Coach says supportive culture key to shaping young athletes

A supportive environment and a positive culture are key to the success of junior athletes, says Tassie’s best coach – as voted by you. FIND OUT WHO WON + THE RUNNERS UP >>

Athletics Coach Simon Bennett with athletes at the Domain Athletics Centre in Hobart.

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A POSITIVE culture and supportive environment is the key to the success of Simon Bennett’s tight-knit group of athletes, he says.

Mr Bennett, who runs Bennett Athletics and is mostly based at the Domain Athletic Centre, has been voted by Mercury readers as the state’s best coach in an online poll featuring more than 40 Tasmanian coaches.

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The 29-year-old, who was a successful track and field athlete as a teenager, took up coaching to stay involved with the sport he loves after suffering from injury.

WHO MADE THE SHORTLIST?

1. Simon Bennett, Bennett Athletics
2. Lisa Jotic, Canterbury Hockey
3. Shellie Wilton, Southern Wolves Basketball U14s
4. Josh Dingjan, Glenorchy Knights Soccer Club
5. Ned Clarke South Hobart Football Club
6. Tracey Standen, Clarence Gymsports

“After I got injured, I decided I didn’t want to leave the sport … I drifted into coaching and never stopped,” he said.

“The sport gave me a lot of opportunities as a teenager and this enables me to give back and have an impact on young athletes.”

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He said he has been coaching for 12 years, starting out informally but now developing a squad of 32 ranging from juniors just starting out to mature-age athletes who had a more competitive focus.

He said there was a strong culture among athletes to support each other and it was rewarding to hear of athletes’ successes outside the track.