Mid Coast women's coach Mick Grass has scooped the prestigious Coach of the Year honour at the Women's Premier League Awards 2020.
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Grass guided Mid Coast Football Club to the cusp of finals, finishing fifth during the season after a lackluster run in 2019.
"We finished fifth this season, which was a big step up from last year when we finished last. It was a big improvement," he said.
"Week to week you're doing what you can with the squad you've got. So being selected as Coach of the Year is a big reward, a bonus for doing what you normally do. It was a big surprise.
"Obviously in coaching your priority is football alongside player and team development but I think it's important that you also need to develop some relationship on a personal level. That's not always easy but if you want people to play for you then you've got to relate to them.
"It's something I'm always working on, because I know in the past I haven't been particularly good at it.
"I'm probably coaching where I'm meant to be coaching at the moment on the Mid Coast. I'm developing my coaching and next season I'll be back again."
Newcastle Olympic premiership footballer Jemma House was named player of the grand final and player of the year for 2020. She also collected the competition Golden Boot award as top scorer with 31 goals during the season.
Broadmeadow Magic footballer Kobie Ferguson was named Players' Player and Magic team mate Lucy Jerram was named Young Player of the year. Warners Bay striker Jennifer Hoy received the Media Award.
Merewether United keeper Alison Logue was named as goalkeeper of the year, her club also received the Fair Play Award. Adamstown Rosebud Junior Football Club was named as Club of the Year.
Northern NSW Football head of football development Peter Haynes said players should be congratulated on a fine season.
"It was a big year in the Women's Premier League with Newcastle Olympic winning the premiership and championship, with Jemma House also rewarded for her outstanding season," Mr Haynes said.
"Congratulations to all the award winners on a fabulous Women's Premier League season and we look forward to seeing you all again, bigger and better, in 2021."
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