Today we continue our coverage of the 2018 AFCA Coach of the Year nominee profiles, as we take a look at four of the state’s top Youth coaches in the running for the Stan Alves Youth Coach of the Year Award. Mark Koelmeyer reports.
Four outstanding coaches are in the running for the Stan Alves Youth Coach of the Year Award which will be presented at the AFL Victoria Community Football Awards dinner on Friday November 9.
The prestigious award is one of a number of coaching accolades that will be handed out at the event, with winners also to be crowned in the NAB AFL Auskick Coach of the Year, Junior Coach of the Year, Female Coach of the Year, Senior Coach of the Year and Umpire Coach of the Year categories.
See below for a brief summary of the Stan Alves Youth Coach of the Year Award nominees:
Brenten Hogan- Woorinen FNC (CMFNL)
Brenten Hogan is no stranger to football.
Having been a player himself for many years, Brenten’s experience in the game both on and off the field saw earn him the 2018 Youth Coach of the Year award for the Central Murray FNL.
Coaching both girls and boys at different stages of development, Brenten’s approach to coaching is to build his players’ confidence and see development, rather than winning.
He is constantly giving individual feedback, advice and support, whether it is in person, through email or over the phone.
Brenten has been an Academy coach for U14s the last three years as well as being appointed the Youth U16 girls V/Line cup coach, highlighting his ability to communicate with not only boys or girls but teach other coaches as well.
Brenten has experience at all levels of football and his approachable nature has led to numerous awards and a respected reputation amongst coaches and families in Woorinen.
Chris Hughson- Monbulk JFC (AFL Yarra Ranges)
Chris is an incredibly respected figure around Monbulk and has played a huge role in creating an inclusive culture at the club.
Being a three-time premiership player at the club, as well as a senior premiership coach in 2008 and an U16 premiership coach this season, Chris has all the experience and knowledge of what it takes to win and grow as a player.
Using the skills and training methods he has learnt over the years, one of Chris’ main strengths is his variety and ability to adjust training to suit each individual player.
Always cool, calm and collected in his approach and delivery, the players respond well to his teaching methods and he acts as a role model and leader amongst the group.
While not only coaching on the field, Chris has been an integral part in mentoring other coaches and setting up a curriculum for other coaches to follow.
He is highly respected and any success at Monbulk is a direct reflection of Chris Hughson.
Ben Van de Camp- Koroit FNC (Hampden FNL)
Ben is a very experienced coach, having coached Old Collegians U17s, WDFNL U17s, Koroit FNL and the GWV Rebels, experiencing premiership success along the way.
Being involved for the past eight years, Ben puts time into creating extensive training and game plans, using video teaching and self-review sessions, senior football mentors and personal decision making assistance to ensure players get the most out of his teaching.
While creating a professional culture around the club, Ben thrives on empathising with players, understanding their unique situations and using different teaching methods for each.
Ben has earned the respect of everyone around the club, and his ability to be flexible and get the best out of each player is a key factor in his nomination for Coach of the Year.
Paul Anderson- Cheltenham JFC & Dingley FNC (SMJFL & SFNL)
Coaching three separate teams (Cheltenham Div 3 girls, Dingley Div 2boys, Dingley U19s) Paul’s ability as a coach is evident through finals appearances from all three teams.
His coaching philosophy relates to building relationships, implementing systems, developing players as footballers and people and finding a balance between work and fun.
Using his values in a simple term FRAME (Fun, respect, accountability, mateship and effort), Paul has a great understanding of how to create a fun and enjoyable environment for his players.
Paul goes above and beyond in his approach to building team unity, whether it is holding BBQ’s for all players, posting on the teams’ Facebook page, encouraging players to tell jokes before training or playing music before games, he aims to create an environment that players can feel comfortable in.
Paul will give individual feedback in the form of reports both mid and post season and is a very tactically minded coach, aiming to not only improve his players skills but also their understanding of the sport from a tactical standpoint.
The parents and the players respect him greatly and he is a beloved figure in the communities in which he coaches.
