The Under 15 Queensland All-Nations team will be under the leadership of Brisbane Lions AFLW player, Sabrina Frederick-Traub, when they take to the field at next week’s National Diversity Championships in Byron Bay.
The All-Australian player said she has found the transition from player to coach humbling and challenging
“You don’t think about it when your player, all the effort the staff put it but when you are on the other side you just appreciate it so much more,” she said.
“I’m still dealing with the control factor and find it challenging not physically being out on the field and having to rely on my voice and my runner to get the message out.
Having moved from England to Australia and now playing professional football, Frederick-Traub understands what the girls are going through.
“In my experience and what I’ve been through, I found the coaches that I can relate to are the ones that had been through similar things as me,” Frederick-Traub said.
“Therefore, having the girls know that I have been through the same process as them, makes it so much easier for them to relate.
“They also know that they can approach me because I have been through the same situation.”
This year’s team is very diverse with PNG, FIJI, New Zealand, England, Sweden, China, Africa and Greece respresented.
“I think when you look at this team list it is going to be so special because they can bring different parts of their culture,” Frederick-Traub said.
“Even though some may not be born in that country, their parents are from that country and they still very much still emerged in that culture.”
At only 15 years of age the girls are excited to get out of school and do something fun.
However, for Frederick-Traub, it’s all about creating an elite environment without them knowing it, as her girls could be selected for the national Medleys Team squad.
“Some girls don’t really know how good they are till they been selected. Sometimes they just need a little push to build their confidence,” Frederick-Traub said.
Being such a competitive person, Frederick-Traub is hoping to bring home the trophy for the second year in a row but it’s her main priority.
“For me, it’s about the girls who haven’t really played football before falling in love with football and for them to keeping wanting to play afterwards,” Frederick-Traub said.
“For the girls who have played before, I want them to improve their skills and think ok, there is a AFL women’s league and this is what I want to aspire to.
“And who knows, one day I may have the privilege of playing alongside them in the Lions.”
The Diversity Championships are held at the Cavanbah Centre in Byron Bay from Monday October 9 to Friday October 13.
The Under 15 Queensland All-Nations team will be under the leadership of Brisbane Lions AFLW player, Sabrina Frederick-Traub, when they take to the field at next week’s National Diversity Championships in Byron Bay.
The All-Australian player said she has found the transition from player to coach humbling and challenging
“You don’t think about it when your player, all the effort the staff put it but when you are on the other side you just appreciate it so much more,” she said.
“I’m still dealing with the control factor and find it challenging not physically being out on the field and having to rely on my voice and my runner to get the message out.
Having moved from England to Australia and now playing professional football, Frederick-Traub understands what the girls are going through.
“In my experience and what I’ve been through, I found the coaches that I can relate to are the ones that had been through similar things as me,” Frederick-Traub said.
“Therefore, having the girls know that I have been through the same process as them, makes it so much easier for them to relate.
“They also know that they can approach me because I have been through the same situation.”
This year’s team is very diverse with PNG, FIJI, New Zealand, England, Sweden, China, Africa and Greece respresented.
“I think when you look at this team list it is going to be so special because they can bring different parts of their culture,” Frederick-Traub said.
“Even though some may not be born in that country, their parents are from that country and they still very much still emerged in that culture.”
At only 15 years of age the girls are excited to get out of school and do something fun.
However, for Frederick-Traub, it’s all about creating an elite environment without them knowing it, as her girls could be selected for the national Medleys Team squad.
“Some girls don’t really know how good they are till they been selected. Sometimes they just need a little push to build their confidence,” Frederick-Traub said.
Being such a competitive person, Frederick-Traub is hoping to bring home the trophy for the second year in a row but it’s her main priority.
“For me, it’s about the girls who haven’t really played football before falling in love with football and for them to keeping wanting to play afterwards,” Frederick-Traub said.
“For the girls who have played before, I want them to improve their skills and think ok, there is a AFL women’s league and this is what I want to aspire to.
“And who knows, one day I may have the privilege of playing alongside them in the Lions.”
The Diversity Championships are held at the Cavanbah Centre in Byron Bay from Monday October 9 to Friday October 13.
By Zoe Nilsen
