Former AFL player Andrew Raines discusses booming One on One Football business

Some of the AFL’s best coaches are helping mould the games of participants of all levels across the country through an innovative business created by one of the league’s players.

SOME of the AFL’s best coaches are helping mould the games of participants of all levels across the country through an innovative business created by one of the league’s players.

Around 10 coaches who have been stood down from various AFL clubs including Gold Coast, Brisbane West Coast and Western Bulldogs due to COVID-19 have been able to find work through One on One Football.

The business was launched by former Suns, Brisbane and Richmond player Andrew Raines 18 months ago and it’s steady growth has taken a sharp rise as players from grassroots football up to senior level look for ways to keep fit, retain skills and improve their games while competition has been put on hold.

Pictured from left to right, Ryan Davis, Conall Barrett, One on One Football creator Andrew Raines, Saorise Harding and Jesse Harding. Picture: Supplied.

Coaching staff around Australia were stood down at the end of March and some have joined One on One football where participants have access to high level coaches they would otherwise not be able to be mentored by.

Among the most popular coaches are Melbourne-based duo Michael Barlow, a former Fremantle and Gold Coast player, and former Collingwood and Gold Coast player Josh Fraser who run around 150 sessions annually.

Michael Barlow of the Suns celebrates with David Swallow of the Suns during the round six AFL match between the Adelaide Crows and Gold Coast Suns at Adelaide Oval on April 28, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)

“The silver lining for me has been the One on One business,” Raines, the Suns current academy coach, said.

“We have gone to a whole new level which has been amazing and all my extra time has gone into that (since being stood down).

“It’s been a blessing in disguise. I put an email out to the AFL Coaches Association with everyone losing their work, it’s a good opportunity for people to jump on board.

One on One football session. Picture: Supplied.

“The footballers need tuition and the parents are looking for their kids to do something through this time and gain an edge or keep their skills in tact before it all goes back.

“We have gone from about 50 or 60 coaches to nearly 100.”

For more information visit oneononefootball.com.au