Coaching the key to football development success

“If we have better coaches, we will have better players”, that was the message Football NSW’s Player Development Manager for Boys Phil Myall projected as the push for recruiting and educating coaches for the 2023 season commenced this month.

“The role of the coach is so important to the future of our game,” said Myall.

“If the coach creates a positive learning environment for their players, then they can make a big difference to everyone around them and improve our game.”

Myall has been coaching for 16 solid years now and stated that his love affair with his passion commenced whilst studying Sports Science in his native country, England.

“I’ve been involved with coaching now for approximately 16 years.

“I first became involved in coaching whilst at the University of Chichester where I was studying Sports Science. I was asked to be player/coach of the University team in my final year which I hesitantly accepted, but I was instantly surprised at how rewarding it was and how much I enjoyed it.

“From there I was lucky enough to get a coaching role with Southampton FC in their youth development programs through an agreement they had with the University, and this is where my passion for helping youth players become the best versions of themselves began, and I’m still enjoying it to this day.”

Asked what his advice would be to anyone wishing to commence their coaching journey, Myall replied.

“It’s quite simple really, jump in and do it, you won’t regret it.

“Helping young people develop, not just at football, but as people is one of the most rewarding things you can do with your life, and it gives me great satisfaction to know that I’ve played a small part in their development and journey.

“It is that part alone that I feel would certainly resonate with many wishing to take up coaching.”

Find out more on how to become a coach today.