Montebello to lead CY’s again in 2019

Originally posted by Williamstown CYMS FC

Williamstown CYMS Football Club is excited to announce the re-appointment of Director of Coaching and Senior Coach Mathew Montebello. Going into his 9^th year at the club and 7^th as Senior Coach, Mat has been instrumental in leading the club in its continuous success during his time.

Beginning his coaching journey leading our U18s and 19s program, Mat’s continued ability to find improvement within the group is a key component to his reappointment. Having coached the club to its first ever Division 1 Premiership in 2014, Mat has generated continuous growth throughout each of the clubs 4 years in Premier C. This was particularly highlighted this season with the seniors securing the Minor Premiership on the back of a record 16-2 season.

With the full retention of a talented list, which boasts 3 Williamstown FC VFL players, and the recruitment and return of a number of key players, Mat will look to guide the club to one better in 2019 with his sights and aspirations clearly directed towards Premier B promotion.

As the Director of coaching, Mat’s passion for the development of home grown talent and creating a positive football environment, sees him work closely with all club coaches, in particular within the U19s program. One of the key aspects to his role has been the relationship built with the Williamstown Junior Football Club and the clear transition pathway under the Football Williamstown banner. Mat’s ongoing investment in this relationship has been a valuable asset in ensuring players stay in the gold and blue through their football careers.

Upon his re-appointment, Matt was full of praise for the club, “I feel so honoured to again lead this great club. It is full of amazing people who support a fun and energetic playing group. I can’t imagine coaching anywhere else and hopefully this group gets the opportunity to experience the ultimate success.”

Mat will again be supported by a strong coaching team.  His long- time assistant Michael Johnstone, who played a major role in orchestrating the club’s 2014 premiership, will again walk the sidelines. Former Willy VFL, Spotswood and CY’s player Ross Cassidy and former Sydney & North Melbourne player David Ackerly will round out the senior coaching team. “It was important to keep the coaching group together”, added Montebello who recognises the value of a stable coaching framework, “It is a journey of relationships and joint aspirations and this coaching group is so invested in this group.”

The club is looking forward to preseason training commencing on Monday 19^th November and so is Mat: “We are already looking at having our largest and deepest list that we have ever had at the CYs – from Seniors to Unders to the Womens, it’s a real exciting time for the club and we are really looking forward to getting into things.”

• Stephanie Payne, Co-President of Williamstown CYMS