By Russell Bennett
Nar Nar Goon has appointed its first ever female coach to take the club’s Under 16s football team forward into an exciting new era in the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition.
Annalise Tumbas moved to Garfield from Port Douglas just under a year-and-a-half ago.
For Annalise and her family – including her five boys – it marked a return home, and in Nar Nar Goon they’ve found a club to truly belong.
Annalise comes from a strong footballing family and has followed the game, and been involved with it, with her father and brothers for over 30 years.
She’s also studying a psychology degree, which will be of significant help in her role as a leader of young people.
One of Annalise’s sons will line up in the Under 16s this season, and so too will a friend of his from a rugby background.
“It’s just about the boys being out there and being themselves,” she said.
“Any sport gives kids the opportunity to be who they are and shine in their own right.
“I’ve always loved Little Athletics because you’re not measured against anyone – it’s always measured on your performance and getting the best out of yourself and that’s what I want to see with all kids across the board – that they’re pleased with themselves. That’ll build confidence and strong minds.”
Annalise has found that her study in psychology and her coaching go hand-in-hand in many ways.
“It’s just about building people up and making sure they’re okay – listening to people, and helping them get to where they want to go,” she said.
“That’s just going to blow me away – either at the football, or in my personal life as a psychologist or counsellor, or whatever I choose to do.
“I’ve struggled at times – my life hasn’t always been easy – so I can’t wait to help people and give them the kind of help that I got. I want to pay it forward and turn the negatives for some kids into positives.”
Annalise said, above all else, it was important for young people to feel a sense of belonging and the acceptance, belief, and encouragement that comes along with it.
“Everyone needs to belong to something – whether you’re five or whether you’re 60,” she said.
“The players, the committee, and the other coaches that come here all have that sense of belonging too. You can see it.
“They know they belong not just to the club, but the whole community.”
Already in her time at the Goon, Annalise has identified players with both prodigious talent, and genuine leadership skills which will help their team mates progress.
“I don’t believe anything is impossible,” she said.
“If you put your mind to it, and work for it, you’re going to get to where you want to be – whether it’s in footy, or outside of that.”
Any players looking to get involved with the Nar Nar Goon Under 16s should call the club’s vice president Dene Missen on 0402 442 554.
