THERE’S improved morale among the Buffs boys who have started their pre-season training.
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One of the key reasons for the pick-up in spirit as noticed by life member Paul White, is the team securing a new coach who has spent a lifetime playing and instructing across Australia.
Hans Heystraten, 62, was announced as the coach at the Buffs Club presentation night last season. It was a surprise for Heystraten, who did not know he applied for the position. He did not mind.
“Mate, I love my football, I’m a sports mad person. Football has given me so much, I don’t mind giving back,” he said.
Heystraten’s main focus was to find a way of increasing player membership for the club, which last year struggled to find numbers for the field. Without the Buffs the local league reduced to three teams, he said.
He said that league organisers need to “step in” and even out the player numbers across the teams to ensure it was more competitive and more fun.
I try and make training enjoyable. If I make training enjoyable it will entice players to train.
- Hans Heystraten
His other strategy to increase numbers was to keep training interesting.
“I try and make training enjoyable. If I make training enjoyable it will entice players to train,” Heystraten said.
He believed in improving the individual to make the team better. “Everybody can improve, it doesn’t matter what age they are, as long as they get direction. I’m quite happy to take individuals aside and give them individual coaching.”
He has represented teams across the country but his last coaching role was for the Under 18s Maroochydore side four years ago. His team won the competitive Sunshine Coast league.
Heystaten first played for Latrobe Valley Football League in Victoria. That was in 1973, and since then has represented Tasmanian, Northern Territory, South Australian, Qld and NSW teams and played over 400 senior games.
Heystraten moved to Mount Isa almost three years ago from the Sunshine Coast. He is a builder who had the intention of working as a sub-contractor for the council. “Things quietened a bit so I’m looking for work now,” he said.
Those interested in playing for the Buffs can contact Hans Heystraten on 0418 714 676.
The team trains at Captain Cook Oval on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
