Often the backbone of a team, these unsung heroes sacrifice hours of their lives to provide a good environment for others.
Shepparton United’s Lucy Ciancio is no different.
Ciancio took out the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League’s Female Coach of the Year award for 2022 on May 29, with the mentor working tirelessly to create a positive culture for her team.
“I didn’t expect it to be honest,” Ciancio said.
“I was like ‘what, there’s no way, this is my first year, there are better coaches out there,’ I just didn’t expect it, I was honestly waiting for someone else to get it.
“It still hasn’t quite sunk in yet, it’s still my first year, I’m still learning, there are so many things to learn.”
Ciancio is in charge of United’s Central Victorian League One women’s team and was up against around 12 other coaches for the award.
At the club for around eight years, Ciancio hung up the playing boots in 2019.
She said she was initially hesitant to take up the coaching role, however soon started to enjoy it.
“I’m used to being told what to do, not telling people what to do and I thought I’d give it a shot and I don’t mind it, it’s different, very different,” Ciancio said.
“I don’t mind playing but I also don’t mind coaching, it’s just a learning experience.
“The only way to make a good team is by respect and encouragement.”
Club vice-president Cass Wilson, who nominated Ciancio for the award, said Ciancio always went above and beyond for the club and the team.
“Lucy has the ability to draw people in and bring out their best,” Wilson said.
“As you can see from the team Lucy is an amazing person who is very deserving of this award.”
This statement was joined by comments from Ciancio’s team, with a number of team members putting forward quotes to help their mentor win the award.
“She has great knowledge on the sport and is honestly such an inspiration not only for me but for many female soccer players,” Lana Caiafa said.
“She is always there, training and game day, supporting and encouraging our team on. I am very grateful to have such an amazing coach like Lucy,” Trinity Cameron said.
“We came from many different cultures, but with Lucy as our leader we feel very connected and supportive of each other,” Fatima Sharifi said.
Ciancio was presented the award as part of female football week, with Football Victoria chief executive Kimon Taliadoros making a special effort to talk to her at the awards ceremony.
Ciancio said it was important to give girls a chance to get out there and play soccer.
“We (women) deserved to be recognised as much as the men and it’s good to have these competitions yearly, maybe they should even have more, it’s great just to see these young girls and older girls out there and just having a go,” Ciancio said.
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