Casey Comets players, back, from left, Jayme Williams, Jayden Wennholz, Mitchell Martin, coach Kevin Nolan – resplendent in his tutu, Jake Penney, Peter Boland and Lachlan McDonald, and front, Bradley Nolan, Billy Allan, Jarrod Williams, Kyle Beamish, Tamana Hakimi, Britney Beamish and Brooke Austin.By Marc McGowan
WHAT’S ballet and soccer got in common?
The answer’s easy – just ask Casey Comets’ Boys East under-12 F-grade coach Kevin Nolan.
The side has endured a tough season on the pitch this year but, despite the wintry conditions on Sunday morning, the players had every reason to smile.
The Comets have won just one of their 11 matches, scoring three goals, but having 57 put past them.
Two weeks ago Nolan decided his squad needed some incentive, so he offered the players a deal they were eager to take up.
“We were getting hammered every week and, in an attempt to get them to try and score, I promised if they did I would coach in a ballet dress,” he said.
“Naturally enough they scored and ended up being beaten 9-1, but they were all ‘high-fiving’ each other!”
Billy Allan was the man-of-the-moment and his calmly slotted penalty ensured Nolan would step into the unique soccer attire.
Judgment Day was on the weekend for the clash with top-placed Oakleigh and, sure enough, Nolan waltzed out in his tutu.
“It was pretty good. It was a bit of fun and the kids got a laugh out of it,” he said.
“There were plenty of parents wanting to know what went on, but I won’t be making a habit of it!”
On Sunday at 10am, Casey comes up against the only team it has beaten – the Eastern Lions – at Gardiners Creek Reserve in Burwood.
“We might win this weekend and perhaps we’ll take them all to Subway instead of me doing something stupid!” Nolan laughed.
