Following the Football Coaches Australia (FCA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2023, Gary Cole has been appointed as FCA’s new President.
He will takeover from outgoing President Phil Moss – who along with Chief Executive Officer Glenn Warry – have decided to step down due to family and work commitments as FCA enters a new era.
Cole has dedicated just over four years of work to FCA, as he was part of the Executive Committee prior to accepting the President role. He also hosted The Football Coaching Life Podcast – opening up those conversations with key coaches in the men’s and women’s game.
Cole will continue to empower coaches and be at the heart of initiatives to promote the best interests of coaching.
Speaking to Soccerscene after his appointment, Cole is sad to see two FCA stalwarts departing, but is looking forward to the challenge.
“I’m honoured to have this opportunity as FCA has done a great job of representing coaches for almost seven years now,” he said.
“It’s sad as well with Phil and Glenn moving on, as it leaves two big holes to fill – they’ve served thousands of hours between them to the organisation, which has achieved great things with them at the helm.
“It’s important for us with the new executive committee that we pull this together and move forward in the right direction because that is what Australia’s coaches deserve – I’m excited but also challenged by the opportunity to grow further.”
While the role is significant for Cole, he believes that not much will change and will remain consistent with getting the best out of coaches.
“Just because I step in the chair, it doesn’t mean we change what our strategy is with the four pillars,” he said.
“Our job is to advocate for coaches both here and overseas and make sure they have the respect they deserve.
“Professional development is a key part of what we do – for example The Football Coaching Life podcast was born out of Covid as games and coach education stopped. FCA stepped up to the plate and ran over 100 coach development workshops online because it wasn’t happening anywhere else.
“We also need to continue helping coaches get their licence and keep those qualifications up to date.”
During the Women’s Football Coaching Summit in July 2023, a theme on the day was how coaches must be supported for the ups and downs, something that Cole and FCA will continue to focus on.
“Mental and physical wellbeing of coaches is also another crucial part of what we do. There are stresses in sport that not only impact players, but coaches too in day-to-day life,” he said.
“Even though we are seven years old, we’re a new and growing organisation that needs to be there for coaches and listen to them. FCA is for coaches, by coaches.
“Whether that be building those working relationships or mentoring, I see this Presidency role as one that can lead the way.”
