After a recent coaching workshop with Football NSW Coach Education Manager, Oscar Gonzalez, U15 Berowra FC division 1 team coach Lee Surace took on the responsibility to report back to all coaches that attended the workshop how the boys go on.
Here is how the story unfolded.
“The boys played the undefeated Northbridge FC side who beat us four weeks ago 15-0. We had a massive implosion in that match conceding 8 goals in the first 15 minutes! We even had two players walk off the field and refuse to return.
“Northbridge FC have been winning their games by 7-8 goals each week and have a team full of regional league players. Since that game the boys have lacked confidence in their ability and it definitely rattled me as a coach.
“After Oscar's session we trained on Thursday night and repeated Monday nights session with the boys in control. The boys discussed how they need to communicate with each other to ensure they maintain their shape and pressure our opponents, not allowing them to control the game.
“We also paid particular attention to transition from attack to defence as we tend to struggle in this area.
“We implemented this on game day and ended up going down 3-0. We were down 1-0 at half time conceding s goal right before the break. We conceded two more goals late in the second half mainly due a lack of concentration. Defensively it was a huge improvement.
“On Sunday we backed up against Asquith in a mid-table clash. The boys won 1-0. Our first clean sheet for the season. The boys defence was outstanding. The back four and no 6 and 8 in the midfield defended extremely well as a unit as did our number 10, 7,11 and 9. Our keeper in particular was encouraging our defenders marshalling them to keep their shape and work hard for each other.
“The session on Monday certainly assisted the team and the boys really stepped up.
“The parents mentioned that when the boys went home on Monday how impressed they were with the session and how they were encouraged to express their opinions and make a contribution. Monday's session with Oscar has definitely aided the boys and myself as a coach.
“We have moved to third on the table with two games in hand and are really looking forward to a strong finish to the season.
Gonzalez was delighted with the approach Berowra FC and coach Lee Surace displayed.
“The idea around flipping the concept of teaching a touch decision for many coaches as they have to let go and let the players take an amount of control.
“This takes a brave and willing coach but the results are worthwhile added Gonzalez.
“We at Football NSW will taking this further and looking to be leaders in coach education and ensuring that coaches in NSW receive the latest most innovative ideas to coach our players.”
James Turnbull, a keen coach and football enthusiast also echoed positive words regarding the flipping concept.
““What a great outcome!!
“This is my first season coaching and I am really very impressed with how competent and up-to-date the football coaching and curriculum is.
“Thanks for all that each of you invest in this.”