A stunned Sue Tilby has the trip of a lifetime to look forward to after being named the third ever McDonald’s Junior Football Coach of the Year.

Sue, who coaches at WaiBOP Football club Papamoa FC, follows in the footsteps of previous winners Nic Millichip and Brent Windelburn and her reward is a football experience for two people in Abu Dhabi at the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup valued at $10,000.

She knew she was in the running for the big prize after being named as one of seven regional finalists but was still left shocked when singled out as national winner.

Representatives from McDonald’s NZ, New Zealand Football and WaiBOP Football popped into training on Thursday evening to surprise Sue with the news and she struggled to put her emotions into words.

“It’s really overwhelming and a privilege to be acknowledged like this,” she said.

Sue is planning on taking husband Phil with her to Abu Dhabi and is looking to make the most of the unique opportunity.

“The atmosphere over there at a game will be amazing so I’m looking forward to that.”

All seven regional finalists – as well as the 6,000 other dedicated volunteers who coach the country’s kids – are well deserving of huge gratitude for their selfless efforts but Sue’s numerous nominations stood out with their heart-warming nature.

“Amazing planning and communication with the kids and parents, along with dedication to girls’ soccer,” read one of the nominations from THE Ospreys U-12 girls’ team at Papamoa FC. “She runs the team and the skills centre for Papamoa. She is constantly wanting the best for girls’ soccer and is well respected by her team.”

In keeping with her unassuming and selfless nature, Sue was at a loss to explain why she had been recognised but says the focus of her coaching is always on effort and enjoyment.

“The winning is not important to me,” she said.

“If I see improvement in every game then I’m happy with that and all I ask from them is for 100 per cent effort and energy. If they can go out there and say they’ve given it 100 per cent and tried their best then there’s nothing more they can do. You just want them to have confidence when they go out onto the field and believe in themselves.”

While Sue has claimed the ultimate prize, 21 of New Zealand’s most deserving volunteer coaches had their efforts recognised as regional shortlist finalists. Each received a coaching pack consisting of footballs, cones, bibs and a football bag while the regional winners were also provided with a T-shirt, shorts, socks, rain jacket, writer board/tactics board and trophy.

Nominations were encouraged for positive behaviour both on and off the pitch, including supporting players positively from the touch line, introducing new players to the game and helping out in the local community.

The McDonald’s Junior Football Coach of the Year competition is a joint initiative from McDonald’s NZ and New Zealand Football and will enter its fourth year in 2019.

The shortlisted finalists for each region (regional winner in bold) for the 2018 McDonald’s Junior Football Coach of the Year were as follows:

Northern Football: Julie Ellis (Te Atatu AFC), Jennifer Pickering (Paihia United), Andre Noel (Albany United)
Auckland Football: Emma Bradley (Pukekohe AFC), Garry Stark (Metro FC), Alick Styles (Manukau City)
WaiBOP Football: Sue Tilby (Papamoa FC), Ben McFarlane (Otonga FC), Art Brown (Glenview FC)
Central Football: Adam Rose (Ruahine AFC), Saskia Knight (Palmerston North Marist), Christine Smith (Port Hill Juniors)
Capital Football: Gary Hewson (Greytown FC), John Dentice (Kapiti Coast United), Kelly Lloyd (Brooklyn Northern United)
Mainland Football: Wayne Lapslie (Waimakiri United), Mike Murray (Coastal Spirit), Jess McGiffin (Nomads United)
Football South: Jamie Hanning (Wanaka United), Twyla Kingan (North Otago), Rob Stewart (Maori Hill Junior FC)

Article added: Friday 17 August 2018