WA Football developing strong coaching philosophy

51 WA coaches undertook an intensive two-day course to excel to the highest coaching qualification at State level and hear from a number of expert coaches.

The course was held at Edith Cowan University Joondalup last weekend on November 19 and 20.

Coaches got to hear from former West Coast Eagles player Peter Sumich who recently joined the WA Football Commission (WAFC) Talent Academy team as Coach Coordinator for the State 18s.

After his nine years with West Coast as a strong full-forward Sumich went on to play for South Fremantle for another year before entering the coaching scene.

Sumich talked about the importance of developing a coaching philosophy and shared his previous experiences as Assistant Coach at the Fremantle Dockers and West Coast Eagles and how he has applied it to the State 18s group he now leads.

WAFC Executive Manager of Football Operations Jon Haines discussed the use of effective communication and the lasting impact it can have on young footballers.

Haines has extensive coaching experience after seven years spent coaching 14s, 15s and 16s and Colts at East Fremantle FC before taking on the role as Development Manager for North Melbourne FC, where he soon became General Manager of Football Operations before making his way to become the Director of Football at the club.

The coaches got the opportunity to take part in skill development sessions with former North Melbourne and Hawthorn player, now Fremantle Dockers Assistant Coach David Hale, Fremantle AFL Women’s Assistant Coach Martine Pearman and the club’s Skill Development Manager Damian Shannon.

Coaches were taught the ins and outs of tackling, hand balling, kicking and ruck work.

Coaching strategies tailored towards Multicultural and Indigenous players were also discussed along with ways to plan effective training sessions, and implement game style and tactics.

Following on from the two-day course coaches will now be assigned to a mentor where they will finalise their practical assessments for Level 2 Coaching Accreditation.

The WAFC has undertaken a significant amount of work this season to further strengthen the coaching system, and in turn the development of talent, to ensure the highest possible standards are being met.

A major part of this work has involved the appointment of former AFL Assistant Coaches Peter Sumich and Tony Micale to new roles with the Deppro WA State Academy.

Find out more about coaching accreditation.