WEST PRESTON-LAKESIDE under-11s coach Brett Pollard has been recognised as the best junior coach in Victoria by the Australian Football Coaches Association.
Pollard received the 2014 David Parkin Junior Coach of the Year Award at the AFCA State Coach of the Year Awards held at the MCG on Friday.
In September, he was also awarded the Northern AFCA Junior Coach of the Year, recognising coaches in the Northern region of Melbourne.
Pollard coached West Preston’s Under-11 Green team this season and guided the side to the minor premiership.
His positive influence on young footballers was paramount in him winning the award.
“Pollard’s coaching philosophy is based on three key pillars – play with effort, support your team mates and respect the opposition and umpires,” a statement from AFL Victoria said.
“He plans ahead and ensures the training sessions are conducted in a manner to maximise participation, practicing game scenarios and skill improvement within the group.
“He is a teaching coach, and has engaged his assistant coaches in roles where the focus on individual skill development is paramount. The coaching is positive as individuals are rewarded for efforts to execute their skills.
“To grow enthusiasm for the game Pollard has organised and conducted two school holiday programs for the clubs under 9 – 11 players.”
Speaking to westprestonlakeside.com.au, Pollard said he had only taken on the coaching role after being approached by a number of parents at West Preston-Lakeside, following a coaching stint with TAC Cup side Calder Cannons.
“Initially I had no interest in coaching junior football, but then I thought this would be a great opportunity for me to bring my knowledge of the game and develop the group into all round footballers,” he said.
“Junior football is so rewarding when you see the development of the kids as they progress through their junior careers.”
Darebin Falcons Under-18 Girls coach Jessica Dal Pos was also recognised at the awards night. Dal Pos was a finalist in the Peta Searle Female Coach of the Year Award.
Dal Pos guided the Falcons to fifth-successive premiership this year, beating previously unbeaten South Morang by one point in a Grand Final that went into extra time.
The Northern Football League congratulates both Brett and Jessica on their fantastic coaching achievements in 2014.
For the full list of winners from the AFCA State Coach of the Year awards, please visit 
www.aflvic.com.au/afca-coach-year-winners.
