Darren Magin voted Caboolture’s best sports coach 2021

Watching young players smile and enjoy their footy is enough to keep long-time Caboolture volunteer coach Darren Magin doing what he loves for the Narangba Eagles.

Darren Magin has been a volunteer coach in Caboolture for seven years, and says it’s because of the Narangba Eagles Football Club that he’s able to continue doing what he loves.

Magin said it’s not often he’s left speechless, but being voted Caboolture’s best sports coach of the year was one of those special moments.

“Coaches like me do what we do for the love of the game and because of how rewarding it is to see kids grow and develop,” he said.

Darren Margin with one of his teams from Narangba Eagles Football Club. Photo: contributed.

“If the kid is having fun, smiling, and learning something new then that’s enough for me.

“It’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life so far. Right up there with being a husband and dad.”

Magin has volunteered at the Narangba Eagles Football Club for seven years and has coached the under 6s, under 7s, and under 9s teams.

Aside from coaching, he also helps out with the club’s social media as well as being part of the general committee.

As a coach of the current under 9s top team, his weekly commitments have involved planning two, hour long training sessions, as well as everything involved in game days on a Saturday.

Magin also sometimes helps out where needed by standing in for the club Vice President and opens the club up at dawn on Saturdays and then locks up at the end of the night too.

Darren Magin from Narangba Eagles Football Club. Photo: contributed.

Seven years ago Magin became involved with the club when his eldest (now 12 years old) started on the under 5s team.

“There’s always a bit of a look around at the parents to step in and help out and since then I’ve been hooked,” he said.

“Then my youngest (now 9 years old) said dad you’ve got to coach me now and I mean it’s only fair so I stuck with it.

“Seven years later and there’s no looking back. I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.”

Magin said he credits his abilities as a coach to the clubs new committee.

“I wouldn’t be doing what I do without the support of the club. They’re so passionate about giving every child the opportunity to kick a ball and be part of a team,” he said.

“I think it’s so important for kids to learn what it’s like to be a part of a team. It’s great for their development.

Darren Magin in action as a Football coach. Photo: contributed.

“The committee is amazing and really I play a small part in a big team of coaches. There’s over 50 teams so we’ve got over 50 coaches.

“Every coach also has a team manager and mine is very supportive and great

“I’ve had a really supportive bunch of parents and my wife has also been really supportive.”

When he’s not at the club, which is only a seven minute jog from his family home, Magin is family man and runs his own flat pack assembly business.

“I have a real passion for helping people so I try to incorporate that into my everyday life,” he said.

“I also used to play football myself semi-professionally years and years ago when I was living in the UK. I’m from London originally.

“At the end of the day it’s about the kids and the club. The club is such a great place where all of the coaches, parents, and kids are supported.

“We’re one big happy family and I wouldn’t want to coach anywhere else.”