I love to win. Ever since I was young, that ‘will to win’ and craving ‘to be the best’ has driven me (and sometimes haunted me) to my achievements as a player and in life. As a young, country girl, competing against my big brother in the backyard, I didn’t see gender or the age difference as an … [Read more...] about I don’t care about winning
We love our mummies
Our study of Ancient Egypt has drawn to a close with a look at mummies and how they were prepared by the Egyptians. The children found it interesting, but at times also a bit gruesome. So I decided that perhaps they needed to be mummified. Don't worry I didn't pull their brains out through their … [Read more...] about We love our mummies
The perils of working at a football college
I was innocently walking across the grass last week, looking for Julie to pass a message onto. To my surprise, and total dismay, I was hit on my cheekbone by a flying soccer ball. Ouch. I didn't think too much about it for the rest of the day but when I got home I noticed a little bruising. It … [Read more...] about The perils of working at a football college
Duke of Edinburgh Award @ IFS
I am currently in the process of registering IFS with the Duke of Edinburgh Award. This enriching program is a great opportunity for young adults to learn new life skills and experience a wealth of activities that are extremely beneficial for shaping a well rounded individual. The award invites … [Read more...] about Duke of Edinburgh Award @ IFS
Communicating expectations
It's been a bit of a mixed bag for many of us at IFS this week. We had some sad news with our cook, Matt, deciding to move on, requiring some rapid changes in our cafe. We look forward to interviewing prospective chefs next week and we're confident the right person will come along shortly. I … [Read more...] about Communicating expectations
Becoming a FIFA Master
I had never heard of the "Fifa Master" course, until a recent chat with Sarah Widera from Fox Sports who is one of only 30 students from around the world accepted into the program each year. The FIFA Master takes its graduates on a unique journey through Europe to study sport. Three … [Read more...] about Becoming a FIFA Master
The blueprint for youth development
The hardest thing for a senior (performance) football coach is to find a blueprint for continuing success as it simply does not exist. Money has too much bearing in relation to world class performance. Unfortunately not everyone has money. When it comes to youth development, the blueprint for … [Read more...] about The blueprint for youth development
What I want my son to learn
* If you understand the why, everything else becomes clear, so ask why * Stand up for yourself and have the courage to fight for what you believe in. It is not always going to be easy, but those who love you will be there for you * Dream - anything and everything is possible * Listen to others * … [Read more...] about What I want my son to learn
Team Support
It’s an unusual thing for me to get sick, but last weekend some crazy bug established its temporary home in me. I went to college on Monday and managed to make it through the day. On arriving home from college in the afternoon, I hit my bed where I basically remained for the next 60+ hours. A high … [Read more...] about Team Support
My place in history
The recent appointment of Moya Dodd as a FIFA board member and Lisa De Vanna’s spectacular overhead volley goal in the USA Women’s Pro League (google it!) prompted a deeper appreciation for my place in football history. As a 14 year old I was able to play alongside Moya in my first open women’s … [Read more...] about My place in history