Ron Shadbolt didn’t think twice about stepping up and coaching his young daughters’ hockey team several decades ago.
“They were five and six and to me it wasn’t difficult coaching them,” he said last week. “I slowly got more and more involved in coaching and continued on. I just love coaching and I’ve met some great people.”
That early involvement set the seed for Shadbolt’s coaching career – and many years later, he has celebrated his 1000th game as coach across two clubs, Melton and Essendon.
He celebrated his 1000th game as a player last year.
Shadbolt said he would have laughed if you had told him 10 years ago that he would still be coaching at 62 and had played 1000 games.
“I like to be involved and I love the sport and the fact anyone from five to 75 can be involved,” he said. “There’s always a spot for people coaching and to be involved at a local club.
“It’s a terrific way to relieve stress – it’s like a game of chess.”
The Shadbolt name and Melton Hockey Club go hand in hand. Ron helped establish the club in the early 1980s and, apart from some time at Essendon Hockey Club, has been involved ever since. As well as playing and coaching, he is also the club’s president.
He says his favourite moments have come watching his daughters play. He continues to coach them and all three have been involved in coaching teams at the club.
“To see my daughters grow up and develop as people and players has been amazing,” he said.
Shadbolt is currently co-coach of the women’s sides with David Gorton.
He said this year had been his most rewarding as coach, with the top two women’s sides looking set to play finals.
He is also full of praise for Gorton.
“The premier league squad has improved out of sight,” he said.
“Dave has brought a lot of knowledge to the team. The competition we’re in is semi-professional and it requires two tacticians. I focus more on game day, while David is more about the skills.”
Shadbolt said he planned to reduce his playing days in the next few years, but he has no plans to cut back on coaching.
