The G13 Sapphires and their special Coach and Manager
Kathy has been coaching since 2020 when she first coached her eldest daughter, Annabel, with Gordon FC. Kathy decided to coach because she likes to contribute to the clubs and organisations that "put so much effort into getting the teams on the field every season." This attitude served Kathy well when two clubs, Gordon FC and West Pymble FC, struggled to field a full G11 team in 2021 and the decision was made to play together. Kathy is supported in her coaching role by Lauren, mum of Amelia from WPFC, who is in her fourth year of managing. The combined team is now in their third season together and growing from strength to strength.
Kathy (coach), Lauren (manager) and Jess who manages our U16s
Kathy reports that her greatest enjoyment as a coach comes from seeing the girls making decisions on the field that relate back to what they learned at training, or what they focused on in the last game, and seeing it pay off with improved skills and confidence.
The combined now G13 team have a strong female coach to inspire their engagement in the game. Kathy believes this is important, because "if they can see it, they can be it," referring not just to playing but to any involvement in the game: "there are many ways to contribute to the game of football apart from playing, and having female coaches and referees shows another path in football that can take you right to the elite levels."
It is clear that Kathy is a passionate advocate for the female game and she loves playing weekly. The best part of football? Definitely "that sound when your foot connects with the ball in just the right way and it goes exactly where you want it to."
The G13 Sapphires are inspired by Kathy's love of the game to keep showing up weekly and do their best. Kathy's advice for any up and coming female footballers is to enjoy it, work on the ball skills and "never be afraid to take the shot!"
