Bardon Latrobe Football Club were delighted that the coach of our U14s Division One girls side, David Bounds, has been awarded the Football Queensland 2019 Community Coach of the Year (male) award.
David Bounds joined the club in 2013 after relocating from South Australia with his now wife, Prue, where he had enjoyed a successfully playing career mostly with Para Hills Knights Football Club.
He was awarded the Senior Player of the Year award in 2014 and then became the Capital team head coach for the following season.
Under his coaching Bardon Latrobe FC were promoted and finished on top of the ladder and won the grand final against Mooroondu FC. The following season was a tough adjustment for the club and at the end of the season David stepped down as coach. He did so after securing safety for the team in Capital Three (now Two).
Following a couple of successful seasons playing in City football he returned to the Capital coaching set up in 2019 and showing his versatility and club spirit began the year playing as reserve goalkeeper and coach.
Due to first team injuries he was even called back into the first team several years after ‘officially’ retiring.
In mid-2018, he agreed to coach the then U13 team Division Two side who had not been able to retain a consistent coach for the year. He agreed to give his own time after work and on Sunday’s to develop the girls’ skills. From the first week, both the girls and their families noticed a fundamental shift in team spirit and gameplay.
Since that time, David has given his time three times per week in on season and off season to teach the players skills, strategy and a love of the game. In the words of the parents he has also taught them “to be fearless, to build each other up, to be proud to wear their jersey.”
The team is well disciplined and want to train. The girls are able to conduct their drills, warm up and warm downs. David brings a sense of fun, and the girls love being together and playing together.
David has built a community around the team, and encouraged parents to be part of the teams success.
In 2019, the now under 14 girls team won the Division One premiership, after being undefeated in the regular season.
David has given his own time at a time where he and his wife have just welcomed their first daughter into the world.
David has supported the club to raise the profile of girls football. He has provided a wonderful opportunity for our girls and other girls in the future (maybe his own daughter) to believe that they can play football and win.
Congratulations to David.
Having been heavily involved in the Bardon Latrobe girls teams in past years it gives me much delight to read this article and know the girls are being supported by such an enthusiastic and capable coach. Congratulations to all the players, their supporters and to David.