Coaching stocks across Asia received a boost over the Anzac Day weekend, with successful AFL coaching clinics held in Singapore and Vietnam, accrediting 30 new coaches with Official Level 1 certification.
Thanks to the support of the AFL, High Performance Manager for AFL Northern Territory Mr Wally Gallio traveled to the two countries to lead courses attended by coaches from Singapore’s Sharks and Wombats programs on the Saturday and from the Vietnam Swans and Saigon Colts Auskick programs in Vung Tau, Vietnam on the Sunday, in conjunction with the Swans’ Anzac Friendship Match.
AFLNT’s Wally Gallio with the Singapore Sharks at the Australian International School
In Singapore Wally started the day in the classroom at the Australian International School before heading down to the main oval for practical sessions and staying on in the afternoon to observe the Shark’s U5, 7 and 9’s Auskick clinics with around 200 participants.
“Wally was outstanding. A few key messages resonated with us…the importance above all of the basics.” said Tony Davies from the Singapore Sharks Auskick program.
In Vung Tau 15 coaches, players and Auskick parents attended the morning course at the legendary Tommy’s Sports Bar, home of the largest collection of AFL Asia memorabilia in the world. The group then headed down to the historic Lam Son Stadium for a practical session. Formally known as the Lord Mayor’s Oval, this same ground was home to Vietnam Football League matches between 1966-71, the first ever football league in Asia.
Wally demonstrating the basics at Vung Tau’s historic Lord Mayor’s Oval
The training followed the 7th Annual Anzac Friendship Match, where the Jakarta Bintangs defeated the Vietnam Swans by a goal, with Wally joining representatives from the Swans, Jakarta Bintangs and special guest Brad Seymour from the Sydney Swans at the Dawn Service at the nearby Long Tan Cross on Monday morning.
We were very pleased to welcome Wally to join us in Vung Tau for this important weekend for the Club. Considering we had a major function the night before, it was a great result to have such a good turnout to the Sunday morning session. Our Club is in much better shape for the experience. ” Swans President Grant Keys said.
Swans new local recruit Vinh soaking up the learnings at the iconic Tommy’s Bar
“After just announcing the Swans’ new Local Player Development strategy at the McMillan Dinner the night before, we were particularly pleased to have two of our new Vietnamese players, Vinh and Dinh Anh do the course, which I’m certain will pay huge dividends for our future local player development efforts.” Keys said
Coaches learned or re-affirmed the importance of keeping it simple and focusing on doing the basics skills well, with insights into different coaching styles, game strategies and basic training methods utilised in AFLNT High Performance programs.
“These courses are a great sign that our efforts to engage with the AFL at a high level and speak to them with one voice are paying off. This is the first time we have been able to offer courses like this and I have no doubt that following the success of them we can look forward to working with the AFL to roll out similar courses for other AFL Asia Clubs in the future.” AFL Asia President Darren Whitfield said.
Wally Gallio, Brad Seymour from the Sydney Swans and representatives from the Vietnam Swans and Jakarta Bintangs join together to lay wreaths at the Long Tan Cross dawn service
