Last chance to vote for South Australia’s best junior sports coach

Coaches are the lifeblood of after school and weekend sport and time is running out to vote for who you want to win the title. Meet the 10 leading the competition.

There’s no doubting South Aussie kids love their sport.

Whether it is soccer, tennis, footy, netball, swimming or gymnastics, young people around the state spend their weeknights at training and weekend mornings out on the court, pitch or field.

There is no denying that coaches and co-ordinators are the heartbeat of school and club sports and The Advertiser wants to recognise the legends who keep it all running.

After receiving over 150 nominations of dedicated SA sport coaches, time is running out to vote.

The 10 coaches leading the competition, in alphabetical order are: Anthony Martin, Brett Hosking, Chris Slattery, Dan Jarrad, Drago Kljajic, Laura Clark, Leigh OMalley, Rob Westmcinnes, Roddy Dowdell and Samantha Burgess.

But all coaches remain in it to win it.

To vote, select the image of the junior sport coach you wish to vote for and click ‘submit vote’.

You must be a subscriber to vote, only one vote per voter allowed.

Voting will close on Thursday, November 21 at 8am.

The winner will be announced shortly after.

Read the full terms and conditions here.

Could Roddy Dowell be the state’s best coaches?

Rodman basketball coach Roddy Dowdell with student, Jackson Pinal 12. Picture: Brett Hartwig

When Jackson Pinal started playing basketball, he struggled to find the confidence to perform on the court.

Diagnosed with level two autism, the now 12 year old found it hard to bounce or dribble the ball.

That was until coach and owner of Rodman Basketball Club, Roddy Dowell came into his life.

Mr Dowell approached Jackson’s family about assisting him with one-on-one coaching and started training the keen baller every Saturday morning.

“(Roddy) kept telling me that Jackson had just been lacking confidence, and it’s going to take time and effort, he said, but he one day he will, he’ll be able to do it,” Jackson’s mum, Danielle Pinal said.

“Roddy’s just made him a different kid, so I can’t really thank him enough.”

Not only is Jackson now able to play the game he loves, Ms Pinal said Mr Dowell’s efforts had improved his emotional and social wellbeing.

“Jackon was a tiptoe walker … and we were told by the occupational therapist that tiptoe walking would be almost impossible to break because he has been doing it forever but he does not do that anymore,” she said.

“(Roddy) has got it out of him and taught him how to land on two feet.

“He’s now learnt to make friends with people he’s never made friends with before. They teach how to win, how to lose, the confidence side of things and that you are important and you are special.

“It makes me proud to be a mum and proud that people get to see (Jackson’s) true self without (him) feeling judged or embarrassed about being him.”

Basketball coach Roddy Dowdell has been an integral part of Jackon's improvement as he has level 2 autism. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Ms Pinal was one of many parents in the Rodman Basketball Club community to nominate Mr Dowell as South Australia’s best junior sports coach.

The beloved coach said his passion stemmed from his love of the game and his willingness to include anyone and everyone in it.

“Without, basketball in my life … I don’t know … it’s taught me so many lessons … it’s been a great pathway for my own development,” Mr Dowell said.

“I’ll be honest … I’ve trained professionals, and I’ve also trained kids that may have not a great skill set with basketball, but have the passion and I actually enjoy training the kids that haven’t got that skill set and just see them grow within the game.

“I get excited when I see their development.”

Rodman Basketball Club, based in Seaford, runs as a not-for-profit with all funds going back into the club’s development and support of trainers.

Since opening three years ago the club has grown from one team to 300 players.

While Mr Dowell is the heartbeat of the institution, the humble coach speaks highly of the parents and volunteers who support the club every step of the way.

“(We have) a great support networking and great inclusiveness and connectivity within the club … I just love seeing it,” Mr Dowell said.

Could Kidman Park’s NFL Flag coaches be the best in the state?

While footy and netball may rule SA schoolyard sports schedules, Kidman Park Primary School is shaking things with the introduction of an NFL Flag team.

Coach Sean Yates-Bock is leading a talented team to success and said he loved sharing his passion for the game with his students.

A Year 5 and 6 classroom teacher, Mr Yates-Bock has dedicated his lunch times to training up a side which has made it the NFL Flag Championship to represented SA on the national stage on the Gold Coast over the weekend.

Kidman Park Primary School NFL Flag coaches Sean Yates-Bock and Alex Kouts with their team. Picture: Mark Brake

“It is such an honour to be the coach of these guys and I am just so proud of them picking up a sport that they have never played before,” Mr Yates-Bock said.

“They’re making friendships or building friendships with students that they might not normally talk to or interact with but they’re finding that through the sport.

“They’ll chat to each other outside the game and that’s huge for me.”

This version of the sport, which is predominantly played in the United States, has a particular focus on inclusivity and requires a mix of male and female players at all times.

“That inclusiveness is huge for us, especially at our school,” Ms Yates-Bock said.

Kidman Park Primary School NFL Flag coaches Sean Yates-Bock and Alex Kouts with their team. Picture: Mark Brake

Mr Yates-Bock is not the only one responsible for coaching these young sports stars with 11-year-old student, Alex Kouts also chipping in to support the team as the offensive co-ordinator.

“I love this sport because it is very inclusive,” Alex, who has cerebral palsy, said.

“Being the assistant coach is an absolute honour, to coach all these kids who are also my friends is an amazing experience.”

The coaching duo’s hard work does not go unnoticed with team members quick to express their gratitude and praise for their leaders.

Archie Ferris goes for a touch down as Paige Schroeder gets his ribbon also chased by Coby Watson, Ky Morata, Charlie Castro-Winner and Hayden Ashfield at Kidman Park Primary School. Picture: Mark Brake

“I thank my coaches Mr Yates-Bock and Alex for obviously getting us to where we are now,” student, Paige Schroeder said.

“I’m very thankful for Mr Yates-Bock who is very supportive of us and also Alex for being our coach and telling us what plays to do,” classmate, Billy Dumanovic added.

With NFL expected to debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, these students can begin to chase their dreams, no doubt with the constant support of their cheering coaches.