As part of its GET IN to Football campaign, New Zealand Football is urging more Kiwis to take up the beautiful game. In the second of a series of interviews with people already involved in football, we chatted with New Zealand Football Coach Development Manager Steven Dillon about how he got into the game and what he enjoys about it.

How did you get into football?

There was never a point where I felt like I ‘joined’ football. It was always just the way it was and what I have always known. As with many, it started with friends through informal play before joining a team and playing all the way through my childhood and in to my teenage years alongside starting my journey in coaching from a young age. I started coaching as a volunteer when I was 16-years-old and made a decision to pursue a career in sport after being inspired by other coaches when I was younger.

What do you enjoy about being involved in football?

I have always enjoyed seeing others progress and develop, hence my decision to move in to coaching. My view on the sport has changed as I have gotten older and I now appreciate the wider business and industry aspects to our sport, as well as a continued love of watching and playing the game. Now, my satisfaction comes from seeing coaches progress, commit to their learning journey and move into opportunities that are comparable with their ambitions.

What is your current role in football and what does it entail?

As part of our football department, I am the Coach Development Manager and oversee the provision of the coaching system across the country through our seven member federations. We interact on a regular basis with over 17,000 people who identify themselves as either game leaders under the Junior Framework or coaches from the Youth and Senior Frameworks of our game. Typically, I help to facilitate education experiences for coaches as well as developing the systems, structures, policies and procedures that coaches in our country operate within.

What are you excited about in your role this year and why?

The best coaches are forever thirsty for knowledge and forever seeking information and experiences that will make them better and in turn benefit the experience of players. Because of this, we have made sure that formal and non-formal coach development and education opportunities are available across the country and accessible to coaches on both the community and advanced pathways of the NZF Coach Education Pathway. This year sees the highest level of activity that we have seen in recent years and the ongoing provision of this through our ever expanding Coach Developer network fills me with optimism that this will have a positive impact of the quality of our game.

Why do you think someone should get involved in football?

Coaching provides a mechanism by which to add to the quality of the sporting experience as well as the ability to help create a positive learning and development environment. Coaches and game leaders help others to reach their potential in life and sport and can be responsible for some of the most memorable experiences that young children have. I would encourage anyone to get involved in coaching and see the positive impact they can have on others.