The GippSport Community Solutions team recently wrapped up a club development workshop series with local National Premier Leagues Victoria (NPLV) outfit Gippsland FC.
GFC Technical Director Mark Cassar initially approached GippSport Community Solutions in May last year to explore options for some education and training sessions for the club’s athletes and coaches.
With covid lockdowns severely impacting the 2021 season, discussions were postponed until early 2022, at which point GCS recommenced consultation with the club on the desired content and between April and June, GCS designed and delivered three workshops.
The series commenced with a team building workshop, which aimed to help develop a positive and engaging club culture.
While the club’s NPLV program effectively runs from November to September, there is surprisingly limited opportunity for players to spend time together and build connections away from the pitch, largely due to significant travel requirements and the rigours of training sessions and match days in a talent development environment.
The aim of the session was therefore simple – get to know your clubmates and have some fun.
With a group of nearly 50 boys aged 11-18 years, getting the players talking and interacting with not only their immediate teammates but those in other teams was always going to be key.
However, a series of fun games, each with just a hint of competitive edge, proved a winning combination and highlighted a range a skills within the group, such as leadership, problem solving and communication. Things that may not always be as easy to identify and appreciate on the football pitch as physical traits like speed, skill and athleticism.
Workshop number two focussed on goal setting. Athletes were guided through a range of activities and discussions on topics such as routines and rituals, match day motivation and preparation, health and wellbeing and goal-setting techniques and strategies, for teams and individuals.
Not only did the workshop provide personal development for the players, but it doubled as an opportunity for athletes to provide feedback to their coaches and the club on the program and insights into the motivations and barriers that impact their ongoing involvement.
Following two player-focussed sessions, we turned our attention to coach development for the third and final workshop.
Topics included the double-goal coach philosophy, participation trends, accidental counselling, modelling good behaviour for young men and boys, success measures, two-way feedback and self-reflection.
Some of the content drew participants out of their comfort zone, but it’s important to challenge the way we think about what, why and how we do what we do.
There were some great discussions as a result and it was clear that while these coaches have a lot of responsibility, they are passionate about developing their players, supporting each other and growing their club and sport.
If you are interested in at your club, contact the team at communitysolutions@gippsport.com.au or phone Michelle on 0458 145 596 or Damen on 0439 415 986.
