Words: Staff Writers

Western Pride continues to strengthen the foundation of player development in their region with the appointment of Technical Skill Coach Jamie Dixon.

Dixon, who holds an AFC ‘B’ coaching licence, will be responsible for specific skill development and enhancement of Pride’s junior players in PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland.

Dixon also works as a Football Queensland Regional Skill Acquisition Phase (SAP) Trainer, which sees him working closely with community clubs and coaches to identify advanced players and develop football programmes in the region.

This will include the implementation of a skills acquisition academy and a series of training centres for players currently outside of Pride’s PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues set-up.

The Skill Acquisition Phase of player development focuses on providing a solid foundation of core technical skills for players 9-13 years old.

Dixon said he was excited to apply his seven years of experience in skills acquisition in England and Australia in tangent with the new role which complements Pride’s vision.

“I was impressed when I learnt Western Pride's long term goals, facility development strategy and the huge potential this region can offer to produce the next generation of Matildas and Socceroos,” Dixon explained.

Western Pride General Manager Pat Boyle hailed Dixon’s appointment as a continuation of Pride’s role via PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland.

“Western Pride is well known for giving chances to young players at first team level. Now we will be able to provide the road map to our juniors on how to get there within the same environment,” Boyle explained.

“All we want is to give the best chance to the local kids to play at the highest level they can," he concluded.