Quality coaching is an important part of the success of any athlete. There are opportunities at all levels for new coaches to get involved and we are always looking for enthusiastic people to help develop and guide our athletes.
From development coaches helping teach our up and coming athletes the fundamental skills needed to succeed and excel, to those leading elite athletes from the side lines, we are always looking for new coaches to get involved.
Our more experienced coaches are keen to teach new leaders the differences between powerchair football and other sports, as well as how to approach this exciting breed of football players.
Coaching Pathway
As with our athletes, there are various different levels for coaches within the NSWPFA set-up. Coaches can help our athletes develop their fundamental skills and general gameplay, and they can also commit to individual teams and work with a group of players.
Come and Try
Our Come and Try session coaches are responsible for introducing new athletes to our sport. The focus in development sessions involves teaching the basics, like chair control and basic ball skills, such as dribbling and front of guard passing.
The main focus for our development sessions is getting people involved and having a good time. When things are fun, our athletes really grow. The end goal is to create a good foundation for those wanting to progress or to remain in development.
Skill Acquisition Program (SAP)
Our SAP coaches are focused on developing more technical skills and team play. These sessions provide a chance to focus on positioning, set pieces and more advanced ball skills in a group environment. The goal is to provide athletes with the skills and knowledge to eventually play at our Reserve Grade level.
Our SAP program involves both dedicated training sessions to work on vital skills, as well as a match to end the session to put those learnings into practice. The goal is to set our athletes up to have fun and learn.
Reserve Grade
Preparing athletes to join a Reserve Grade team is the goal of SAP sessions, with Reserve Grade matches giving athletes the chance to apply their skills in a highly competitive environment. This is also where our growing coaches can develop their tactical knowledge and guide a group of players through matches. Our Premier League coaches at each club are also there to provide guidance, helping with the more technical elements of the game.
Premier League
Our Premier League coaches are responsible for preparing our more experienced athletes for matches of high intensity and pace. Strong knowledge of the tactical nuances of powerchair football is a must, while player management skills are a major benefit.
Our top athletes compete at the Premier League level, including multiple Australian Poweroos representatives, past and present. Preparing athletes for this level often involves mid-week and pre-season training, working on things that can be put into practice on the court. Reaching this level as a coach involves spending time as a reserve grade and assistant coach to develop a strong knowledge of the game and the athletes you work with.
Coaching Essentials
Aside from teaching athletes match skills, it’s also important for our coaches to manage their teams and know the laws of the game in detail. Check out the links to Powerchair Football’s Laws and Technical Supplement below:
Once developed, a NSWPFA Coaching Guidebook will be made available for all our coaches. Keep an eye out for further details.
Coaching Courses
Currently the NSW Powerchair Football Association doesn’t run any coaching courses. With the planned development of a national powerchair football curriculum, we intend for our coached to complete a NSWPFA Coaching Course in the future. Stay tuned for further details on what is an exciting development in our sport.
While not specifically related to powerchair football, we encourage coaches to undertake external coaching courses to develop skills in player management.
Check out the Football Australia Coaching Hub for some great coaching development resources by clicking here.
I want to coach! What do I do next?
We are always looking for new coaches to get involved in powerchair football. We strongly encourage aspiring coaches to attend match days to see the sport in action.
Our athletes are a unique group of people, so an interest in working with young people and adults living with disabilities is important. We also encourage our coaches to undertake a Working With Children Check – more details can be found here.
Our coaches and volunteers are also required to submit a membership application. There are no fees for coaches and volunteers.
Membership Applications for the 2024 season are open, so please reach out below!