ONE of the biggest challenges for any sporting coach is getting the best out of a playing group.
Following their relegation from the MWFA Premier League last year, that was the daunting task awaiting Manly Allambie AL/1s coach Maurice Carey.
After taking over from Jo van Leeuwen at Millers Reserve, Carey has done well.
Six rounds in Manly Allambie are still unbeaten, keeping league leaders Curl Curl nervously looking over their shoulder.
“Obviously we would love to go straight back up, but Curly look the team the beat, they are a very good side,” Carey said.
“To be honest, we are building towards 2018, but I have loved how the boys have responded to my coaching methods.
“They work hard and want to learn on the run, which is great.
“It was a bit of a challenge to get them to gel early on, but we are getting better each week.
“If we work hard and everyone come off the pitch with a smile, I’m a happy man.”
Carey has previously coached Curl Curl at AL/1s level and also was an assistant to Mirko Radosavljevic at CC Strikers in the MWFA Premier League a few winters ago.
Being a head coach in the MWFA Premier League is a long term goal of Carey’s, but time is not the enemy.
“If it happens great, if not, that’s life,” he said.
“Coaching is fun for me, I love the game and nothing is better than seeing teams improve collectively.”
Photo caption: Maurice Carey (right) with good mate Mirko Radosavljevic.
