Announcing U16 Coach – Chris Slattery

The Norwood Football Club is pleased to announce Chris Slattery as U16 Coach for the 2024 season.

Slattery is new to the club and the SANFL this year, but has a long history in coaching at junior level in local, association and State programs.

He takes over from current Norwood Football Club Talent Manager Craig Roberts, who coached the U16s for four seasons.

Roberts said Slattery was a great fit for the U16 group.

“Chris will bring plenty of energy to the program, and a real sense of enthusiasm and love for the game,” Roberts said.

“He will align the group with strong values and will continue to educate the boys to become the best footballers they can be.”

Slattery said he was excited by the prospect of moving into a SANFL program.

“It feels good to be a part of the club, I am ready for the challenge,” he said.

“I got out there last week with the boys and there’s a lot of good, keen young footballers.

Slattery (a school teacher) played football for Crystal Brook and Whyalla, and did a senior pre-season with Norwood before relocating overseas where he pursued his teaching career.

“I tried to come back to playing when I returned from overseas, but had a few injuries so I got into coaching about 14 years ago,” he said.

“I started coaching at South Clare Football Club, and with my teaching link I started coaching SAPSASA, and that’s where I found a real interest in working with kids at that real elite talent level.

“I have done a lot of U14, U15 association coaching and got into the State role in 2018 – we actually won the U12 Grand Final last year on Norwood Oval against Victoria.

“I have fond memories of The Parade and Norwood Oval, and am hoping to win plenty of games out there in 2024.”

Slattery said he had learnt a lot from his time in the State program.

“We had some really good coaches involved at State level, I have learnt a lot and I am ready for that next challenge of SANFL,” he said.

“I was ready to go into the SANFL and I love coaching juniors, and being a teacher of 20 years I can build good relationships with young men.

“Hopefully I can help them become great footballers, role players, decision makers, and take on the challenges and risks that football throws up.”

Slattery will lead the U16s, while Alex Newell is going into his second year as U18 coach. Norwood has also welcomed a new Reserves coach in Aaron Jelfs, new SANFL Women’s Coach in Brad Ferrall, and a new SANFLW Development League coach in Alison Ferrall.

Jade Rawlings is heading into his fourth year as League Coach.