Carruthers Executive Community Coach of the Month – July

The VAFA is proud to celebrate the outstanding contributions of coaches who go above and beyond to support their clubs and embody the values of our community. Each month, we receive nominations that highlight inspiring stories of dedication, leadership, and impact and July was no different.

The Carruthers Executive Community Coach of the Month for July is Cooper Rule from Caulfield Grammarians. 

Cooper has been involved with Caulfield Grammarians for the past two years, leading the clubs Under 19 programs and managing over 90 registered players. Based on the nomination, it is clear that Cooper has made a significant and positive impact across the CGFC football program not only as Coach of the Under 19 Premier team, additionally performing the  Men’s reserves and Under 19 reserves as coach when required.

Through his dedication, knowledge and commitment to player development, Cooper continues to help build a strong, connected and highly engaged playing group. 

Nominated by committee member Aiden Clark: 

“Cooper has coached our Under 19s program for two seasons, running it almost single-handedly for a group of over 90 registered players, entirely as a volunteer.

“Last season, when a coach pulled out just before round one, Cooper stepped in to coach both our Premier Under 19s and Under 19s Reserves simultaneously, without complaint and without extra support. On multiple occasions he coached two teams on opposite sides of Melbourne in the same week, then still made himself available to fill in for our Men’s Reserves to help the club avoid a forfeit.

“Cooper does all of this with barely any assistant coaching support, carrying the full weight of a 90-plus player program on his own. His commitment goes well beyond coaching results. It’s about showing up for young players and for the club, week after week, unpaid and often unnoticed. Cooper represents everything community football should stand for: sacrifice, reliability, and genuine care for the players in his charge. He is thoroughly deserving of national recognition.”

We commend Coopers’s continued contribution to his club and the wider VAFA community. 

Nominations for August are now open!  

Submit your nominations for Carruthers Executive Community Coach of the Month here.