David Laime grew up on the Northern Beaches, and with a South American background, football was in his blood and was always going to rank highly in his preferred sports. David has now played football for over 40 years, starting at Dee Why and Beacon Hill, then in the State League with Manly Warringah / Warringah Dolphins (youth and seniors), as well as with Melita Eagles and Sydney Olympic. He was also fortunate to have played overseas in Argentina with various clubs for a number of years.
“I remember one year going to Argentina when I was 9 years old on a family holiday and my uncle took me to watch Club Atlético Independiente play against Racing Club in the Primera Division. I can still hear the singing, drums and chanting so vividly. The concrete stands would shake from everyone jumping up and down. I still get goose bumps thinking about the experience and what football means to so many.”
Growing up, his coaches always concentrated on teamwork, discipline, fitness and commitment, all attributes which are important to the game, but his experiences in less formal settings were just as impactful.
“I also recall playing on the streets in Argentina and celebrating goals as if we had won the World Cup. It was all about having fun, trying new things, and without realising it, this was improving our skills. I feel extremely lucky to have had the experiences I have had through football. It’s given me opportunities to travel and make some lifelong friendships.”
David now has two daughters who are growing up playing football, and he has developed a new love for coaching. Watching his eldest daughter Monty progress through the system at Manly United and playing for the NSW school team has reminded him of how much coaches can have an impact on a player’s life.
“Watching the girls progress has made me want to become a better coach. I really want to try and help players be the best possible version of themselves. I joined the Future Coaches Program and I can honestly say it exceeded all my expectations. It really pushed us to consistently raise the bar, and reflect on how we can improve as coaches. Coaching is not just about techniques and tactics, it’s also about the relationships with players, the ability to motivate and get the best out of the team. I recognise that playing and coaching can be very different, and whilst playing experience can help, ultimately there are other skills which are very important. Being able to communicate your ideas, challenging players on how to best solve problems on the field, and finding the balance between fun and competitiveness.”
This season he was Assistant Coach with the Beacon Hill Women’s Premier League Teams, and they made the quarter finals of the State Cup before the lockdown happened which was a great achievement. David also volunteers as a coach with the Active Opportunities Program, which is a program designed for kids with disabilities. There is an emphasis on short game based activities to make it a fun way to introduce kids to football.
“To see the kids grow in confidence, improve their skills and most importantly have so much fun is really so rewarding. Coaching these kids makes you really think outside the box. It really challenges you to break things down to be clearly communicated.”
David recently completed the FFA Youth C-Licence which he felt was challenging but also very rewarding, and he is now looking at doing the B- Licence next year to improve and challenge himself as a coach.
“I see a great deal of potential with the growth of female football in Australia, and I really want to focus on being able to play a part and contribute to the development of players and the game. With the Women’s World Cup coming up in Australia in 2023, we are going to have some of the world’s best at our doorstep, and what better scene for the seed to be planted with our girls to dream big.”
MWFA is looking forward to seeing David being part of the continue growth and success of female football in Australia and locally in particular.
The 2021 Future Coaches Program will be announced in the next few weeks. Please stay tuned to our website for updates.
