Three familiar names have taken up coaching roles which have been reinstated into the ACE junior program.
Robbie English (pictured left), Stu Nielsen (centre) and Scott Walker have been appointed Directors of Coaching (DOC) for the club’s Under 13, Under 14 and Under 15 age groups respectively. They start immediately.
The trio will also be coaching our Football Queensland Academy League (FQAL) 4 squads in the same age groups as their DOC positions.
ACE Junior Vice-President Jason Gilbert said the appointments, in roles which have not been filled for three years, were made to “ensure a flow down of the Club Youth Development Plan”.
This includes session planning and player development which, through support of coaches, will continue bringing players up through the ranks and increase tactical and technical knowledge on par with the FQAL.
“Each of these DOCs have exhibited consistent coaching results and ability to communicate technical and tactical strategy to players and coaches over a number of seasons,” Jason added.
“They are excellent candidates for Coach Mentoring at ACE.
“With our Junior and Club TD (Technical Director) roles soon to be announced, ACE is excited about the technical structure that is building for 2023.”
Scott Walker, who guided the ACE Under 18 Development team to the premiership and grand final double last season, is relishing the new role.
“I’m looking forward to working with the other Under 15 coaches to assist with training session planning and game preparation, but also the other DOCs and the club Technical Director,” he said.
“It is important the club as a whole works towards a unified coaching philosophy and pathway as this will ensure the best development and results from all our teams.”
Stu Nielsen added: “It’s fantastic to be involved with a community club like ACE that is constantly working towards delivering greater value for its members.
“I’m excited to take on the role of Under 14 Director of Coaching in 2023, working closely with all of the coaches and players in the Under 14 age group to improve session outcomes and help players reach their potential.”
Robbie English, who was the Football Queensland Community Coach of the Year 2022, said he “can’t wait for the challenge”.
“This is a new and exciting role for me and can’t wait for the challenge,” he said of the Under 13 Director of Coaching position.
“Looking forward for all coaches and players to develop with a positive mindset.”
