Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Edwards hot favourite for TIS job


Photo: Michael Edwards...acting TIS women's football coach


Michael Edwards is one of the most highly qualified football coaches in Tasmania and it came as no surprise when he was appointed as the acting head coach of the women’s football program at the Tasmanian Institute of Sport following Vicki Linton’s recent departure.


He had been a volunteer coach at the TIS and has filled the role of acting head coach for the past five weeks.


The year’s program ends at the end of the month and the 46-year-old Edwards is keen to obtain the position full time.


He holds the Asian Football Confederation’s ‘A’ coaching licence, which he obtained last year at a course in Canberra, and is keen to progress to the AFC’s ‘Pro’ licence.


“The first ‘pro’ licence course was run this year and the next will be in a couple of years’ time,” said Edwards, who was the Clarence United coaching director until he took over at the TIS.


“I would like to qualify for the next level, but you have to spend two years coaching after you get the ‘A’ licence before you take that next step.


“I’d like to continue with the women’s program at the TIS for now.


“Any opportunities that come up as a result of the coaching corridors or pathways, though, I’ll have a look at.”


Edwards was an assistant coach at a V-League club in Vietnam from 2003-2004.


After returning to Tasmania, he realised he needed more qualifications and experience.


“When I came back, I did some more courses and moved up, so now I just need more time coaching,” he said.


Edwards is optimistic about the women’s game in Tasmania.


“Women’s football is growing and, with that growth, we’re starting to see the emergence of a lot of good young players,” he said.


“What we need for those young players is good-quality coaching and good programs.


“The main downfall at the moment is that we don’t have the coaches and we don’t have coach education pathways that are going to help male and female players.


“There are some good players individually in our women’s league, but team-wise, they’re a long way off from where they need to be.


“But, the women’s game is still growing and is in its infancy.


“We are 10 years behind where we should be, but we’re well on the way.


“Clubs are now putting better coaches into their women’s programs and they’re taking it more seriously.


“It’s not just a kick-around any more, and players are taking it more seriously, and that’s good to see.”


2 comments:

JUAN said...

Hopefully you get the job Mike. It's nice to see dedicated people with the passion for both sides of the game putting in. Cheers Wayne Couch

Geezer said...

Hey Cous..... Fingers crossed you get this permanently. Doing a fantastic job lifting the profile of females is this sport. Good luck, Kate Stokes