Undoubtedly the attempted NPLV rollout by the FFV has been an utter and absolute failure, but now there are questions that need to be answered.

1) What is an accredited coach like myself to do in coming seasons?

2) How can a coach plan a coaching career when the path ahead is unclear!

3) What do i suggest to my talented players? Stay or go?

4) Where should my talented players go to trial for the best opportunities?

I am very happy at my current VPL club and don't see myself leaving anytime soon but with the landscape constantly changing, who knows what to do in say 1 or 2 years from now.

Any one got any thoughts?

Maybe this ones for you Deccentric?

What level are you accredited? Any accreditation is portable and recognized throughout Asia.

Do you make money from coaching? I try not to.

There is a clear pathway for players in other states. There has been frustration expressed by elite coaches that VPL clubs hide players from HAL clubs for expedient reasons.

I'm not sure of which age you coach, but do you have any ties to Darren Davies, the Victory youth coach, or whoever the Heart youth coach is? This is the best pathway for the most talented players. If not good enough, maybe the top tier of the VPL is the best option.

The most important thing is that players enjoy their football, whatever level they play .

This issue in Victoria will have to be resolved, because as I understand it, the recalcitrant clubs are asking for the same SAP scenario as in other states. This must have the senior stakeholders from the upper echelons of national FFA asking questions. I haven't discussed this issue with anyone from FFT. I've been in a remote location for the last week.

There are other members of this forum, although casual visitors, further up the chain of FFA than me, who can answer these questions with more insight.

Decentric - Thanks for the prompt response.

I have my C license, have completed the B course, currently coaching U18s and my payments cover petrol. I coach for the love of the game. I am more interested in developing myself further and find that there isn't enough ongoing support and development to assist me in planning a season, a 6 week cycle or sessions etc. Where is the guidance on whether what i do is right or wrong!

I haven't got any connections. Have been told by Victory and Heart via email to send a DVD of a game + player resume to be considered for trials! Really! I guess I need to be buddy buddy with someone to be taken seriously. Id love to see Mark Viduka's or Harry Kewells resumes from when they were 16!

Just the opposite in this state regarding ongoing support. The previous TD was excellent, I hope Spencer Prior is as helpful. I've really missed the previous TD's input into ongoing issues.

There are three other staff coaches from FFT. Ongoing support is freely given by these guys, but they have been overloaded trying to cover some areas of the TD's job since he resigned. Unfortunately, you are in a big state, where links to the parent body are more tenuous.

There is also a player agent who is a member of 442. In the next few days, if he hasn't contacted you from reading this post, I'll ask him to contact you. I'm not sure if he wants it to be public knowledge he is an agent. He can assist with talented players ongoing career. He is also based in Victoria.





Edited by Decentric: 13/8/2013 10:44:28 PM

Decentric - Thanks again. It would be good to have a contact going forward so that I can give my talented players the best opportunity at success whether at their current club or outside.

To be fair, S.Douglas formerly of the FFV has been very helpful to me but he has moved on to a new role at FFA so makes it hard. There needs to be a permanent Development Coach to go around and meet with all the accredited Advanced coaches to assist with their ongoing development. State Coaching conferences aren't as helpful because it includes the Community coaches.

We need an Advanced Coaching conference attended by top qualified Australian or International coaches, not just FFV people. No offence to them but if i attend a conference there needs to be a point of difference to anything else i have already seen.

Everyone learns differently but I personally learn best by seeing i.e. courses or sessions.

If anything saafstasi you are well placed moving forward as a coach completing the AFC B Licence.

Your services will become highly in demand.

As for player development and placement is your VPL U18 team in the purple league or the A league?

Shouldn't your VPL Club be looking at the talented players you have?

If you're not considering leaving hopefully you move up to U21 coach to keep your squad together. This is a crucial period for young men between 17-21 to become senior players.
In Victoria this age group is usually poorly served by inadequate coaching, large numbers in U21 squads, limited playing times and limited training oppurtunities to improve.


Edited by Arthur: 13/8/2013 12:12:28 PM

Edited by Arthur: 13/8/2013 12:15:44 PM

I have the As at the moment and enjoy developing the players. First year at the club so its all about showing my worth.

Next season who knows: U18As, Purples or U21s, I don't mind, as long as i am developing personally, making a positive impact on my players and enjoying being a "gaffer" at the Youth level then I cant see myself leaving my club; assuming they want me to stay of course :).

After a shockingly bad experience at another VPL club, I am surprised with my current VPL club and how welcoming and supportive they have been. My loyalty remains with them as they have been fantastic towards me. Opposite of what I expected but glad it is working out.

I'll also follow up the Periodisation advice you seek, with FFT.

It is the 6 week cycle advice that you want some assistance with isn't it?

Edited by Decentric: 14/8/2013 09:03:39 AM

Yes, that would be excellent thanks.

Its critical that I have a good plan to prepare adequately for a season, more so now given that over the coming years I will likely be coaching at a higher level.

A player agent should have contacted you, but I've noticed you've just changed your user name.

Have you been contacted?

If you haven't I'll change the updated info for the agent.

Decentric - Thanks, the agent did contact me briefly but haven't heard from them since. I changed my profile name so that i could comment without fear of reprisal.

Edited by Hawk Saint Victory: 16/8/2013 10:40:11 AM

Edited by Hawk Saint Victory: 16/8/2013 10:40:45 AM

I haven't seen the coach I was thinking of to assist you with Periodisation, a subject that I need to learn more about. I've been snowed under lately with work - for income, and, with football coaching issues.

Maybe ask the agent more specific questions about your players?

Yes, once I speak with him I will ask him also.

Agreed that it is hard juggling Income work with Coaching.

I was hoping to avoid Periodisation, as I was coaching young players. Now my charter incorporates adults.

So I will have to learn more about Periodisation to avoid injury. I will keep you posted here.