Today we are chatting to full time Bachelor of Sports Coaching (Strength and Conditioning) student, Liam Gerathy. This year, Liam has not only been working as a tactical analyst within the academy space alongside Jay Ellis (ACPE Lecturer) and Michael Mantikos (Western Sydney Wanderers FC), but has also been selected by the academy director (former professional EPL player) as part of the Wanderers coaching department that takes an U15s squad in October to Japan, to compete in an international tournament.
“The opportunity to work with Western Sydney Wanderers in the academy space as a junior analyst arose from day one at ACPE, actually on Open Day. I spoke with Jay Ellis and discussed a couple of my long-term goals within the sporting industry, plus my previous experience in football whilst in New Zealand. Upon enrolling with ACPE Jay introduced me to Michael Mantikos the head analyst at Western Sydney Wanderers and the team of Junior analysts from ACPE.”
When speaking about the experience, Liam tells how the knowledge he gained from Michael and Jay was fantastic, and was able to prepare him for the season as a Junior Analyst; “The continued support and guidance shown from Michael and Jay throughout the season was second to none”. It’s safe to say, Liam loved every minute of this experience, finishing the season successfully with securing the league and the grand final.
With the success of Liam’s role with the Western Sydney Wanders, a position then opened up in the analyst role for the Japan trip, and Liam’s name was put forward; “I remember being calm and composed during the phone call but about five minutes later I was thinking holy shoot I’m going to Japan!”
The tournament will commence October 12th, with Liam flying into Shizuoka with the U15s squad on the 9th. The Suruga Cup was established in early 2008 by the Japan Football Association, teams from all round the world play in the tournament; “My role as the analyst during the tournament will be to provide tactical analysis to the team. I will film and live code our games then provide analysis based on the video and what the coaching staff require, which can be presented in a post-match review back to the team.”
Liam credits ACPE to playing an essential role in his work experience opportunities; “Without the people I have connected with through ACPE such as Jay and Michael, working with a professional football club like Western Sydney Wanderers would not be possible.”
