Hi Paul, when did you arrive in Australia and get involved in football?
I moved to Australia in 1998 from sunny Manchester. I immediately found a team (Harbord Diggers now HSU) and I have been with that Club ever since.
Are you still involved in the Harbord Club?
Yes I have been heavily involved since my first season, I have pretty much covered most roles in the Club from player, groundsman, coach, club delegate and I am the current Coaching Director and have been for over 10 years.
What teams have you coached and have you won any silverware?
I have been the Men’s Premier League coach, I coached a girls’ team from u10 all the way to u18, I coached a boys team from u14 to now, most are in my current Men’s Div 1 team. This team won the Div 1 titles at U16. I Coached Premier League Ladies to lots of titles, including 3 Champion of Champions and 3 State Cups. I personally won MWFA Premier League Player of the year in 2008 and Coach of the year in 2016. Received a Meritorious Service Award for services to football in Manly Warringah in 2009 I did my coaching badges and hold an FFA B licence, plus my coaching at KIKOFF. I have been busy on the football front over the years.
When did you start working for KIKOFF?
I have had a relationship with KIKOFF from day one. I was at the opening night of the first centre at Harbord and I started hiring courts for my teams from that day and especially the younger teams, as it is perfect to coach the kids in a safe environment while also ensuring more touches of the ball than they would get at a wide-open park. When KIKOFF started its coaching programs, I was impressed with the philosophy of the company. I took on a role coaching here, I loved the fact It was great value for money and all-inclusive and I could bring my own personality to the sessions.
Has KIKOFF changed over the years?
It certainly has. Originally, we didn’t have too many coaches, and only a few loyal players. Now we have full time qualified coaches of which I am proud to be one. Our coaches hold A and B licences and are great coaches and personalities. At Harbord KIKOFF I now have 60 players in my Development Program training twice a week, as well as lots in our once a week Soccer Schools. We coaches are here for the long haul as we really believe in KIKOFF and know that our programs are the best.
What makes you believe KIKOFF has the best programs?
Our program not only does the core football skills, (technical) but we touch on the physical side and psychological components; all needed to make it as a professional footballer.
The players are all kitted out in top quality Nike apparel and look very professional. The KIKOFF coaching team has experts through the centres who specialise in all the components mentioned.
KIKOFF only has the development of kids at heart, we have no hidden agenda of competitive game at weekends. We have set up an Academy League to give players even more football to put into practice what we teach, without points and trophies involved. We haven’t forgotten that it is still all about fun, and enjoyment with kids loving the game is our aim. We are involved in putting back to football with our involvement with charities and still have our philosophy of being inclusive and value for money. We believe that Football is for everyone. And we are always striving to improve each year.
So I take it you like your job?
I absolutely love it! I love seeing the players improve as players and grow into confident respectful people. I also love the soccer and bubble parties that we do. I wish I had that as a kid. Hearing the kids laugh and have great fun together at the parties is brilliant. Plus, I often get a slice of pizza and cake at the parties so happy days.