Tim Schmidt to coach GIANTS NWL team

Photo: Daily Advertiser

On Sunday, the Greater Western Sydney GIANTS announced Tim Schmidt as the inaugural senior coach of the GIANTS’ National Women’s League team.

The former AFL player has been working with AFL NSW/ACT as Female Football High Performance coach and has been instrumental in the launch of the first ever Female AFL Academies in Canberra, Wagga Wagga, Sydney and Newcastle.

AFL NSW/ACT CEO, Sam Graham, acknowledged the hard work of Schmidt.

“Tim’s appointment is a credit to his work in the talent pathway in this region over a number of years, and in particular for his work in helping establish our NSW/ACT talent academies.

In addition to coaching the GIANTS NWL team, Tim will continue to oversee the State body female high performance program, in conjunction with Darren Denneman and Libby Sadler.”

The GIANTS are one of eight sides in the new National Women’s League which is scheduled to start in 2017.

Chief Executive Officer David Matthew said Schmidt’s appointment is a significant development for the new team.

“We’re pleased to appoint Tim to this position and he comes to our club with a wealth of experience, expertise and passion for women’s football,” Mr Matthews said.

“His impressive coaching credentials and work in this space made him an ideal candidate for this crucial role at the GIANTS.

“We’re thrilled to have him on board and it’s another exciting development as we get ready for the National Women’s League next year.”

Since retiring from the AFL in 2009 following a series of injuries, Schmidt founded an elite kicking and skills academy which has worked with some of the most talented young players in both the GIANTS and the Swans Academies.

The 30-year-old has been heavily involved in AFL coaching with the NSW/ACT National Youth Girls team and the Swans Academy and also worked with the Sydney Roosters in the NRL, the Sydney Hills Eagles in the NEAFL and the NSW/ACT Rams in the NAB AFL Under-16 National Championships.

Schmidt was drafted to the Sydney Swans in 2003 with pick 29 and played 17 AFL games over six seasons.

Scmidt said he is excited to join the GIANTS as National Women’s League senior coach.

“The National Women’s League is a huge step forward for the AFL and I’m proud to be part of the inaugural competition with the GIANTS,” Mr Schmidt said.

“I’ve admired the way the GIANTS have built a strong reputation on and off field over the past five years and this is a really exciting opportunity to be part of a historic new competition.

“It’s an important step for the GIANTS and the AFL and I can’t wait to get started.”

Tim Schmidt Bio

• 17 AFL games (2004-2009)
  
• Swans Academy U15s Coach (2010)
• Swans Academy U11s-U15s Coach (2014)
• Sydney Roosters Touch and Marking Coach (2014)
• Sydney Hills Eagles NEAFL Senior Assistant and Skills Coach (2014)
• U15s Western Sydney Head Coach in the GSJ Carnival (2014)
• U14s Sydney North Swans Academy Head Coach at the State Zone Trials in Albury (2014)
• Swans Academy Head Coach U11s-U15s City Academy (2015)
• Swans Academy Top End Coach U16s (2015)
• Head Coach NSW/ACT Under-18s Women’s Team (2015)
• Assistant Coach Under-16s NSW/ACT Rams (2015)
• Narrabeen Sports High School AFL Coach and Coordinator (2015)
• AFL NSW/ACT Female Football High Performance Coach (2016)