Crowe ready to fly in new role
Crowe ready to fly in new role
BY DAMEN FRANCIS
LV Express
Passion for the game may not have been a prerequisite for the position, but newly appointed Gippsland Soccer League football manager Paul Crowe said it was crucial in his decision to take on the role.
LV Express
Passion for the game may not have been a prerequisite for the position, but newly appointed Gippsland Soccer League football manager Paul Crowe said it was crucial in his decision to take on the role.
In the position previously known as operations manager, Crowe will manage competitions, club development, events, sponsorship and budgets for the league all under a new look board headed by chairperson David Wilson, who will undertake a second year in the role.
Crowe accepted the position last Thursday on a two-year contract and was set to begin today.
He said it was an exciting time to be getting on board with the GSL and he considered the potential of the league to be "huge".
"With the rise of football in Australia, but especially here in Gippsland, and with a lot of my friends now choosing soccer over (other) codes, to be involved right at the front line of that is pretty exciting," Crowe said.
"There's been a lot of great work done to get the Gippsland Soccer League to where it is now and I'm excited and proud to be given such an important responsibly in football for our region."
Having played the sport as a junior and travelled extensively in his adult life, Crowe has followed the soccer at all levels and is enthusiastic about developing the game at a grassroots level.
However, the Callignee resident vowed to "take baby steps" and admitted his biggest challenge would be "people accepting change".
"The most important areas for me in this job will be building those relationships with the key stakeholders, being our member clubs (and) the respective councils our league covers," Crowe said.
"There is always room for improvement... but I need to find my way through first.
"I'll be impartial and I'll be looking to promote the game at every single possible opportunity."
The other area of the position Crowe said he was most looking forward to was working with young players and pathway opportunities and said the development of players capable of competing at a higher level was crucial.
"Gippsland has never really produced on its own Socceroo... I'm very keen to look out for that Gippsland Socceroo or Matilda," Crowe said.
"Having a home town person or someone from your area playing A-League at the very minimum will do wonders for our game here."
According to GSL chair David Wilson, the position attracted interest from across Australia and even overseas, but a willingness to be based in the region was an important criteria and he said Crowe was the "standout" of the three applicants interviewed.
"His passion for the game came out during the interview process and while that was not a prerequisite his enthusiasm and networks will be an advantage for the GSL," Wilson said.
"Managing people will be a big part of (the role) and he has excellent communication skills... he was a unanimous choice for the board."
"Gippsland has never really produced on its own Socceroo... I'm very keen to look out for that Gippsland Socceroo or Matilda," Crowe said.
"Having a home town person or someone from your area playing A-League at the very minimum will do wonders for our game here."
According to GSL chair David Wilson, the position attracted interest from across Australia and even overseas, but a willingness to be based in the region was an important criteria and he said Crowe was the "standout" of the three applicants interviewed.
"His passion for the game came out during the interview process and while that was not a prerequisite his enthusiasm and networks will be an advantage for the GSL," Wilson said.
"Managing people will be a big part of (the role) and he has excellent communication skills... he was a unanimous choice for the board."
Last Modified on 07/02/2012 09:44
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.