By Molly Magennis
With a new senior coach at the helm, the Yarraville Glory soccer club is looking forward to bigger and better things in 2022.
Paul Agathouli is returning to a coaching role at the club after 10 years, having last coached back in 2012.
“It’s good, it’s a homecoming,” he said.
The club is doing things differently heading into next season, Agathouli said, with all the coaches being ex-players.
“That’s a thing that we’re pushing this year where it’s coming from the heart from all of us, because we’ve all been part of the club for so many years.”
Yarraville finished middle of the pack this year, but Agathouli said the team has a clear focus for next season: closing the gap between the divisions best, Caroline Springs George Cross, and getting promoted to the NPL.
“Obviously the benchmark mark of our division is Caroline Springs George Cross.”
“Our goal this year is to bridge the gap between us and them and … hopefully get promoted this year. That’s been the goal that we’ve been drilling into the players head this year, we’re not here to make up numbers this year, or happy finishing fourth or fifth.”
Despite a disrupted past two seasons, the new senior coach is confident his boys can do it.
“You’ve always gotta believe in your players,” he said.
“A lot of these boys have been together for four or five years. So we’re … quietly confident. Obviously in football nothing’s guaranteed but with a bit of luck on our side….anything is possible. Anything’s possible in football and in life.”
The club has signed on two new players, both in their mid-to-late twenties and both with experience playing overseas.
“So they were our first two signings, one played professionally overseas in Cyprus, one played professionally overseas in England,” Agathouli said.
“We need to bring in some experienced players, players who can help the rest of the squad achieve higher goals, so that’s why we’re targeting specific players this year … players with an experienced calibre to help promote the team.”
Agathouli would love for the club to achieve some success, not only for the players and the coaches, but also for the loyal fanbase who have been patiently waiting.
“I know how much the club means to a lot of people in the community as well. I grew up playing for them as a junior, so I know what the members are starving for, they’re quite demanding and want to see their team and club play good football and get promoted.”
“I think everyone deserves a bit of success especially, I’ve been here for the last few years, it’s been disappointing, everyone’s starving for success.”
