CONGRATULATIONS to SAM O’BRIEN from Alexandra United Football Club, who is the Football South regional winner of the McDonald’sJunior Football Coach of the Year 2017!

Sam is an incredibly enthusiastic young coach, who volunteers his time at Alexandra United Football Club in Central Otago. Sam has recently completed the New Zealand Football Senior Level 2 Coaching Award, and is setting up a club-based Football Skills Development programme which has been hugely popular.

Sam has had some major health setbacks which cut short his love of playing the game, but he’s overcome these issues to immerse himself in coaching the beautiful game. He has a great passion and love for the game, that sets him apart even from the numerous other great junior football volunteers across our region.

Despite being only a few years older than the children he coaches at Alexandra United he still commands their absolute respect and attention and gets his coaching points across without ever raising his voice – helping to promote the fun side of the game which is so important at the junior level.

As regional winner, Sam will receive a further prize pack of Nike Footballgoodies, and most notably goes into the national draw for the ultimate prize: a once-in-a-lifetime football experience for two people in the amazing city of Abu Dhabi, including a behind-the-scenes look at Auckland City FC’s preparations for the FIFA Club World Cup! That really is an experience that money can’t buy!

Congratulations again to our Federation finalists, Alisha Simpson (Mosgiel) & Nick Henderson (Temuka), and all of the other fantastic coaches who were nominated for the award. The local game relies on the passion and hard work of so many people, so it’s great to be able to recognise their efforts!

#kickstartingdreams