Coach Gameiro enjoying the experience
Former Australian Youth international Corey Gameiro has set his sights on continuing his progress as a future coach, currently assisting Jamie Gomez at Football NSW Institute’s Under 17’s Girls side in the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s competition.
The former A-League attacker, who spent some time in the A-League with Sydney FC, Melbourne City, Wellington Phoenix, Brisbane Roar and the Central Coast Mariners has been a busy figure at Football NSW’s headquarters where the 27-year-old has been given the opportunity to commence his coaching journey.
“I’ve had a fantastic start so far with the coaching staff and group of girls at the Institute.
“Working with young professionals, who, if developed and mentored the right way, could go on to play for the Matildas is something that means a lot to me.
“I’ve represented my country on many occasions and there is no better feeling to help some of these young players achieve that goal and the same dream I had is really special to me.
“We have also implemented striker sessions that I take weekly throughout the whole Football NSW program.
“I’ve been working with the attacking players to provide more one-on-one time as well as working through specific shooting techniques, composure in front of goal, timing of runs and a host of other tools.
“Seeing the players responding to the teachings and improving in these areas so quickly has been very rewarding.”
The former Lake Heights FC junior was delighted when Football returned to NSW pitches once more following the COVID-19 lockdown with the NPL NSW Women’s competition in full swing.
“It’s been great being back running drills with Jamie and watching the team develop at each training session and match.
“The return to training for us was challenging at times given the rules and restrictions in place.
“What’s made it easier was that the players attitudes and commitment to adhering to the restrictions have been really positive.
“Coaching throughout the COVID restrictions wasn’t too bad in terms of setting up sessions. From my perspective, it gave us a chance to work on all of the players individual technical skills. For example; because of the social distancing requirements, every player was given a ball which meant they were able to achieve more touches on the ball. As a child, that’s when you’re able to develop your technical skills because it’s just you and the ball and nothing else.
“However it must be said, we were all looking forward to the reboot of the Women’s season, weekends with no football just didn’t feel right to me and I know that was replicated by the girls as well – we all couldn’t wait to get back to work.”
The women’s game in the country continues to develop and prosper now more so than ever thanks to the recent landmark decision of Australia and New Zealand hosting the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Gameiro stated that this was a great opportunity to further promote the female game to the rest of the nation and the world with the sport benefiting in a number of ways.
“Australia hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 is massive.
“Women’s football is growing rapidly here in Australia and I think hosting the tournament is only going to encourage more girls to start playing the game.
“I also think its hugely important for the younger players in the Future Matildas program and any young girl aspiring to play at a high level to see the senior players wearing the green and gold for our country on home soil.
“It will be really inspiring and a great motivator for the players to want to train harder to make it to the top.”
Gameiro, who also played in our very own NPL NSW competitions with the Wollongong Wolves and St George City, hasn’t ruled out a return to the game, as injuries have plagued the gun attacker’s progress to the top.
“I do miss playing football and I have no doubt I will be back playing again.
“I’ve been working hard over this last year to get my body feeling great and back to where I should be.
“My last season with the Mariners was extremely tough physically, mentally and emotionally. After seeking guidance from people I trust, the best thing for me was to take a step back and work on myself mentally and physically so that I could work towards feeling strong in both areas.
“It’s been so nice not to contend with any pressure to rush back or be forced back early and roll the dice on staying fit.
“I’m in such a great place now and I can’t wait for the next opportunity that comes up because I know from all the work that I’ve done and am still doing – I’ll be ready for it whenever it presents itself.”
One aspect that has changed Gameiro’s life for the better has been Fatherhood.
His partner and well-known passionate Australian Football Television Presenter/Journalist Lucy Zelic became proud parents to little girl Mila, a bundle of joy that has given the dynamic duo so much happiness.
“Fatherhood is just amazing.
“It’s so nice to have something other than football to wake up to every morning.
“This is the first time in 12 years that I’ve had a year out of professional football and to be able to spend days with just my daughter and watch her grow so quickly has been a blessing.
“Fatherhood has really changed me as a person. It has softened me and slowly taught me to have patience, which I definitely didn’t have before Mila came along.
“Having Lucy as a partner is so much fun. We are both football fanatics and every morning, the first thing we talk about is who beat who overnight, or which transfer rumour is out there at the time. We’re also both massive Liverpool supporters which helps!
“A few months back we drove to Canberra and for the entire 3-hour trip, we did nothing but talk about Australian football.
“Between the two of us, we never run out of things to talk about, especially when it comes to the game.
“Lucy is one of the most passionate football lovers we have in our country.
“I see and hear her on the phone every day, emailing, hosting zoom meetings and working non-stop and it’s all because of her love for the game. I’m very proud of her and how hard she works for football in this country.”
