EAST Fremantle District Junior Coach of the Year Pat Galvin wants more girls to play football instead of netball.
Mr Galvin has coached the Piara Waters Junior Football club since 2013 in both Auskick (2013-2015) and junior (2016) competitions, and is the club’s Auskick co-ordinator.
He said nobody told him he was going to be named coach of the year.
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READ NOW“They held (the awards ceremony) at the Left Bank, that was a bad idea; I quite enjoy a beer or two and I had to give a speech,” he said.
Mr Galvin said the Pirates had received a lot of local community support, which symbolised how good they were as a club.
“(The kids’) parents are all pretty good, they’re the best assistant coaches and all the parents are happy to help out,” he said.
“The main thing is to keep (the kids) safe, having fun and if they learn something that’s good.”
Mr Galvin said he would like to see more girls playing football in 2017 .
“What we find, it’s really disappointing, is they’re really into it in Years 1 and 2 then they get snatched up by netball and other sports,” he said.
“It’s a real struggle.”
Club president Elena Mustard said the awards were fantastic recognition for the Piara Waters Pirates.
“Pat is not only a knowledgeable and committed coach; he is also a great role model,” she said.
The Pirates’ fundraising and canteen co-ordinator Aimee Tinsley was also recognised as Club Volunteer of the Year.
“Because of people like Pat and Aimee, our club is growing into a wonderful place for children to learn to play football and be part of their local community,” Mrs Mustard said.
Mrs Mustard said Aimee was a well-known member of the club who was always willing to put her hand up to help.
“Aimee works tirelessly for the club and is always putting the club’s needs first,” she said.
“She has made the environment fun and enjoyable at the club, so much so that more parents have put their hands up to volunteer in 2017.”
For more information about the Piara Waters Pirates Junior Football Club visit www.piarawaterspirates.com.au.