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1. Welcome & Club Identity

Sandgate Hawks Logo

Welcome to the Sandgate Hawks Youth Coaching Team

Since 1943, the Sandgate Hawks Australian Football Club has been a proud part of our community. Our home at Lemke Road has hosted generations of Hawks people. As a Youth Coach, you carry this legacy and help our players grow as footballers and as people.

Vision & Mission

Vision: A club where every player, coach and volunteer is proud to belong, inspired to improve and connected to the community.

Mission: Provide opportunities for players to develop elite skills while maintaining the joy and camaraderie that makes football special.

Our Values โ€“ Coaching Trademark

United Focused Respectful Inclusive Improvement

We support each other as one club, prepare with purpose and show respect for teammates, opposition, umpires and the game.

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2. Coaching at the Hawks

Your Role as Youth Coach

  • Develop advanced football skills and tactical understanding
  • Build physical fitness and athletic performance
  • Foster leadership and personal responsibility
  • Prepare players for senior football transition
  • Support academic and personal development
  • Create pathways to representative football

Youth Coaching Philosophy

  • Balance competition with development
  • Build game awareness and decision-making
  • Develop position-specific skills
  • Emphasize team tactics and structures
  • Prepare for physical demands of senior football
  • Support mental health and wellbeing

Coaching Standards & Development

  • Minimum Level 1 AFL coaching accreditation required
  • Annual professional development through AFL Coach platform
  • Regular attendance at club coaching meetings
  • Mentoring opportunities with senior coaches
  • Access to specialist coaching resources
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3. Coaching Program Overview

Youth Program Structure

The Youth program covers Under 13 to Under 17 age groups, bridging the gap between junior and senior football. Focus shifts from fundamental skills to advanced tactics, physical conditioning, and competitive performance while maintaining player welfare and enjoyment.

Development Priorities

  • U13-U14: Skill refinement, position play
  • U15-U16: Tactical awareness, team structures
  • U17: Senior transition, elite performance
  • Physical conditioning appropriate to age
  • Mental resilience and game intelligence
  • Leadership and communication skills

Competition Structure

  • Regular season matches (April-August)
  • Finals series participation
  • Representative pathway opportunities
  • Pre-season training (February-March)
  • Skills clinics and camps
  • Strength and conditioning programs
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4. Age Progression & Cultural Expectations

Where We All Belong โ€“ Building Hawks for Life

We are the Hawks โ€” forged in effort, united in spirit.

Bound together by more than colours or postcode, we are united by choice: the choice to stand side by side in green and gold, to give our all for each other, and to play for something greater than ourselves.

When you join the Hawks, you join a community that lives its values - Care, Courage, Pride - in every game, every training, every handshake. Here, potential is nurtured, mates become teammates, and teammates become lifelong friends.

From your first training to your hundredth game, you are part of something bigger than yourself. Together we are the Hawks โ€” and we stand as one.

๐Ÿ‰ Boys Program โ€“ Age Progression

U13 Boys โ€“ Playing for Each Other

On-Field:

  • Commit to your role in the team structure
  • Back up teammates in contests
  • Keep energy and effort high for all quarters
  • Support teammates after mistakes

Off-Field:

  • Look out for teammates; check in when needed
  • Represent the Hawks well at school and online
  • Take feedback positively and work on improvements

U14 Boys โ€“ Growing Your Game

On-Field:

  • Develop position-specific skills
  • Understand team structures and roles
  • Show leadership through actions
  • Compete hard but fair at all times

Off-Field:

  • Balance football with school commitments
  • Support younger Hawks at their games
  • Take responsibility for preparation and recovery

U15 Boys โ€“ Building the Legacy

On-Field:

  • Lead by example with effort and attitude
  • Mentor younger or less experienced players
  • Execute game plans under pressure
  • Show courage in contested situations

Off-Field:

  • Support club events and fundraising
  • Show leadership in school and community
  • Maintain high standards of behavior

U16-17 Boys โ€“ Leading the Hawks

On-Field:

  • Drive team standards in training and games
  • Lead communication and organization
  • Be a role model for younger teams
  • Prepare for senior football transition

Off-Field:

  • Actively mentor junior Hawks
  • Take on leadership roles in the club
  • Protect and grow the Hawks culture
  • Model responsible social media use

Parents & Guardians (Boys Program):

  • Encourage effort, resilience, and accountability
  • Let coaches coach โ€” avoid sideline instructions
  • Support team bonding activities and club events
  • Help manage time between school, sport, and social commitments
  • Model Hawks values from the boundary

๐Ÿ‘ฉ Girls Program โ€“ Age Progression

Girls face unique challenges in football including confidence barriers, social pressures, and competing commitments. Our program addresses these through inclusive coaching, body-positive support, and emphasis on enjoyment and development.

U13 Girls โ€“ Playing for Each Other

On-Field:

  • Commit to your role and support each other
  • Back up teammates in contests safely
  • Keep energy high and celebrate hard work
  • Build confidence through encouragement

Off-Field:

  • Check in if teammates are upset or injured
  • Represent Hawks well in all settings
  • Balance sport with other commitments
  • Create inclusive team environment

U14 Girls โ€“ Growing Together

On-Field:

  • Develop skills at individual pace
  • Communicate and encourage others to be heard
  • Support teammates building confidence
  • Focus on enjoyment and improvement

Off-Field:

  • Support new participants joining the team
  • Ensure everyone feels included
  • Celebrate all contributions equally
  • Address wellbeing proactively

U15 Girls โ€“ Building the Legacy

On-Field:

  • Lead by example with effort and attitude
  • Mentor younger or newer players
  • Work together implementing game plans
  • Encourage each other's growth

Off-Field:

  • Advocate for women's football
  • Show leadership as a Hawk
  • Create welcoming environment for all
  • Address physical and emotional wellbeing

U17/U19 Girls โ€“ Leading the Hawks

On-Field:

  • Drive team standards inclusively
  • Foster safe environment for all
  • Challenge negative stereotypes
  • Play hard, fair, and support wellbeing

Off-Field:

  • Champion women and girls in football
  • Take on club leadership roles
  • Support mental health awareness
  • Transition to senior women's football

Parents & Guardians (Girls Program):

  • Encourage resilience, accountability, and empathy
  • Provide safe environment for girls to speak up
  • Challenge stereotypes and support aspirations in sport
  • Watch for signs of low confidence and provide support
  • Advocate for equal opportunities and resources
  • Support long-term participation beyond youth football

Key Differences in Girls Program

Equipment & Rules:

  • U13 Girls: Size 3 ball, 14 players
  • U15-17 Girls: Size 4 ball, 16 players
  • Modified contact rules in younger ages

Coaching Approach:

  • Body-positive support and language
  • Emphasis on inclusion and belonging
  • Address confidence barriers proactively
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5. Skills & Development Pathway

Skills Development Overview

The core football skills and teaching principles are largely the same for girls and boys โ€” good coaching practices apply to all players. However, girls often face additional barriers such as lack of confidence, self-consciousness, and competing commitments. Coaches can help by building a positive, inclusive environment, emphasizing body-positive support, and prioritizing enjoyment and development ahead of winning.

Equipment differences by program:

  • Boys U13-14: Size 4 ball, 16-18 players
  • Boys U15-17: Size 5 ball, 18 players
  • Girls U13-14: Size 3 ball, 14 players
  • Girls U15-17: Size 4 ball, 16 players

๐Ÿ‰ Boys Program โ€“ Skills Development

Core Skills (U13-14)

  • Kicking: All types, both feet
  • Marking: Contested & pack marks
  • Handballing: Speed and accuracy
  • Tackling: Safe technique, timing
  • Ground balls: Clean possession

Advanced Skills (U15-16)

  • Kicking: Under pressure, set shots
  • Marking: Leading patterns, body work
  • Handballing: Creative options
  • Tackling: Pressure and chase
  • Decision making: Quick choices

Elite Skills (U17)

  • Game sense: Reading play ahead
  • Leadership: On-field communication
  • Position specific: Specialist skills
  • Physical: Contested marking
  • Tactical: Team structures

Boys Training Focus by Age

U13-14 Training Structure:

  • Skills: 40% of session time
  • Small-sided games: 30%
  • Match simulation: 20%
  • Fitness/conditioning: 10%

U15-17 Training Structure:

  • Skills: 30% of session time
  • Team drills: 30%
  • Match simulation: 25%
  • Fitness/conditioning: 15%

๐Ÿ‘ฉ Girls Program โ€“ Skills Development

Foundation Skills (U13-14)

  • Kicking: Technique focus, confidence
  • Marking: Body positioning, timing
  • Handballing: Both hands equally
  • Movement: Agility and balance
  • Communication: Calling for ball

Developing Skills (U15-16)

  • Kicking: Distance and accuracy
  • Marking: Contested situations
  • Handballing: Quick release
  • Tackling: Safe, confident approach
  • Game awareness: Positioning

Advanced Skills (U17-19)

  • Leadership: Organizing teammates
  • Decision making: Under pressure
  • Position play: Role execution
  • Team tactics: Structure understanding
  • Transition: Senior preparation

Girls-Specific Coaching Considerations

Building Confidence:

  • Positive reinforcement focus
  • Celebrate effort over outcome
  • Peer mentoring programs
  • Safe learning environment

Physical Considerations:

  • Modified contact progression
  • Injury prevention emphasis
  • Appropriate strength training
  • Body-positive messaging

Representative & Development Pathways

Club Level

Boys & Girls:

  • Best & Fairest awards
  • Leadership groups
  • Senior training opportunities
  • Club representative teams

Regional Level

Boys:

  • SEQ representative teams
  • School football programs

Girls:

  • SEQ Girls Academy
  • School competitions

State/National

Boys:

  • Queensland U16/U18 teams
  • AFL Academy programs

Girls:

  • Queensland Girls teams
  • AFLW Academy pathways
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6. Match Day & Training Operations

Match Day Checklist

Pre-Game (2 hrs before)

  • Ground setup
  • Team meeting
  • Warm-up protocol
  • Final instructions

During Game

  • Rotations management
  • Quarter-time addresses
  • Tactical adjustments
  • Player welfare monitoring

Post-Game

  • Cool-down
  • Team debrief
  • Individual feedback
  • Recovery planning

Training Session Structure

  • Warm-up (15 min): Dynamic stretching, ball work
  • Skills (30 min): Position-specific drills
  • Team drills (30 min): Game scenarios
  • Match simulation (15 min): Competitive practice
  • Cool-down (10 min): Recovery, debrief

Season Planning

  • Pre-season: Fitness base, skill development
  • Early season: Team structures, combinations
  • Mid-season: Tactical refinement
  • Finals: Performance optimization
  • Off-season: Rest, individual programs
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7. Resources & Support

Coaching Resources

Support Network

  • Youth Coaching Coordinator
  • Sports trainers and medical staff
  • Strength & conditioning coach
  • Player welfare officer
  • Parent liaison committee

Professional Development Opportunities

  • Level 2 coaching accreditation courses
  • Youth coaching workshops and seminars
  • Mentoring with experienced coaches
  • Interstate coaching exchanges
  • Sports psychology and youth development courses
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8. Safety & Welfare

๐Ÿšจ Emergency Contacts

Emergency Services
000
Poisons Information
13 11 26
Ground Address
120 Lemke Road, Taigum QLD 4018

Concussion Management

  • Immediate removal from play
  • No return to play same day
  • Medical clearance required
  • Graduated return protocol (minimum 12 days)
  • Monitor for delayed symptoms

Injury Prevention

  • Mandatory warm-up protocols
  • Load management monitoring
  • Regular screening assessments
  • Technique correction priority
  • Recovery and nutrition education

Mental Health & Wellbeing

  • Regular check-ins with players about wellbeing
  • Awareness of signs of mental health issues
  • Clear referral pathways to professional support
  • Balance between sport, school, and social life
  • Anti-bullying and inclusion policies actively enforced
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9. Quick Reference & Templates

Key Contacts

  • Club Office: (07) 3363 9666
  • Youth Coordinator: Contact via TeamApp
  • Medical Officer: Available match days
  • Ground Manager: 0400 XXX XXX
  • AFLQ Office: (07) 3033 5400

Season Calendar

Month Activity Notes
February Pre-season begins Fitness testing, team registration
March Practice matches Squad finalization
April-July Regular season Weekly matches
August Finals series Top teams qualify
September Presentation night Awards and celebration
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10. Managing Club Incidents & Conflicts

Incident Response Protocol

  1. Immediate: Ensure safety, provide first aid if needed
  2. Document: Record details within 24 hours
  3. Report: Notify Youth Coordinator immediately
  4. Support: Arrange appropriate follow-up care
  5. Review: Debrief and implement improvements

Conflict Resolution Process

  • Address issues promptly and privately
  • Listen to all parties without judgment
  • Focus on solutions, not blame
  • Document agreements and actions
  • Follow up to ensure resolution

Reporting Pathways

  • Team issues โ†’ Team Manager
  • Coaching concerns โ†’ Youth Coordinator
  • Welfare matters โ†’ Player Welfare Officer
  • Serious incidents โ†’ Club Executive
  • Integrity issues โ†’ AFL Integrity Portal
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11. Codes of Conduct

Coaches Code of Conduct

Youth coaches must:

  • Prioritize player development and welfare
  • Model professional behavior at all times
  • Treat all players fairly and equally
  • Respect officials and opposition
  • Maintain appropriate boundaries
  • Continue professional development

๐Ÿ“„ Download Full Code

Player Code of Conduct

Youth players must:

  • Attend training and matches punctually
  • Respect coaches, teammates, and officials
  • Play within the rules and spirit of the game
  • Maintain academic standards
  • Represent the club positively
  • Support teammates on and off field

๐Ÿ“„ Download Full Code

Social Media Guidelines

  • No negative comments about players, officials, or opposition
  • No posting of inappropriate images or content
  • Think before you post - it reflects on the club
  • Report any cyberbullying immediately
  • Celebrate success respectfully

Parent/Guardian Expectations

  • Support your child's commitment to the team
  • Let coaches coach during games and training
  • Model positive sideline behavior
  • Raise concerns through appropriate channels
  • Volunteer when possible to support the team
  • Respect the decisions of coaches and officials

๐Ÿ“„ Download Parent Code