MFA Coaches Spotlight: Kirsty Lee Fox and Graeme Hughes (Macarthur Magic)

In the next installment of our MFA Coaching Spotlight, this week we visited Macarthur Magic Special Needs Football Club and met with Kirsty Lee Fox and Graeme Hughes.

Kirsty Lee Fox: on-field coach, committee member and junior program coordinator at Macarthur Magic SNFC

Kirsty Lee Fox has been an on field coach for 4 years with Macarthur Magic. She is also a committee member and junior co-ordinator.

Kirsty is an energetic and eccentric part of the club who demonstrates a vibrant personality. She portrays these qualities through her various roles at Macarthur Magic.

Over that time she has become a valued and much loved part of Magic on filed coaches, and now has her two children participating in our inclusive soccer program. Kirsty emphasises on “inclusivity, fun and lots of smiles” as key components to her coaching at Macarthur Magic.

Kirsty states “Getting to know each child so we can alter activities based on their individual needs” is a core value to the clubs coaching style. These are important values and beliefs that Kirsty portrays at Macarthur Magic.

Kirsty’s motivation to be involved at the club is “It’s a safe space for her kids and watching them thrive”. Furthermore, Kirsty values the importance of having her kids involved in Macarthur Magic as her kids get to have a normal childhood, meet new friends and play the game they love.

In recent years Kirsty has also taken on a leadership role at the club joining their club committee and coordinating their Junior Program for players aged 6-9 years. A key factor to Kirsty’s leadership style is being able to be adaptive to different situations that may arise on their game days. This is reflected through her characteristics of being open-minded and thinking on the run which is influenced by her experiences of having her own children on the autism spectrum.

Kirsty does a fantastic job leading a group of on-field volunteers who deliver our junior program, which covers the largest group of players in the club. Kirsty also gets the parents involved to help, which creates a more inclusive environment at the club.

Kirsty’s favourite experience working with Macarthur Magic has been “watching kids thrive and hit milestones when they thought they couldn’t do it”.

She regularly supports the club in many other ways such as player registration days, and leading their club at events such as Football 4 All Gala day and at Macarthur FC on-field activations. Kirsty is an important and valued member of the club as has greatly impacted Macarthur Magic SNFC.

Graeme Hughes: on-field coach and life member of Macarthur Magic SNFC

Graeme Hughes has been a volunteer coach since the foundation of Macarthur Magic SNFC 13 years ago. Over the years, Graeme has contributed tremendously to our club as an on-field coach.

Graeme is a passionate coach and focuses on developing strong relationships with all players and families. This influences his coaching style by emphasising the value of respect, and integrating it in his practices.

Graeme has had a huge impact on the players, in particular their senior players, where he has led the coaching effort, establishing fantastic relationships with the players and families. Graeme’s passion and drive positively impact the culture of the club.

Giving children an opportunity to play football motivates Graeme to coach at Macarthur Magic SNFC. Graeme’s favourite part about being involved at Magic is “Seeing the kids enjoy themselves”. Graeme states that “Being allowed to coach at Macarthur Magic for 13 years” has been his favourite football experience.

Graeme has noted a significant improvement in the players' social skills compared to when he first joined the club. Graeme also acknowledged the committee’s support, stating that “the committee has been very supportive as player numbers have increased from 22 to 156.”.

Additionally, Graeme loves sharing his football coaching knowledge and has adapted it to match the inclusive nature of the Macarthur Magic SNFC program. Graeme creates an inclusive environment by “getting all players together and saying good morning to all and everyone high fives each other”. This creates bonds between players and improves team cohesion.

Graeme says “fun, fun, fun while learning new football skills” are the values that are most important to his coaching style. This aligns with his core principles of coaching and reflection through his practices.

Over the years Graeme has made many valuable off field contributions including leading the field set up each week, assisted with fundraising efforts and he served on the club's original committee. This shows his range of various attributes and the impact he has on the club.

In 2022 Graeme was awarded the clubs third Life Membership for his outstanding and sustained service to Macarthur Magic. He described the feeling “I was over the moon and still don’t think I deserved it but I am very humbled and honoured”.