Hard named State Coach of the Year

By Alison Zell

AFL NSW/ACT congratulates Coolamon’s Matt Hard on being named 2012 State Coach of the Year

Hard received the award for his dedication and excellence he brings to coaching at local, regional and state level within both senior and junior age groups.

Hard was first appointed senior coach of Coolamon FC, outside of Wagga Wagga in 2002 and was head coach for five seasons before returning to the role again in 2008.

“I’ve always played the game for as long as I can remember so it’s obviously just a great love of mine and I’m very passionate about the sport,” Hard said.

“It’s just one of those things that now I’m not playing, keeps you involved in the game and you really get to help people out and meet and work with different people along the way.”

A stalwart of the Riverina Football League, Hard spent three years with the Northern Jets from 2009 and has also worked with aspiring footballers in the NSW/ACT Talented Player Program, with the GWS Academy in Wagga Wagga and as an Assistant Coach with the U16 NSW/ACT RAMS State Team.

Hard was honoured at the Riverina FNL Presentation night on Tuesday.

“I was very humbled to receive the award, that’s for sure,” Hard said.

“I was very surprised and almost embarrassed because there are so many coaches out there who do great jobs for their clubs and community. “

The AFL NSW/ACT State Coach of the Year award aims to recognise coaches who have provided quality service to the development of the game.

Now in its fourth year, the award is given to the coach who displays strength of character in the role of coaching, fosters enthusiasm for participation in football, upholds the goals and values of the football club and league.