ACE juniors will see a major change next season. For the first time in 14 years Joe Amaraddio will not be in a senior club coaching position.
Joe has stepped down as the ACE Junior Director of Coaching (DOC), with Hugo Labaredas taking over for 2019.
However, Joe will still be an ACE coach, next season.
“I’m doing the Under 12s,” he said, “I coached the same age group four years ago and had a smaller DOC role.
“I love coaching, but when you are in a TD (technical director) role you don’t get to do that.
“It’s more managerial a lot of the time. You are still coaching, but coaching the coaches and communicating.”
Joe joined ACE in 2000 and became Junior Director of Coaching in 2004 helping Darryl Vecchio. ACE has seen huge changes since that day.
“When I started we had about 450 players at ACE,” Joe recalled, “now it’s double that.
“It has made the job harder. From 40 odd teams to 90 odd teams has definitely made it harder.
“But I love this club and I want to help Hugo as much as possible to make his job easier.
“I had a good mentors in Darryl, Scott Byrne – and so many other great people to work with.
“Allan Waller was with the club for a long time. Salvo Sottile, Stefano Salvatori. So many fabulous memories.”
ACE President Tony Dooley was in no doubt about the impact Joe has had on Albany Creek Excelsior.
“Joe has demonstrated over the past 18 years an unrivalled commitment to our junior teams,” said Tony.
“He has left a legacy which demonstrates that determination and hard work will lead to success in the long run.
“Joe is an institution where ACE juniors are concerned.
“His tireless dedication and personal approach to the development, and more importantly, the enjoyment of football at an early age underpins the values the club would like to encourage to all coaches and parents associated with the club.”
