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Next Coach Program

More than two hundred participants have undertaken the ‘’Next Coach Program” since 2009. Originally the program was designed to assist AFL players along a pathway to coaching and they received individual tuition with David Wheadon.

During the last five years current players have engaged in learning alongside coaches from AFL clubs, state and community football, as well as coaches from NRL clubs, Netball and Gaelic Football.

Last year there were fifteen current players who had completed the program, while there are thirty-seven past graduates from the program on AFL coaching panels including Head Coaches Adam Simpson, Simon Goodwin and Sam Mitchell.

Program facilitator David Wheadon has developed a curriculum which is practical and engaging, drawing on his experiences and personal quest for continual learning. This is an opportunity to learn from a life time coach with more than 30 years’ experience at the top level under 11 AFL head coaches.

Participants are assisted to formulate their own views on coaching, this creates stimulating conversations, allowing them to see themselves as a coach and how they best use their skills.

David is a true innovator in the game of AFL and considered by many one of the great coach educators in Australia.

To participate in the Next Coach Program you must have a:

- Willingness to challenge your own thinking
- Desire to review and discuss coaching concepts
- Genuine interest in developing your understanding of great coaching







CRITICAL ELEMENTS OF THE NEXT COACH PROGRAM

  • The Art of Coaching
  • Coaching the team and coaching individuals
  • Philosophy of coaching
  • Teaching and learning styles
  • Emotional intelligence and coaching
  • Presentations and meetings
  • Teaching the game – decision making/skill acquisition/game sense
  • The role and skills of the coach, assistant coach and development coach
  • Strategy and tactics
  • Key Performance Indicators for success
  • Game plan

ELIGIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COURSE WILL CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA

  • Genuine desire to challenge your coaching acumen
  • Potentially pursuing a career in coaching
  • Intellectual capacity to understand coaching concepts and ideas
  • Willingness to research coaching concepts and investigate materials suggested
  • Enthusiasm to commit to the course involving interactive sessions
  • Participants will be expected to submit all written assignments and give a brief presentation to the group
  • Level 2 Coaching qualification is favourably considered

TO APPLY

1. REGISTER HERE

2. Submit a brief written application addressing your experience and interest in the Next Coach Program and provide contact details of a Referee from your club. This detail should be directed to ron.watt@aflca.com.au

UPCOMING COURSE DATES FOR SEPT/OCT 2023

    • Thursday 28th September - 8am - 6pm
    • Friday 29th September - 8am - 6pm
    • Wednesday 4th October - 5pm - 9pm

    Delivery will be face to face in Melbourne (Zoom will be available if needed).

        TO RECEIVE THE NEXT COACH CERTIFICATE YOU NEED TO DO THE FOLLOWING

        1. Participate in at least 80% of group sessions (Sessions missed must be made up with David)
        2. Submit each of the written assignments
        3. Provide a short presentation in the final group session

        COST

        The Cost of the Next Coach Program is $3,000 +GST (payment plans available)

        FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

        Ron Watt
        AFL Coaches Association – Member Services Manager
        ron.watt@aflca.com.au
        0418 390 648

        David Wheadon
        Next Coach Coordinator
        0418 524 741