The 2021 football season the Picton Rangers FC celebrate their 50th anniversary and although the season was recently cut short due to Covid sweeping the state, the proud club showed no signs of slowing down in the coaching development department.
With three senior teams playing in the Football South Coast competition and approximately 20 junior and MiniRoos teams playing in the Macarthur Football Association, Picton Rangers are a small club that continues to grow year upon year.
Despite being one of the smaller clubs in the area, Picton Rangers Club Secretary Shauna Mazuran has been grateful for the ever-present commitment to female football at the club.
“For at the least 20 consecutive years we have been fortunate enough to have a women’s team and a junior female team playing competitive football.”
In early 2021, the club hosted a Girls Only session to support the Macarthur FA’s strategic push to have more female only competitions. The session was a massive success with more than 60 females attending the sessions that were delivered by Rangers officials and coaches from Macarthur Football Association and the Macarthur Rams Women’s club.
“This season Picton Rangers signed 95 females to play in 7 female only teams – 31% of Picton Rangers are female players and this figure will continue to grow.”
Further to the investment and promotion of female football, Picton Rangers have successfully implemented the Club Coach Coordinator program with Andrew Merchant leading the way for coach development at the club.
In 2021, Picton Rangers hosted a MiniRoos Certificate for coaches of players in the Discovery Phase (U6-U9), a Skill Training Certificate for coaches of players in the Skill Acquisition Phase (U9-U12) and a Game Training Certificate for coaches of teams playing 11-a-side football.
These courses saw over 30 coaches from Picton and surrounding clubs attain their coaching accreditation for their relevant teams, putting the club in a strong position for ongoing coach development moving into the 2022 season.
Merchant aims to continue supporting the development of all coaches at the club by continuing to provide opportunities through coaching courses, continued communication lines to support coaches through the season and by including more methods to show appreciation of volunteer coaches.
“By far the biggest factor driving the expansion of the CCC role at Picton has been the support and contributions from our coaches. It’s such a privilege to be able to work with a group of dedicated coaches at all levels.” Merchant stated in relation to his experience as the CCC in 2021.
Club President, Trent Slater is adamant that the future is bright for the club as it continues to develop a positive culture for all its members.
“Fifty-years ago, the Picton Rangers was born and in 2021 the strength of the club can still be attributed to the dedication, hard work and support of everyone involved, including Players, Supporters, Volunteers, Parents, Sponsors, Coaches and Managers.
“The club has always aimed to provide the best environment for footballers of any age or ability to participate and succeed. This is the same for our MiniRoos as it is for our first-grade players, male or female.
“The club continues to grow each year and with significant investment in our facilities on the horizon, a focus on developing our female footballers, the future looks very promising.”
For more information on the CCC program or for support with coach development strategies in the Macarthur Football Association, contact Kevin, the Community Football Manager at kevin@macarthurfootball.com.au.
