Northern Football League

The Northern Football League would like to congratulate Montmorency JFC Under 17 Blue coach, Darren Boulton, on receiving the 2009 AFL Victoria Youth Coach of the Year.

Boulton, who had previoulsy won the 2009 AFCA Northern Region Youth Coach of the Year, received the highest Victorian state coaching accolade at a gala dinner at the MCG last Friday evening.

In a celebrated season, Boulton guided his team to a Grand Final appearance, and although his team eventually went down by one point to Greensborough, he emphasised in his acceptance speech that winning the premiership wasn't the most important thing.

"That is not what junior football is about," said Boulton. "It is about developing players and enjoying the experience of playing footy."

The nomination sent from the Montmorency JFC to AFL Victoria, stated the following about Boulton's coaching:

Darren has a player-centred coaching philosophy which is based on getting to know each of his players, identifying their strengths and weaknesses, and preparing a plan to further develop their football skills. He delegated responsibility to his support staff, encouraging them to be active in the development of the players and ensuring the plans and objectives for each session are carried out

In a club statement, the Montmorency JFC heaped praised on Boulton, and was more than pleased to announce that he will be staying on with the club next year.

"This is a great boost to our club and will assist with our desire to grow the club and remain progressive in all our operations. The award was a tremendous endorsement of the Montmorency Junior Football Club from the AFL's peak governing body," said the Montmorency JFC.