Sturt Lions mentor Alan Paice nominated for FFA Community Coach of the Year

AS A player, first team coach and junior technical director, Sturt Lions' Alex Paice has earnt his nomination for FFA Community Coach of the Year.

AS A player, first team coach, under-11 mentor and junior technical director at Sturt Lions Football Club, Alex Paice spends little time at his Glenalta home.

The 40-year-old father of three was instrumental in forming the Eden Hills-based soccer club three years ago and remains central to its plans for growth.

"There's only a few people at our club doing a hell of a lot of work," Paice says.

"I guess I spread myself across a little bit everywhere and do what I can to help out.

"But I want to provide somewhere locally for my kids and for other kids to play - that's why I do it."

Paice's dedication was recognised last week when he was named as one of five national finalists for the Football Federation Australia Community Coach of the Year award.

The honour, which will be presented at tomorrow night's Australian Football Awards in Sydney, rewards service to the game and leadership at the grassroots level.

"I was completely speechless and in total shock," Paice says of the nomination.

"Although my name is going to be associated (with the award) it's a Sturt Lions representation because of the amount of hardwork that all of us put in, not just me."

Paice's first taste of coaching came as an 18 year old with Blackwood Soccer Club's under-12 side.

He later worked with Cumberland United Women, had eight years as an assistant player-coach at Billesley United in the UK and a spell as reserves coach at Adelaide Hills Hawks.

In 2010, Paice worked with a small group of volunteers to establish Sturt Lions.

The club was born to provide a pathway to senior football for players from several junior teams based at Karinya Reserve.

"We've been battling along since and it's a struggle.

"We've been at the bottom but we've got some fantastic juniors coming through."

Despite Sturt finishing at the foot of the State League this year, Paice is optimistic about the club's future after helping it's youth development program grow from 20 to 140 players.

While the veteran centre back says he will limit his playing efforts to substitute appearances next season, he remains motivated by helping young players, such as his sons Riley, 6, and Joshua, 9, participate in the game he loves.

"It's rewarding when you see the improvement and development and to see so many people enjoying themselves," he says.