Maclean’s Under 7s coach Rock Bailey shares a first name with a superstar wrestler who went on to become a larger than life action movie star.
And that other Rock, in Dwayne Johnson, is known for his trademark rised eyebrow.
Our own Rock Bailey might well have mirrored that quizzical facial expression on learning he had been named Newcastle Permanent Coach of the Month.
“It was a very big surprise,” Rock said.
Yet for those at Maclean and around the Clarence, the award is richly deserved.
Only two years into the coaching game, Rock took the Maclean Under 6s last year and is continuing with them in 2021 in the 7s – including his son, Isaak.
“I played for many years but my ankles are gone and the doc told me I can’t run anymore,” Rock said.
“But having grown up with soccer I find it pleasing to coach the kids – just their determination and watching them grow.
“When they see the older kids they just think: I’ll never be able to kick it that far – but it’s amazing how quickly they develop.
“I try and give them that discipline from the start and they actually do listen.
“They love it and I’ve never had anyone say they don’t want to turn up for training or a game.”
While the 7s is a non-competitive age group, Rock said his young chargers have been dominating – but more importantly, enjoying their football.
“When they first started they were happy to just kick a ball around, but now they’re dribbling, scoring, starting to understand a game and how to be team players,” Rock said.
“And I’ve had a lot of help from the parents which has been great.”