JUNIOR football identity Graham Dowie has accepted the invitation of his home club to return to Kalangadoo as its first-ever Director of Coaching and Junior Development.
It has been a momentous year for Dowie as he coached the Kongorong Junior Colts to the Mid South East Football League premiership.
Furthermore, Dowie stepped into the role of MSEFL Junior Committee president and was the coach of the MSEFL Under 14 interleague team.
If all goes to his plan, Dowie will continue at the helm of the MSEFL Junior Committee in 2019 and become the coach of its Under 17 interleague side plus continue to develop the leagues junior development programs.
Father to four underage footballers, Dowie possesses a Level Two coaching accreditation from the AFL and is set to finalise Developing Leaders in Football program with the SANFL later this month.
He is parting from the Hawks with valuable experience and a strong understanding of what’s required to develop players after three seasons as Junior Colts coach and four as their Auskick coordinator all building towards the success achieved this year.
His football journey began in the underage ranks at Kalangadoo and was then followed by a single season at Kongorong in the Reserves before work commitments then caused Dowie to take a lengthy break from football.
Dowie said he was looking forward to his new role.
“Kalangadoo came to me as they saw the passion I have for the game, but wanting to improve standards not only of players but our coaches as well,” he said.
“I think I might be the one of very in this role as director of coaching and junior development outside of Adelaide.
“I have a real passion for developing our footballers and it is my aim to get more players from the Mid SE running around in the elite ranks of the SANFL and the AFL.”
Kalangadoo Football Club president Adam Box said it was a very exciting initiative by his club.
He said Dowie would be a support to the coaches of its four football teams as well as its women’s side.
“We have been able to fill the position with an experienced leader who will bring a wealth of experience and professionalism to our club,” Box said.
“The objective of the Director of Coaching and Junior Development is to ensure the continued development, promotion and advancement of junior football and players within the club.
“A key aim of the role is to maximise the opportunities for young people to play football and be involved in the game to the maximum of their potential and enjoyment.
“Graham will be committed to ensuring football development programs are conducted to maximise the numbers participating and supporting football and enable young footballers to achieve their highest potential.
“This may be at either club level, or higher competitions such as major league or SANFL competitions.”
Box said the changing demographics in the Lower South East areas has resulted in a substantial decrease in the demand for junior sporting clubs.
“The Kalangadoo Football Club strives to meet these emerging community needs and we are proposing Auskick clinics at Kalangadoo and Mount Gambier,” he said.
“We feel that this initiative is forward thinking and we have some other ideas that will support Graham in his new role.”
Box is coming to the end of his first year as president and intends to seek a further term in office when the annual general meeting is held later this month.
