Learning key for Nicol in new role

New Football South development officer Tessa Nicol at Logan Park yesterday. Photo by Peter McIntosh.
New Football South development officer Tessa Nicol at Logan Park yesterday. Photo by Peter McIntosh.
Tessa Nicol has come home and now she wants to give back.

The 21-year-old returned to Dunedin four months ago after an 18-month stint playing football in Auckland.

She will begin as Football South's women's development officer on Monday.

Having grown up in Mosgiel and attended Taieri College, she is excited for the opportunity to return much sooner than expected.

Being able to do it at home made it that much sweeter.

''I think [doing it at Football South] is the icing on the cake really,'' she said.

''It's really nice to have the opportunity to give back to the community because I've had so many people around the area do so much for me.

''It's really nice to have the opportunity to give back to the younger generation coming through.''

A talented goalkeeper, Nicol had been training with the Football Ferns squad last year.

Alongside that, she went to the Under-20 World Cup in Papua New Guinea.

Both were amazing experiences, but an ankle injury has seen her put playing to the side for this year.

While she hoped to get back on to the field next year, she was fully focused on getting involved in the community in her new role.

''I really just want to get girls and women enjoying the sport and making it enjoyable for everyone involved.

''I say women and girls, but in reality it comes down to everyone enjoying what they're doing.

''So I really just want to be a big part in the enjoyment side of things.

''And also just co-ordinating with the other regions to come up with a plan as to how we can move forward with women's football.''

Learning would be the key this year, as she looked to figure out the best way of doing things.

That included getting involved with more experienced coaches, obtaining as much knowledge as she could and meeting as many people as possible.

It was an exciting time as she looked to build on the progress that had been made in women's football in the region.

There was talent around, along with some younger players whom she hoped could be brought through.

She had learnt plenty while being away, with the higher intensity of training sessions in Auckland being something she wanted to bring south.

It had also proven her passion for the sport, as her time up north had been anything but easy.

With the expectation that Football Ferns players would find work around daytime trainings, having a reliable source of income was one of several challenges.

But she found a way to do it and that attitude should leave her in good stead.

Now back home and working in football, she was making a career out of what she loved.

''It was a pretty crazy experience, trying to fit in work and gym and football and everything else that was going on, coaching and what not.

''It was a great experience, but it was tough.

''But if football's what you're passionate about, you're going to do what you need to do to get through.''

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