Building Skills, Confidence and Community: Jacob's Journey as an Assistant Coach

Through Launchpad, Bunji's School Leaver Employment Support program, Jacob is gaining real-world experience in coaching, leadership and community sport while working towards a career in recreation management.

For many young people, sport is about competition, fitness and teamwork. For Jacob, it is also an opportunity to build valuable skills, pursue his career goals and demonstrate that disability is no barrier to making a meaningful contribution to a team. 

Jacob, who is a participant in Bunji’s School Leaver Employment Support program Launchpad, recently took on the role of Assistant Coach for the Shellharbour Bulls Under 14 Boys Blue team during the Barrengarry and John Martin Country Tournaments. The experience has provided him with a unique opportunity to develop his leadership, communication and team management skills while supporting a talented group of young athletes. 

Throughout both tournaments, Jacob worked closely with players and coaching staff, assisting with team preparation, supporting game-day operations and helping to create a positive and encouraging environment for the team. His enthusiasm, commitment and willingness to learn quickly made him a valued member of the team. 

For Jacob, the role is about more than just basketball. 

He is currently working towards completing his Diploma of Aquatics and Recreational Management and sees involvement with sporting teams as an important stepping stone towards his future career. By gaining practical experience within a team environment, Jacob is developing firsthand knowledge of coaching, leadership, participant engagement and sports administration—skills that will be invaluable as he progresses through his studies and into the recreation and sport industry. 

"The opportunity to work with the Shellharbour Bulls has helped me learn how teams operate behind the scenes and given me confidence in working with athletes, coaches and families," Jacob said. 

The experience also highlights the important role that inclusive sporting environments play in creating opportunities for people of all abilities. By welcoming Jacob into the coaching team, the Shellharbour Bulls have demonstrated their commitment to inclusion and community participation, while also benefiting from the unique perspective and dedication he brings to the role. 

Players, coaches and families have all embraced Jacob as part of the team, recognising the positive impact he has had both on and off the field. His involvement serves as a reminder that diversity strengthens sporting communities and that everyone has valuable contributions to make. 

As Jacob continues his studies and pursues a career in aquatics and recreation management, his experiences with the Shellharbour Bulls will provide a strong foundation for future success. More importantly, they demonstrate what can be achieved when passion, opportunity and inclusion come together. 

We congratulate Jacob on his achievements so far and look forward to seeing where his journey takes him next.