Doing it for the kids: Seaford junior coach Mal Lehner set to notch his 300th game
IT was Seaford Junior Football Club’s lucky day when a little kid joined its playing ranks in the early 1970s. Four decades on, Mal Lehner is on the brink of a remarkable milestone.
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IT was Seaford Junior Football Club’s lucky day when a little kid joined its playing ranks in the early 1970s.
Four decades on that same person is still at the club and on the brink of a remarkable milestone.
Mal Lehner, 57, will notch his 300th game as a Seaford JFC coach on Sunday when his under 12 girls side, including his daughter Dakota, takes the field in the opening round of the FDJFL season.
The Lehner legacy at Seaford is legendary.
Tiger people refer to Lehner as “super coach” and “the great man”, and he’s loved and admired; a true role model.
The patience and care he has shown to hundreds of young footballers is genuine and presumably comes from being a father of eight, including four foster children.
Lehner, who is renowned for his left-of-centre tactics, says the key to coaching junior football is simple.
“I think it’s important you are a friend to them,” he said.
“Your mum and dad have got to keep you in line, got to get you to do this and that. Football is a fun thing and the kids want to have fun. If you start growling at them you’ll lose them.”
A Seaford offical once said of Lehner: “The kids just listen to him. It’s fascinating.’’
Among the many kids to have been coached by Lehner is current St Kilda player Jack Lonie.
Lehner reinforced the importance of supporting his players.
“No matter what, they can come and talk to you, whether it’s an issue they’re having at home, an issue with their footy or whatever, you’ve just got to make them comfortable, be their friend,” he said.
Seaford under 14 coach Ross Atkins said all at the club are proud of the master coach and his achievements.
“He’s a real nice bloke, got a good heart and just keeps it basic,” he said.
“He’s just got the love for the kids in his heart. The winning side of things he doesn’t really care, as long as the kids are having a bit of a go and having a good time. He’s a good role model for junior footy.”
Lehner is a 2018 Leader Local Sports Star Senior Nominee. To nominate someone in your community, visit localsportsstars.com.au.
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