peel Thunder was proud to have over 20 Peel Thunder players, coaches, staff, and community coaches put their hand up to complete the Elevate Coaching course last Saturday," Skinner said.

"The strong variety of participants reflects great leadership and commitment to developing their coaching across the Club and our wider community.

"This will further strengthen our coaching depth and quality, benefiting the Peel Thunder boys and girls coming through our development programs for years to come."

"We were also grateful that this program was facilitated by newly appointed Head of Coach Development, Brad Oldfield, making it an engaging and highly valuable day.

"We would like to thank WA Football and Jayden Heuer for this opportunity and putting this together right here at Peel Thunder and we’re looking forward to doing this again in the future."