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Officer aims to develop his sport in region

Jackson Lavell-leeBusselton Dunsborough Times
Juan Bautista Propato is the new South West Regional Development officer for Football West
Camera IconJuan Bautista Propato is the new South West Regional Development officer for Football West Credit: Jackson Lavell-Lee

Football West has announced a new regional development officer, Argentine Juan Bautista Proparto, who will be engaging with junior clubs and overseeing coaching and development.

Leeuwin Naturaliste Junior Soccer Association spokesman Steve Gibson said the organisation was proud to welcome Proparto, who has extensive experience as a high-performance coach having previously coached in Germany and New Zealand.

Proparto will focus on improving skill levels through new coaching drills and encouraging more children to play soccer.

“My position is about helping clubs and people in coaching positions build strong development systems and successful sporting cultures at clubs,” he said.

“We want to make strong links between football clubs and schools and keep kids playing football rather than turning to other sports.”

However, Proparto was careful to be diplomatic when it came to coaching senior teams, suggesting he would have to divide his time between Busselton and Margaret River.

“Playing is a great way for me to engage with the community and find new friends,” he said.

The talented centre will play casually for his local side, Busselton City.

“I had never been to Western Australia but the beaches here are beautiful. I’ve been here three weeks and I love it,” he said.

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