Northern NSW Football is pleased to announce Peter Woodford as Newcastle Football’s Newcastle Permanent Community Coach of the Year for 2021.
Peter was nominated by Mayfield United Senior FC for his commitment and service to the club and to football.
Peter is Mayfield United’s Zone Premier League first grade coach having held the role for four years. In that time he has seen his side win three minor premierships in 2018, 2019 and 2021.
This season was a challenging year with the club’s ZPL squad due suffering injuries, unavailability and new players being introduced. Mayfield United lost only one game with Peter forced to used 25 players in first grade meaning a number of positional and formation changes which were all coached and explained to each individual player.
Pete has a passion for his players to push them to be the best they can be, demonstrated by players wanting to play under his leadership and the club having an 80 per cent return rate of existing players for ZPL this year. Planning has always been high on Pete’s agenda and this is done weekly. It starts as soon as each season finishes and before each training and game day. This improved when he sat for his C Licence in 2019.
He also took on a role of head coach of ZPL without being asked, to assist the new coaches for both reserve and third grade. He assisted them with his experience and excellent communication culminating in another successful season for everyone.
Pete leads from the front, if he asks his players to do something he is right there beside them. On ZPL game days he is down at the park with players for setup of the ground to ensure they are ready to play and to address any issues.
Pete also coaches his son’s JDL team at Lambton Jaffas where he brings the same amount of professionalism as he shows at Mayfield United. Pete is supportive of the whole club, assisting with including their under-17 A-grade team in his training every Tuesday while being the first person to acknowledge the results of the club’s all-age teams and women’s division.
Pete has also been an active member of the club’s committee since 2018 and was instrumental in the club’s 2020 season going ahead. The club’s committee were divided in regards to proceeding in 2020 due to COVID-19 uncertainty but Pete took the lead and ensured that all matters were discussed, planned and adhered to. He was there for his players constantly offering support and understanding each player’s position. Mayfield United are lucky to have such a committed person involved with their club.
“Coaching is one of the most crucial factors in the football experience for our players,” NNSWF Community Football Manager Ross Hicks said.
“It is important that coaches like Peter maintain the great work they are doing at Mayfield United Senior FC so that their players develop a fondness for the game and continue to have the best football experience possible.”
Newcastle Permanent Chief Customer Experience and Delivery Officer Paul Juergens congratulated Peter on becoming the recipient of the Newcastle Football Newcastle Permanent Community Coach of the Year Award.
“Newcastle Permanent is delighted to recognise the efforts and contributions made by local coaches through our community awards recognition program,” Juergens said.
“Coaches like Peter play a vital role in developing the skills and attitudes of young players and it’s a pleasure to recognise his vital contribution.”
