He's been at the forefront of developing the women's game in the Central North, and now Dale Beattie is set to take the next step in his coaching development.
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The long-time Warialda High, Inverell and Central North mentor has been appointed the head coach of the NSW Country under-15's girls program for 2020.
It will be his first time involved in the Country coaching set-up, and "an exciting opportunity".
"Every coach looks to further develop their skill set and it's another step forward in my career and exciting to be part of," Beattie said.
It is something that he has entertained previously, but for one reason or another he had never applied.
"I'd heard that a position was opening up and it's a very strong age group and I'd like to be a part of developing that further," he said.
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He will head an all-Central North coaching team with Pirates' Jeremy Maslen, again taking on the assistant coach role, while Pirates' 18/19s manager Leonie Phillips will manage the side.
Beattie isn't sure yet how the program will look.
All he knows at this stage is that there will be a three-day coaching camp for all the NSW Country coaches in Newcastle in February, and that it will be a busy year.
As well as coaching the Country side he will continue in his coaching roles with the Highlanders women's 7s, Warialda High and as the head coach of the Central North women's program.
Not that he's complaining.
"I wouldn't have it any other way," he said.
The Central North program is all set to kick-off in January ahead of the NSW Country 7s on March 14/15 on the Central Coast.
"We'll just be looking for some interest from the clubs to start with and look to put together a training group," Beattie said.
Being at the start of the season does present some difficulties, but on how they have performed the last couple of years (they finished fourth last year and third the year before that) and the young talent coming through Beattie is excited about their prospects.
"It's always exciting to get that next generation coming through," he said.
"There are some girls coming through our program that are very strong. We're looking forward to bolstering our senior ranks with them."
