Sharing the love of the game

MARK SEATREE PARENT

I chose to be a soccer coach for the Junior School to get involved with the College community, help to develop our students, have some fun and, importantly, spend some quality time with my son in a sport that both he and I love.

I played as a junior throughout all my schooling life and later went on to play senior men’s soccer with Cumberland United, Eastern United, and then Old Collegians soccer. Love and joy of the game, together with having fun and developing confidence in young people, is what I bring to the coaching role. Soccer is a great team sport that helps our students make new friends, develop resilience, and get fit and active.

Coaching has been a terrific way to meet new parents and students and form great friendships. Getting to know the students and witnessing their development has been very rewarding. It has also been a great way to form strong relationships with teachers at our school.

The most important principle that guides me in coaching is to have fun, but also to try new things, learn new skills, work hard, and not be afraid to fail … because failing means we are learning, developing, and growing.

For anyone considering taking up a coaching role, I would say go for it! It is great fun, very rewarding, a great way to be present in your child’s development, and a great way to make new friends.

“I really like representing our school on the pitch and playing soccer with my friends. As well as playing soccer for a club, I feel pride to represent Saint Ignatius' College.”

JACOB SEATREE

4 BLUE