The Bonnet Bay FC Academy shares the benefit of our rich heritage with every coach, parent and player. We partner with key people and weave their expertise into holistic programs that go well beyond basic skills — and those who find the balance across every dimension flourish.
Club & TeamMindsetTechnical
Bombers FormationSkills ClinicsFitness
To Be a Warrior Club
A club whose teams, players and supporters are defined by the GRIT they bring to every aspect of training, preparation, playing and off-field life — toughness balanced with the SOCIAL traits that produce well-rounded citizens and leaders.
What We Stand For
“Success is giving each member the opportunity to be the best player, leader, person and citizen they can be.”
Pathways for players, coaches & membersEveryone Has a Part to Play
We believe “it takes a village to raise a child” and take our role in each member’s development seriously — thinking Club, Team, Me. We foster a growth mindset, treat all members fairly and make decisions on merit (never preference for a coach’s, sponsor’s or volunteer’s child), and ensure every player has the same opportunity to develop regardless of age, sex, skill or means. Members can access psychological support whenever they need it.
We help coaches create an environment that is physically, mentally and emotionally safe — where development through effort matters more than winning:
- Communication, respect & rapport with players, parents, other coaches and the club
- Confidence for every player to be the best they can be
- Understanding developmental age and adapting programs to suit
- “Focus forward” — reflect, learn, move on
- Actively promote the club values and the growth mindset
- Use and help improve the club’s coaching resources
Adapted from “Changing the Game” by John O’Sullivan
Parents aren’t the coach, but play a vital role by supporting the 6 C’s:
- Communication & Respect — treat coaches, players and opponents respectfully; thank the coach
- Common Sense — learning a sport is a long process; late bloomers are common
- Conditions — provide a safe, age-appropriate environment
- Competence — allow children to fail and be patient as they learn
- Confidence — skill builds confidence; your actions help your child believe in themselves
- Control & Caring — give age-appropriate choices; never make your love conditional on performance
Adapted from “Changing the Game” by John O’Sullivan
Players develop over years. By the time they’re 18 we want them to have played a variety of positions and to keep improving in:
- Reading the game and decision-making
- The courage to take initiative
- The collective game — defence and attack
- Communication and concentration
- A winning mentality with the composure to keep our playing style under pressure
Proud Since 1982
We’re regarded as a leader among grassroots clubs in our district and beyond — excellent facilities, innovative training, strong community engagement and strategic partnerships. A few achievements we’re proud of:
- ✓Best Community Sports Club in NSW (Sport NSW) — 2018
- ✓Best Sports Club (Menai District Sports Awards) — 2018 & 2019
- ✓Association Open Men’s 1–3 Club Champions — 2008; Open Men’s 4 & Over — 2019
- ✓Men’s Open 2s Premiers three years running — 2009–2011
- ✓Open Women’s 1 Premiers — 2012 & 2015 (plus 5 consecutive grand finals)
- ✓A player base of 600+ in a suburb of under 2,500 — with a high proportion of female members
The People Behind the Program
In partnership with the Changing the Game Project, the SSFA Development Academy, and the Football Australia & Football NSW curriculums.
