Julie Fitzroy – touch rugby

Julie first tried her hand at touch rugby at the age of 17. Unfortunately after seriously injuring her knee during a game Julie had a full knee reconstruction.

During rehab Julie decided to get involved with the coaching aspect of the sport and discovered she really enjoyed it.  She started coaching a junior women’s team in Karratha and has been fortunate enough to keep most players together, creating a formidable team after only a couple of years.

Inspirational aspects of your career

Watching the young girls develop into elite touch players, with six representing at State level, is a great effort for regional players and Julie finds it really rewarding to be involved. She was fortunate enough to attend the Nationals with these girls on a coaching level and found them inspirational to achieve elite status, especially coming from a remote area.

Defining moments

Julie coached a Northwest Eagles Ladies Touch Team, consisting of players throughout the Pilbara.  This was difficult, given the distance involved. She had to utilise satellite coaches and training camps once a month. Plenty of time and commitment went into this team, and they became State Champions. It was a huge effort from all and something no other regional team has achieved in the history of the State Touch Championships.  This was a pivotal time for Julie, as she proved to herself she could achieve the unexpected. She then embarked on coaching state & national teams and realised goals can be achieved even with the difficulty of distance through strong communication skills.

Overcoming major obstacles

The major obstacle Julie faces is living in a remote location with desires to coach at a higher level. Julie praises the work done by the Touch Rugby development officer who keeps her up to date with courses and ways to secure funding for coaching seminars. Julie always tries to attend the nationals each year in Coffs Harbour, either as a player or coach, to continue to update her skills.

Influential people

Julie is sincere and honest when she speaks about the positive influence her husband Brian has had on her sporting career. Having represented Australia in touch he recognised Julie’s strengths and encouraged her to apply for a national coaching position. " He’s been my biggest supporter, willing to take on the roles at home to let me embark on my journey as a coach," Julie said.

Future ambitions

At this stage Julie is having a rest from coaching at an elite level and is concentrating on developing her local competition. She would love to get back to the grass roots, starting again with a young female team to develop for the future and possibly take off another gold medal for country WA.

 

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