ENCOURAGING children to play sport from an early age can enhance their confidence and skill development according to the under 9s Augusta/Karridale Football Club coach Dan Del Fante.
Mr Del Fante has been coaching the under 9s for two years and said a good coach can play a pivotal role in a young player’s life.
“When I was a young boy I had a really great coach who helped me a lot and I think being a coach enables you to offer encouragement and confidence building opportunities to these kids,” Mr Del Fante said.
“I can help them further their skills and help them enjoy the game and that is very rewarding.”
Mr Del Fante said he was thrilled with the commitment of his under 9s players.
“At this stage in the game it’s a very steep learning curve and this is the year where the players generally decide whether football is the game for them, but it’s been great so far–we have a lot of great young players who are getting their head around the game and enhancing their skills,” he said.
He said both girls and boys are eager to have a kick of the footy each week.
“We have a full team every game which is a great reflection of the commitment of the team.
“We also have four or five girls in the team and their skills are really developing–they’ve definitely earned their place in the team.”
BankWest Augusta lending manager and club secretary Tracey Webb said it was a joy to sponsor the club in which her son plays.
“BankWest is delighted to be supporting such a dedicated young group of players who work excellently together as a team and we look forward to watching the team play throughout the year,” she said.
As well as funding the cost of the football jumpers, BankWest also offers a $20 Kids Bonus Account each week for the Best Player of the Match award.