Griffith and District Football Association have made an appointment to the role of coach development manager who they feel will help to grow the game in the local area in both boys and girls.
Doug McKenzie comes to the area after strong recommendations, and GDFA vice president Paul Fisher is confident they have found the right man.
“This is something that we haven’t had for a number of years in a dedicated position, and he will have more time to dedicate to the position,” he said.
McKenzie’s primary goal is to increase participation of boys and girls from 5 to 17, and adult women and men is the goal to have more people from across the community playing the "World Game".
McKenzie believes he has hatched a plan to do exactly that as he looks to focus on running programs at every primary school in and around Griffith in term one next year.
Focusing on drawing girls to the sport will be another key aspect of his plan, with soccer primarily played by boys in the area.
“We see girls football as a massive growth area,” McKenzie said. “That will be a big focus.”
The plan is also to run the Griffith District School Girls Only Gala Day on April 3, the Miniroos and Youth Cup on June 17 and school holiday programs in April, July and September. The programs have received interest from schools from around Griffith and Leeton with over 300 girls showing interest in the gala day.
Fisher said Griffith is in a great position to provide for the up-and-coming footballers from around the area and the appointment of McKenzie will only grow the potential.
“The standard of football around the area is highly competitive and recognised right across the region,” he said.
“One of the aims is to get more qualified coaches within our competition, and with McKenzie taking the role we are confident there is a good potential for this.”
Fisher also pointed out the perks the town has at its disposal with their ability to have their local talent come up against some of the best in the country through the Riverina Rhinos meaning the younger players don’t have to leave the area for their opportunity.
“We are fortunate to have this opportunity to play in the second highest tier competition in Australia,” he said.
The impact of McKenzie is already being felt with record numbers at SAP trials meaning both the under 9s and under 10s will be able to feature two sides.
Liam Warren
As someone with an underlying passion about sport it is a privilege to report on the sporting landscape around the MIA
As someone with an underlying passion about sport it is a privilege to report on the sporting landscape around the MIA
