Payneham Norwood Union junior coaches Dylan McIntosh and Jamie Darrington named best in SA

South Australia’s top coaches teaching the next generation of sporting stars have been crowned with a famed football pair taking out the title. See the top five as voted by you.

For South Australia’s best junior sport coaches – Payneham Norwood Union’s Dylan McIntosh and Jamie Darrington – football is in the blood.

From countless nominations, the duo were voted best on ground in our hunt for the state’s top coaches teaching the next generation of sporting stars.

Dylan, son of SA football legend Garry McIntosh, and Jamie, son of PNU great Scott Darrington, became best mates after meeting at the club 14 years ago but didn’t begin coaching together until 2016.

“I got roped into coaching the under-10s side a week before round one so I brought Jamie along with me and we rocked up to the first game not knowing any kids or any parents,” McIntosh said.

Payneham Norwood Union co-coaches Jamie Darrington and Dylan McIntosh have been named South Australia’s best junior coaches. Picture: Mark Brake

“We found we had a passion for teaching kids the game and it’s just grown from there.

“It’s an amazing feeling teaching a kid something you know and watching their excitement as they improve from it. It keeps us coming back.”

At just 26 years old, the pair has become a renowned coaching tandem in local footy, leading their undefeated under-16s to a grand final against Ingle Farm on Sunday.

The two said the connection they have has been the key to success.

“On paper I’m the head coach and Jamie’s the assistant but we have always coached as a tandem. We gel really well and always give ideas to each other and learn off each other,” McIntosh said.

Payneham Norwood Union’s Dylan McIntosh and Jamie Darrington have their Falcons under-16s poised for a premiership. Picture: Mark Brake

“Dylan gets a bit more agitated and I try to stay cooler and calmer. It’s a yin and yang kind of thing,” Darrington added.

“We both always bring a real good energy when we coach and have heaps of fun doing it.”

This season has been one of the most enjoyable in football for the talented coach combo.

They’ve seen their under-16s players develop their skills at a rapid pace and give themselves the opportunity at the ultimate success.

“Three years ago this group of boys were really down on their haunches and we barely had enough players to field a side,” McIntosh said.

“It’s been a huge project but they’ve developed seamlessly to now be in a really good spot.

“I’ve got so much time for every single one of these boys, it’s like a little family,” Darrington added.

“We’ve done the hard yards and now it’s time to dance on Sunday.”

THE TOP FIVE JUNIOR COACHES IN SA AS VOTED BY YOU:

1. Dylan McIntosh and Jamie Darrington – PNU under-16s

By far the most committed coaches I’ve ever seen. Such time and effort goes into trainings and games. All has paid off with an undefeated season and minor premiership for the boys. – Alexander Scali

2. Matt Semple – Port Noarlunga under-10s

Matt is a wonderful coach. His ability to treat each child as an equal is inspiring. His dedication to encouraging sportsmanship, teamwork and enjoyment of the game is second to none. – Lanie Zerna

3. Jodie Bell – Forestville Eagles under-12s girls

It’s unbelievable how dedicated and passionate Jodie is for her current and former players and how she brings out the best in everyone. – Simon Purdie

4. Tamara Walker – Forbes Primary School basketball

Tamara coaches so many teams and you only have to see her schedule to realise how dedicated and passionate she is about coaching the game. her encouragement and support inspires my son to play. – Airlie Kelly

5. Jon Haigh and Justin Goodyear – Forestville Eagles under-10s boys

The time they put into the boys is amazing. They care for each and every one of them and feel the highs and lows just as the boys do. – Kyle Wood