A DEEP passion for developing young footballers and building social connections through sport have inspired Jake Bridges to take on the role as coach of the BFNL’s 23-and-under interleague team.<\/p>\n
The appointment of Bridges \u2013 coach of East Point’s dual senior premiership teams in 2018-19 – was confirmed by the league last week.<\/p>\n
No stranger to representative football, Bridges spent the previous two seasons in the BFNL interleague system as an assistant coach.<\/p>\n
He brings to the role an extensive football background and a deep connection to interleague football, originating from his junior playing days in the 1990s at North Ballarat.<\/p>\n
After moving to Redan to play senior football, Bridges spent time with the Greater Western Victoria Rebels and in the VFL system.<\/p>\n
His leadership journey off the field has been equally impressive.<\/p>\n
Through a decade at Leading Teams, he developed a strong base in leadership and culture, which transitioned into a successful coaching career.<\/p>\n
Following a stint as an assistant at Buninyong, he was appointed head coach of East Point in 2017, leading the Kangaroos to back-to-back BFNL premierships in 2018 and 2019.<\/p>\n
Bridges said his passion for development and connection within the game were key drivers in his desire to take on the role.<\/p>\n
“I love being around people who want to get better,” he said.<\/p>\n
“This program brings together the best young players across the league and gives them a chance to test themselves at a higher level.<\/p>\n
“I’m excited to help those who want to be here \u2013 players who are driven to improve.”<\/p>\n
Beyond the on-field opportunities, Bridges highlighted the deeper importance of community and connection.<\/p>\n
“Through COVID, I realised just how important connection is,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Winning is great, but the relationships we build through footy \u2014 the people we play with and against \u2014 they’re what really matters.<\/p>\n
“The interleague concept has so much history in the BFNL. It’s not just about the now \u2013 it’s uncles, brothers, grandfathers who’ve worn the jumper too.<\/p>\n
“With there being so much more to life than footy, this is about belonging and community.”<\/p>\n
As planning begins for the 2025 campaign, Bridges could not be more impressed by the quality of talent available and the players’ enthusiasm.<\/p>\n
“If you look at who’s eligible and how many are putting their hands up to play, it’s just so exciting,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Watching how driven these young men are \u2013 it’s a credit to them and the clubs they come from.”<\/p>\n
Training for the nominated players will commence in June. More sport from page 25.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A DEEP passion for developing young footballers and building social connections through sport have inspired Jake Bridges to take on the role as coach of the BFNL’s 23-and-under interleague team. The appointment of Bridges \u2013 coach of East Point’s dual senior premiership teams in 2018-19 – was confirmed by the league last week. No stranger […]<\/p>\n