Female Football February: Bella Santilli’s Royal coaching beginnings
As Essendon Royals continue to advocate for greater female representation amongst our coaching ranks, we chat to current senior squad member Isabella Santilli, who has not only been a Royals player for over a decade but also begun her coaching journey with the club in 2019.
Since taking her first coaching steps with the club, Bella has gone on to achieve her Football Australia C-License and is now involved in the coaching set-up at A-Leagues giants Melbourne Victoria, making her a great example to all girls and women looking to enter the coaching ranks.
Whilst Bella has entered coaching with aspirations of coaching as her profession, she demonstrates that coaching has also helped with her personal development and helped her build on a number of skills that will serve her well in life and in other roles.
Check out our Q&A with Bella below and reach out to our Technical Director Michael Curcija if coaching is something you are interested in pursuing.
Whether you want to take on a community team yourself, assist an existing coach or get involved in our Saturday morning MiniRoos Kick-Off program, there’s a coaching role that will suit your ability, experience and ambition.
Email Michael Curcija or click HERE to learn more about female football coaching: [email protected]
Essendon Royals: What inspired you to coach?
Isabella Santilli: What inspired me to coach was the ability to share my passion for football with young people and help them develop and reach their goals! I love being a young female coach (in what is a heavily male-dominated field) as I feel like I am in a unique position where I can act as a role model and mentor for young female players. I have been a part of the Royals since 2010, starting as a Junior and now playing in the senior women’s squad, so coaching in the junior programs was a great way to give back!
ER: What was your first coaching experience at Essendon Royals?
IS: My first coaching experience at Royals was getting involved with the MiniRoos Kick-Off Program for 4-9-year-olds at the start of 2019.
ER: What was hard about it? What was enjoyable about it?
IS: The 4-9-year-olds can be a handful at times! But it was awesome to see kids get the chance to help introduce these players to football and develop their skills in a fun and engaging environment.
ER: How did you progress your coaching from that first point?
IS: Coaching the MiniRoos allowed me to gain coaching experience and confidence in managing sessions. I was fortunate to learn off and be mentored by amazing people at the club such as Raychel Pierson, Mick Giacomi and Michael Curcija. Without their help, I wouldn’t have been able to progress my coaching career!
ER: I understand the Royals have helped sponsor some of your coaching education, how much of a help has that been on your coaching journey?
IS: I am extremely grateful that Royals funded my Football Australia C-Licence in 2020, which allowed me to further my coach education. I am always looking for opportunities to learn and further develop as a coach. Completing my C-Licence allowed me to build a stronger understanding of the game and new coaching strategies.
ER: What are you up to now as a coach?
IS: I have been working at Melbourne Victory FC for the past few years. I am currently working as a Community Football Coach (delivering programs targeting participation and inclusion in the community), Pre-Academy Coach (technical-based program for 8-14-year-old boys and girls) and Elite Girls Program Assistant Coach (talented female players aged between 14-19 years old).
ER: What are your aspirations as a coach?
IS: I would love to coach professionally one day! But for now, as I am still very early in my career, I aim to continue working to develop the next generation of youth players and give them the opportunity to develop both their technical football skills and leadership skills.