Q&A Interview With Yianni Tsattalios

A question-and-answer interview with Yianni Tsattalios – newly appointed Technical Director of Boys Youth and Junior Development.

WHAT IS YOUR OCCUPATION?

I am a teacher with SEDA Group – Teaching at West Sydney Wanderers -Sports and Business Diploma. We teach through Club Partners including Penrith Panthers NRL, Sydney Kings, Sydney FC, Netball NSW.

WHY DID YOU ACCEPT THE POSITION AT ST GEORGE FC?

I played NPL Under 14 with St George FC.  It is close to home.

I enjoyed my time here. I see the potential in this club.

It is an exciting prospect; the club has a rich history.

WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE ENTAIL?

 My role will involve various areas of the Club’s Program. It will include.

Youth Development Program and Philosophy.
Pathways.
Junior Development
First Grade
Develop players to play elsewhere

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE?

I want to create a good environment for players and parents.

I want to help our players become successful in their lives.

I want to get both the Men and Women Programs on the same page

HAVING COACHING EXPERIENCE AT A HIGHER LEVEL WILL HELP YOU IN THE ROLE?

It will help me in the role.

I have high expectations.

My different experiences will mean more expectations.

Manage expectations better which will translate on to the players.

Help players to perform the best they can.

DO YOU KNOW MUCH ABOUT ST GEORGE FC?

I know of the Hungarian roots.

I read the Johnny Warren Book.

I know of Football helping to bring Hungarians together.

YOU ARE AN EDUCATOR ON AND OFF THE FIELD?

I try to be.

Being an educator helps with communication – with students learning.

Can deliver feedback, and manage the communication process better

IS IT FAIR TO SAY YOU WILL BE TAKING THE CLUB IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION?

I will try and build on the legacy of this historic club.

We are the custodians of the club.

We have to put processes in place to benefit those who follow and come to the club

BEING AN EDUCATOR IN FOOTBALL AND SPORTS EDUCATION WILL REALLY HELP THE JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT AND BOYS’ YOUTH PROGRAMS AT ST GEORGE FC?

The aim is to create pathways.

We need to enable our players to fit in to other clubs for when the situation occurs

Ideally, we can create a pathway from junior development program to first grade.

I want to provide our players with a football education, make them adaptable, and provide them with good values.

WILL YOUR FOCUS BE TOTALLY ON JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT AND BOYS’ YOUTH?

The focus will be on creating pathways.

Ideally, from Junior Development right through to First Grade.

Providing players with a football education that will enable them to become adaptable, have good values and enable them to fit in to other clubs when the situation occurs

JOINING ST GEORGE FC WITH THE SEASON WELL UNDERWAY, IS THIS A LOOK AND SEE TYPE SEASON FOR YOU?

Initially, it is a learning process.

I want to be transparent and include parents. Being transparent contributes to the growth of players.

Processes can be implemented in the short term.

The plan is to build a platform for the long term.

FOCUSING ON MENTORSHIP AND GUIDANCE SEEMS TO BE YOUR MANTRA-IS THIS WHAT YOUR ROLE WILL ENTAIL?

This is true.

The aim is to give players knowledge and skills for on and off the field.

This is the best preparation for football and life.

I want to involve the players and have them take ownership, allowing for the fact that every player is different.

YOU PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN THE WRITING OF THE JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (JDL) WHAT IS YOUR AIM WITH THIS PROGRAM?

I played a role in the roll out of the club assessment.

I was the Technical Advisor to the clubs I was allocated.

We worked towards best practice last year, the clubs were open to it

The aim with the program is to improve the club’s capability to deliver high quality programs across all football areas.

FINALLY, WHAT CAN ST GEORGE FC PLAYERS, OFFICIALS AND SUPPORTERS LOOK FORWARD TO WITH YOUR INVOLVEMENT?

I want to contribute to the club’s culture – create a connection to the club.

I want to create a positive environment.

I want a learning environment with a positive framework.

I want our players to enjoy playing their football.

The players needs will be at the forefront of what I want to achieve at St George FC.