On Wednesday 25 September the Goulburn Murray Coaches Association (GMCA) conducted its 27th annual Coach of the Year Awards at Barooga Sports Club.
Barooga Sporties have been tremendous supporters of the GMCA for 27 years. This sponsorship is unrivalled across the state and is greatly appreciated by all involved at GMCA.The event has become an important part of the coaching landscape in the region attracting a crowd of more than 140 attendees which included 20 nominated coaches who were acknowledged for all of their hard work and dedication to coaching and developing footballers within the Goulburn Murray Region throughout season 2014.
The nominees from this year’s awards came from all corners of the Goulburn Murray Region, namely the Goulburn Valley Football League, Kyabram District Football League, Murray Football League, Picola District Football League as well as the following Junior Football Leagues :- Goulburn Campaspe, Seymour & District, and Shepparton & District.
Coaches were nominated for their outstanding contributions to grass roots football within the region as well as their overall ability to influence their respective clubs and develop the players under their tutelage. “The talent pool of coaches on display was apparent and a reflection of the high standard which exists at all levels across the region” said long serving GMCA Committee man Chris Thomas.
All of those who attended were given a special insight and rare opportunity to listen to guest speaker Brett Allison who is currently working for Melbourne FC as their Head of Development. Allison spoke about his time at North Melbourne where he is a dual Premiership player and his time as an Assistant Coach at North. His key message to those coaches present was the need to develop a game plan which was “tailored” to the abilities and skill level of the available player’s in the team.
The night continued with the announcement of the Coach of the Year Awards in all four categories: Auskick, Junior, Youth and Senior.
It began with the Auskick category which was won by Andrew Hipwell of the Stanhope Auskick centre from a group of 4 nominations.
David Bruns of the Echuca Junior Football Club in the Junior Club category was a deserved winner having previously having won GCJFL Coach of th Year award for the 4th time.
In the Youth category, Greg Shannon of Congupna Football Club beat home 7 other quality coaches.
Finally in the Senior category the GVFLCoach of th Year for his 2nd year, Luke Morgan from Benalla Saints FC was announced as GMCA Senior Coach of the Year, after coaching his players to an as yet undefeated season.
Once again well done and congratulations to all nominated coaches and to the four category winners who now go into the running to be nominated for the State of the Year Coaches Awards to be held at the MCG on Friday 14th of November.
Last Modified on 16/10/2014 11:47