It is so exciting to present the Bonnet Bay FC Academy to our members.

After many years of hard work we can now provide members with an integrated platform to drive all of our coach, player and member development activities.

All members will benefit of the learnings of our past and present development teams. The real strength however lies in the ability to continually improve the site going forward as the next generations take control.

We have integrated the inputs of a number of key partners to provide accessible information for our players, coaches, parents and members that will help understand the player, coach and member development goals and processes in each of our Key Areas.

Please take some time to work your way through the site and learn more about the culture, history, philosophies and development goals that are the strength of our club. Once you reach the Courses you will need to set up a password, but this opens up access to many free courses.

We encourage all members to take full advantage of the information and services we provide through the Bonnet Bay FC Academy.

Academy Chairperson, Brett White explains our approach to developing our junior players.

Many parents and supporters are under the impression that kids should simply start doing drills and their careers will take off. Playing with intensity is often encouraged over developing a true love of the game.

While drills are very important, being passionate about playing the game will lead to longevity as a player and make it easier for players to focus on developing the full range of skills to be they best that they can be. Football Australia has established Building Blocks we can use as a guide as to what we should expect from players at various ages.

That is what this Academy is about and you will find plenty of info here which supports this approach.

The Journey to Success is not linear. There are plenty of examples of where young careers take off but the players lose interest by mid-teens. Representative clubs pick up hundreds of players who are dumped without a club once under age competitions cease. Some embark on a lonely journey from club to club searching for Success. We are firmly of the view that the vast majority of young people (everybody) will reach their potential in a club environment where they feel they Belong and where they are encouraged to Engage and Grow at their own pace into dependable people and players.

Success requires a long term approach which works through many pitfalls, trials and tribulations. True Success requires GRIT which is lacking in may these days where many kids are raised in protective bubbles.

Our Academy will promote our Vision, Values and Motto to all club members. Our selection of Courses and our Library will ensure good information at hand for all. We will do this while protecting and enhancing the culture we are renowned for.

John O’Sullivan from Changing the Game Project talks about his association with Bonnet Bay FC and the resources CTGP are making available to BBFC members.

The experience John brings to our team is invaluable and the Bonnet Bay FC has no hesitation in appointing John as our mentor.

Academy Chairperson – Brett White (BE Leadership)

Club Mentor – John O’Sullivan (Changing the Game Project)

Men’s Football Co-ordinator – Marc Orklin

Women’s Football Co-ordinator – Carla Richardson

MiniRoos Co-ordinator – Jeremy Hill

BBFC Technical Director – Mick McGovern

Men’s Technical Director – to be appointed

Women’s Technical Director – Morgan Maxwell (SSFA)

MiniRoos Technical Director – Geoff Holden (SSFA)

Goal Keeper Technical Director – Nathan Denham (Saved Goalkeeping)

Mindset Adviser – Brett White (BE Leadership)

Skills Advisers – Jon Long & Jonathan DMoch (Sutherland Shire Football Association Academy)

Wellness Advisors – Darren Etherington & Emily Horton (Jannali Physiotherapy)

Skills Clinic Booking Officer – to be appointed

Content Manager – to be appointed

Web Manager – Craig Bucknall (Webtek Media)

Academy Designer – Peter Burgess