Meet Radford's Football Manager
Radford College's Sports Program Manager of Football, Mr Ian Worthington, has significant experience as a youth coach at numerous clubs including Manchester City, Bolton Wanderers and Burnley Football Club (FC). Mr Worthington attained his UEFA ‘A’ Licence in 2019 and holds a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Sports Science.
You grew up in the UK. Is that where you got into football?
Yes, I was fortunate to start playing football at my local grassroots club in South Manchester aged six and was taken to watch the Bolton Wanderers' live home games from the age of four.
What got you into coaching football?
A family friend was the club doctor at Manchester United. His wife invited me to coach a Year 6 team at her primary school as a volunteer. I completed a basic coaching certificate and met a coach who worked in football in America. He invited me to work with a club in Ohio, USA. When my professional playing career back in England didn’t work out, I moved to New Jersey, USA, initially to coach, but whilst there, I managed to play at New York.
When did you move to Australia, and what brought you here?
I came to Australia for the first time on holiday in January 2018 and visited my cousin in Canberra. She is from England and has married a former Australian professional cricketer. Whilst here, I was offered a job as a Technical Director at Monaro Panthers Football Club. After a short stint back in England and turning a role down at Everton FC, I returned to Australia to reside by the beautiful Queanbeyan River and work for Monaro.
When did you join Radford, and why?
I joined Radford in October 2019, moving from Monaro at the end of the football season. Enticed by the impressive Brent Larkham (former Radford Head of Sport) and dedicated parent Richard Terry, I was brought over to coach the Radford U14 National Premier League (NPL) team. We finished top of the ladder in 2020, and shortly after I accepted the role as Sports Program Manager of Football.
What have been the proudest moments in your football career?
I have been fortunate to play with and against some incredible players in some wonderful arenas, notably the Meadowlands Stadium in New York.
In England, I coached youth teams at Manchester City, Burnley and the U21 team at Bolton Wanderers against clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool. Some of those players went onto play in the English Premier League, including Robert Holding at Arsenal and Kieran Trippier who plays for England.
A huge achievement is knowing that I have played a small part in the development of many professional players.
From a ‘winning’ perspective, the Radford NPL Under 18s Grand Final achievement in 2022 was particularly special and highlighted the growth in Radford Sport.
You mentioned that you do some commentating. Can you tell us about that?
I often wonder if people have enough of hearing my English accent around the ACT fields, but I am led to believe that several football lovers tune into my tones commentating on senior football in the Men’s NPL on TV. The brilliant and British Russ Gibbs leads the communication and commentary, and I offer my knowledge and understanding of the game. It's also a great laugh, and we often get the giggles.
What do you love about coaching youth in football?
A huge achievement is knowing that I have played a small part in the development of many youth players who have become professionals. But I also have the passion and drive for enhancing the commitment of any young footballer and the development of the person too.
What are your aspirations for Radford’s Football Program?
Gaining the first Football Australia 1* Award in the ACT is a great way to show the dedication, experience, and expertise in the Radford College Sports Department. There are, however, three stars to achieve. Using the star process as a guide allows the department to strive towards meeting the requirements of Football Australia whilst embedding a sound organisational structure and enhancing our Football Program from age 8-18 and definitely in the girls’ teams. Gaining the 3* Award will put us up with the best, not only in the ACT but also nationwide.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
The strength of support from Radford's Director of Sport Megan Fritsch, the Sports Department, Football Coaches, Managers and parents/caregivers make Radford Football extremely successful and a fantastic team to be part of.