U11 challenge for keen mentor

James Morant turns on the dazzle during a drills session at the under-11 Tweed Valley Kings’ launch. Photo: BLAINEY WOODHAM

FORMER National Soccer League (NSL) and European football player Sean Lahiff is set to kick new goals with the Tweed Valley Kings.

Impressed with the club’s development model, the accredited AFC-C Licence holder has signed on as head coach of Kings’ under-11 squad.

Lahiff played in Sydney for Manly in the State Super League before signing with APIA Leichhardt in the old NSL, spending four years in Europe with several different clubs, and finally returning home to play for NSL side Newcastle Breakers.

He coached at Palm Beach for the past two years where he guided reserve and youth sides to consecutive titles, losing only one game in the process.

However, he recently parted ways with the club, feeling the board change had signalled a shift in the club’s direction.

Where Lahiff feels Palm Beach are drifting away from the existing youth policy towards spending funds on recruiting new players, he feels the Kings’ development model is one worth being a part of.

But he is under no illusions about the challenges that lie ahead.

“I’m very passionate about the Tweed Valley Kings,” Lahiff said.

“I really believe in the concept. It’s just disappointing it hasn’t been embraced by everyone yet. Clubs on the (North) coast will always find it hard to maintain a Division 1 side.

“There are lots of clubs but all with very little numbers, so we really need to come together on this.”

Now the objective is to provide a coherent and direct professional pathway for the Tweed’s untapped pool of talented young players.

This season, Lahiff’s young side has played several trials without loss and he believes that the early signs are promising.

“There is a lot of talent in the 11s,” Lahiff said.

“However, the goal is for the players in our group to continue to develop and progress towards becoming complete footballers.”