A former Matilda with a love of sport and a dedication to empower youth to unleash their creativity and to "dream big" is heading to Port Stephens.
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Joey Peters, a starting XI inaugural member with 110 games for the Matildas in an international career spanning 13 years, will host a coaching clinic in partnership with the Nelson Bay Football Club to be run over eight weeks, starting on Friday, August 7 through to September 25.
It is open to girls and boys from under 6s to under 14s.
The highly skillful accredited coach says her clinics are aimed at supporting grassroots soccer while helping youngsters to both improve their game and have plenty of fun.
"Enjoying the experience to me means the kids are giving their best. My clinics are not just about soccer, but are multi-faceted. I don't believe in over-coaching kids, I don't tell them what to do but rather I prefer to give them the freedom to unleash their own creativity, with the aim of keeping them in sport for life," she said.
Having grown up in the small country town of Leeton, Joey climbed the heights of international football, playing in three world cups and an Olympic Games.
"I grew up playing a range of sports [including squash, cricket, basketball, baseball, and netball], and playing soccer in the backyard against my older brother," she said.
"I was fortunate to have good coaches along the way who provided me with the encouragement to improve my game and take it to representative level."
Martine Shaw, the Nelson Bay club's female participation officer, said it was great to have some football happening in the community after the club decided against participating in the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 restrictions and limitations imposed by health and government authorities.
"It is also great to have a former Matilda here, especially after the recent announcement that the 2023 Women's World Cup is coming to Australia. I also hope that the 'bring a friend' option for new players to the game might help to build potential registrations for next year and increase participation in our community."
Registrations close on August 3. Book miniroos@nelsonbayfootball.com.au.
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