Words: Emily Wilson, Sunshine Coast Fire
Image: Getty Images

Sunshine Coast Fire’s Under 15 Boys welcomed a special guest to training last week, with the group joined by Central Coast Mariners defender Zac Anderson.

Anderson originally hails from Caloundra and has represented Australian national teams at youth level as well as playing for Mariners in the Asian Champions League.

The 23 year old assisted Fire Under 15 Boys coach Daniel Carew by passing on tips he has gained as a professional footballer and said he was impressed with the talent coming through Fire’s NPL programme.

“I can’t believe how strong the standard is, and how well football is progressing on the Coast,” he said, “There are some very talented players and coaches coming through the ranks.”

“I was extremely impressed with what I saw, and quietly apprehensive of how good some of the boys were at such a young age. Hopefully I can keep my job for a few years yet, but I can see a lot of talent coming through.”

“It makes me feel extremely proud and humbled that we are producing such talented boys and girls,” he added.

Anderson, who was identified for the Queensland Academy of Sport as a youngster before playing for Gold Coast United’s Youth team and then turning professional, said he wished there had been an NPL set-up when he was growing up on the Coast.

“I grew up in Caloundra, playing for numerous Sunshine Coast sides like Caloundra United, Currimundi and Maroochydore, as well as representing the Coast at representative level,” he explained.

“I loved my football and loved living on the Coast but realised that I needed to prove myself on a bigger stage to further my prospects of ever playing football professionally.”

Anderson moved to Brisbane to further his development at the age of fifteen, however, now there are opportunities just as good, if not better, available on the Sunshine Coast.

“Now, young, local players have the ability to train day-in, day-out here on the Coast, and travel throughout QLD, playing in the strongest competitions. The NPL set-up is a dream come true,” he said.

“It is enormous for the Coast when you look at the amount of money which has been poured into developing the game, and the structures which have been put in place for players’ development. Players will hopefully reap the rewards in the coming years, as I see a bright future for football on the Coast.”

While working with the Under 15 Boys last week, Anderson was able to deliver pointers and help the players gain an understanding of what it takes to become a professional footballer.

“The advice I gave at times was probably beyond what the players should actually understand at their age, but how young is too young?” Anderson explained.

“I could see they were eager to learn and improve so I just gave little pointers here and there; mainly on defensive positioning and transition, which they all took on board really well.”

Anderson has been a friend of Under 15 Boys Coach Daniel Carew for many years, and was also impressed with the standard of coaching delivered at the sessions he attended.

“I have known Dan and his family for a long time. Dan has been very supportive of me for many years when I was young trying to push my way through the ranks and we have always shared a common interest for the game,” he said.

“Dan is a young coach who is eager to learn and extend his already extensive knowledge. He has always had a fantastic football brain, which comes from playing at a high level but his knack for coaching was always evident."

In the lead-up to the A-League season, Anderson was also excited at the prospect of playing against senior NPL opposition in the inaugural FFA Cup, saying it presented a great opportunity for both A-League and NPL clubs.

“The FFA Cup is exactly what football in this country needs. We need more pathways and opportunities for players to play at an elite level and be provided with more opportunity to play against the best in Australia,” he said.

“Personally, I know A-League teams won't underestimate NPL sides, as there are a lot of talented players playing in State competitions throughout Australia, who could step up and play professional football.”

Central Coast Mariners will face NPL NSW Mens 1 club South Coast Wolves in the competition’s Round of 32, but has the possibility of being drawn against an NPL Queensland side in the latter rounds.