It’s my belief that in every young players desire to play for their favourite team, whether it be Australia or Manchester United, there needs to be a safe and nurturing environment encouraging them to get there.
I take enormous pleasure out of trying to make that dream possible for each and every one of them, and this drives me to better myself in order to better the young footballers.
I love everything about football, and it has been part of my life since I was young. I’ve grown up in an environment of success in football, playing from junior levels through to State League 3, and have experience coaching from Under 8’s all the way through to Senior Women’s football at Vikings FC in Ballarat.
I have also completed a dual qualification of a Diploma of Sport and a Diploma of Leadership and Management from the Richmond Institute of Sport Leadership partnered with Swinburne University. This has equipped me with a valuable base of knowledge to coach and deliver the best product by combining my football knowledge and background with my university qualifications.
I am a mum of 4 boys and step mum to my daughter! Being born into a football crazy family there was no other choice than to love the sport just as much as my grandfather!
My playing career lasted for over 20 years, including playing at the highest state level women’s division. Now semi-retired, it is my turn to pass this passion onto my children. Being able to coach and watch them grow alongside their friends and team mates is what drives me, doing it for the kids!!
I love how the game brings people together in a team environment. I coach because I want to help players become better and to prepare them as juniors so they can enjoy the competitive nature of our game as adults, and most importantly to appreciate how wonderful this game can be.
I’ve been coaching at Western Victoria Football Academy for the past year and have always been interested in developing young talent and getting them to love the game as much as I do. Our mission is to turn these young kids into excellent football players but most importantly to love the game and have fun.
I am originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA and was brought up playing soccer since the age of 4 years old. I played football all through primary and high school at the club level and became a huge fan of the Women’s US National team. I moved to Australia in 2006 and later played for Elwood City FC in Melbourne at the state level 3 and 2 for four years. After moving to Ballarat with my husband and having my own children, I have a desire to teach my two kids how to play the game and develop a love of the sport.
Joining the Academy as a coach has been a wonderful opportunity to both teach my kids about football as well as other children just learning the game.
I started coaching when I was 16 and while personally I have developed and coached at higher levels, my passion has always been consistent in youth football.
I believe first and foremost the role of a youth coach is to light the spark and then facilitate a genuine love for the game so that a player’s desire to improve comes from themselves.
I currently hold my Junior and Senior C licence coaching certificate and hope to complete my B Licence soon. I hope that my own development continues to support our future stars!
Craig Schepis is the owner of On track Fitness and is the head of our Sports Science team.
On Track Fitness is a state of the art Ballarat Health and Lifestyle centre. Our modern and clean facility is laid out over 2 levels. You’ll find everything from our public gym, showers and change rooms to our Massage Therapy and Group Fitness Studios and dedicated education and training spaces.
Craig comes with an amazing CV:
Vision Radiology is a comprehensive Diagnostic Medical Imaging & Interventional Radiology service provider with multiple clinics in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
We conduct general x-rays near Ballarat for a wide range of purposes. Our Sebastopol clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art medical imaging technology designed to capture high-quality results. Generally used to measure bone fractures and breaks, an x-ray generates 2D imaging that focuses on specific areas of the body. Each scan is completed within a short time span, with minimal patient preparation required.
Vision Radiology offers bulk billing options for the vast majority of x-rays near Ballarat and appointments are generally not required. Bulk billing is available for both Medicare Card holders as well as individuals with a referral.
Ballarat Spinal Health is a Chiropractic clinic servicing the Ballarat and surrounding area since 2014. Exclusively utilising the Gonstead System of Chiropractic, Ballarat Spinal Health can assist in the management and recovery of not only spinal related conditions, but most acute and chronic sporting injuries as well. Sporting injuries often present as a sprain or tear/strain, however there are often multiple underlying factors that can either cause or contribute to the problem. Ballarat Spinal Health has the tools and the experience to assist individuals of all ages in managing their condition.
Dr. Dale Hawkes is the principal Chiropractor and has 20 years of combined experience in the fields of Chiropractic, Exercise Science and Injury Rehabilitation. Dale grew up in Ballarat, attended Ballarat High School and studied at the University of Ballarat and RMIT University in Melbourne. He holds four university degrees in the fields of Chiropractic and Exercise Science, and has a special interest in lower back pain, headaches and sporting injuries.
Copyright © 2022 WVFA. All rights reserved. Website by 61Design
