Gwawley Bay Coach: A Role Model for the Rest

With disrespect from coaches, parents and supporters a growing trend across kid’s sport these days, Gwawley Bay‘s U/11 D’s boss, Peter Wood, is set on bringing back the magic that is Saturday morning football.

Opting for respect over reward, improvement over individualism and team work over trophies, Peter has faithfully coached the same Gwawley Bay team for the past five years, in which his daughter Jodi is a part of, with much success.

He believes that football should be seen for what it is. That is a game in which players can come together and enjoy themselves, enhance their fitness, skills, character and determination. Anything involving foul play, insults, individualism or dirty tactics runs against the football current, according to Peter.

“Sporting teams in general now a day’s focus primarily on winning and nothing else,” said Peter.

“I also want to win as I am a competitive person; however a winning season is not just about the results, but about keeping the team together, the parents happy and seeing the players improve.

“I think I have done just that, everybody has enjoyed the season and that to me is a successful campaign,” he added.

The Gladiators finished their season one game shy of reaching the grand final when they lost                      2-1 in the major semis. They were given the award for most improved team in the U/11 D’s competition by the Sutherland Shire Association.

Peter has never abused a referee or exchanged heated words with the opposition, players, officials or parents in his five years at the small Sutherland based cub.

Understanding that different players have varying abilities, the exemplary coach sees the improvement of his players as the number one goal and spreads playing time, recognition and attention evenly throughout the team.

His half time talks are not focus on the score line, but instead on the line of understanding the team has for another. Winning, according to Peter, should always be about “we and not me,” with recognition given to those who listen, cooperate and work with others.

Gwawley Bay president, Susan Timmons, believes the work Peter is doing is nothing short of “fantastic” and his “always positive attitude” is an asset to the club.

“The kids love his training sessions and the way he relates to them on and off the field,” she said.

“He is fair, positive, and never ill tempered, and it’s always a fun time with him as coach,” she added.

Not knowing if the mixed team will have to split of to play in a separate boys and girls team next season, Peter hopes he can have at least one more year with his adored squad.

“I believe Football NSW will make an announcement if the U/12’s will still be mixed or if it will be separated,” he said.

“Their decision is their decision; however, I am hoping I can have another chance to have the boys and girls again next year.

Judging by his popularity amongst everyone at Gwawley Bay, it’s certain they hope so too Peter.

-By Caetano Lima