2015 was an incredible year for the Queensland State Academies, and now, Queensland coaches are being given the opportunity to learn about the techniques that made it all happen.
Queensland Academy and High Performance Coach, Adrian Fletcher, will run three coaching courses throughout South East Queensland in November, giving an insight into the coaching methods that saw the Queensland Under 16 and 18 teams win the respective Division Two National Championships this year.
The course is free of charge, and open to all coaches within Queensland.
The Brisbane component will be held on Thursday November 5, between 5.30-7.00pm at Leyshon Park, Yeronga.
The Sunshine Coast course will run on Tuesday November 10, between 5.30-7.00pm at Fisherman’s Rd.
And last but not least, the Gold Coast course will take place on Thursday November 12, between 5.30-7.00pm at Metricon Stadium.
Fletcher said the courses are about sharing the fundamentals that the talent program is based on.
“Queensland’s catch cry is the backyard, five on five style play. That’s what we build our game around, and that’s what we want to pass on to as many people as possible,” he said.
“It’s about the in close, competitive type of game that improves kids decision making skills. That’s our ethos.”
Fletcher said it’s important to continue to strengthen the player pathway at all levels, which has developed players like Harris Andrews, Liam Dawson and Lachie Weller in recent years.
“Australian rules is definitely making in roads in Queensland. The talent pool is there, proven by the results that we achieved this year, so now it’s time to cash in,” he said.
“It’s really important that we make sure everyone is on the same wave length, so we can create as smooth of a transition between all levels of football as possible.”
When it comes to the elite level, the proof is in the pudding.
“We only have to look at Hawthorn to see how successful this coaching method can be. Alastair Clarkson bases his coaching techniques off this competitive, decision making model as well.”
No booking is required for the courses; simply arrive ten minutes prior to the starting time.
By Andrew Wiles
