PYTHONS FC began with two football-obsessed dads who simply loved to go for a kick with their sons.
Having coached individually for many years, Chris Sheedy and Darren Power first coached a team together when their oldest sons, Sam and James, were in the under-9 age group. That team, called the ‘Pythons’, was undefeated for the entire winter, outdoor season. The heroic soccer stars then went on to remain undefeated throughout their summer, indoor season.
Darren and Chris continued to take their own children to the oval on non-match weekends, and soon other boys and girls began showing up.
The coaches looked for summer academies to which they could send the increasingly large group of football fanatics that were in their care, but none hit the mark. Many insisted on players coming only from the National Premier League. Some had overly strong club affiliations. Others charged as if they were being run by Beckham himself.
None, it seemed, were driven by the love of the game.
And so PYTHONS FC was born with one small, under-11 group of players in the summer of 2017 (see the PYTHONS FC crews from 2018 and 2019, below). The friendly, fun, inclusive Canberra soccer academy was a hit with players and parents alike.
Chris and Darren, now assisted in coaching by their sons Sam and James, still insist on smaller groups to ensure players can receive individual attention. They welcome players who are keen to build their talent into their friendly and fun learning environment, from National Premier League team members and state representatives to those who simply desire a social kick with their friends.
That’s the PYTHONS FC spirit!
