Brodie Bates, Theresa Bates, Riley Millar and Joshua Grant.
Will Russell        www.communitypix.com.au   d450032
Camera IconBrodie Bates, Theresa Bates, Riley Millar and Joshua Grant. Will Russell        www.communitypix.com.au d450032 Credit: Supplied/Will Russell        www.communitypix.com.au d450032

Helping youngsters overcome setbacks

Bryce LuffFremantle Gazette

Sport From the Inside and Out addresses the lines of communication between players and coaches, ego and empowerment, the role of parents and any individual issues youngsters might have.

Ms Bates said she was inspired to write the program after hearing about elite athletes finding trouble off-field and her own lost opportunities as a junior soccer player.

“Anything that’s addressing kids’ self-esteem, mental health and helping them to grow up to be strong independent people is important,” she said.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“I think in sport in general it’s too often this ego-based thing where players are being built up all the time.

“I want to see any kid who is taking their sport to the next level or even just past where it’s a bit of fun to know they can deal with any situation that comes their way.

“It’s about their whole life. It’s giving them the tools to build that resilience.”

As a teen, Ms Bates missed out on the chance to represent Australia in soccer because |of her attitude. National representatives had come to watch her play but she was benched.

Her opportunity was lost forever.

“Back then I was angry and disappointed,” she said.

“I knew I could play the |position and do the job so I|didn’t know why they cared about the other side of it.

“Now I look at it as an |opportunity to teach someone something from my mistakes.”

The South Fremantle Football Club will dip a toe into one aspect of the program this week, with Ms Bates to host a presentation to their Under-16s development players and their parents.

South Fremantle talent manager Jason Pedulla said the club was keen to prepare players for the challenges that would inevitably come.

“We’re trying to prepare players to play league football,” he said.

“It’s not all going to go their way.

“We want players to take ownership of their future and development and be able to deal with the setbacks that come with sport.”

The club said it may consider the full program in the |future.