User:Vinlam34
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Vincent Lam (born 15 June 1985 in Kowloon, Hong Kong) is an Australian football coach and student. He currently studies at the University of Melbourne. He is currently completing a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science double degree, which is expected to be completed in 2007. He intends to become a high school teacher.
[edit] Playing career
He started playing in 1996, when he was selected for his primary school, Sear Rogers International School, in Hong Kong. Although he was overlooked for further selection after his initial stint, he nonetheless transferred to St Kevin's College in Melbourne, Australia.
He started his first day at St Kevin's on 3rd February 1997, being allocated to 7B with Mr Tony Byrne. Later that year, he debuted for St Kevin's in the 7B football (soccer) team. He began playing as a sweeper, until Year 9, when he switched to right fullback, though he was comfortable anywhere along the backline.
In Year 10, while playing against Xavier College, he went in for a slide tackle, and broke his left fibula. Fortunately, it was only a crack fracture, though it sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
He had some stints in midfield while in Years 11 and 12. He was mainly played on the right flank, though he did sometimes play on the left side.
After graduating from St Kevin's College, he moved to St Kevin's Old Boys Football Club (then known as St Kevin's Old Boys Soccer Club). His first season was a disaster, having spent it on the bench. His second season was a lot better, getting regular game time and even being appointed vice-captain of the junior team.
In 2005, he ruptured his right medial collateral ligament, which kept him out of action for most of 2005. Though he did make a comeback, he was increasingly frustrated at the club's administration.
He spent his days at St Kevin's Old Boys as a fullback.
In 2006, he was loaned out to MEL Chinese United Sports Association. He played mainly in the midfield.
[edit] Managerial/coaching career
Having graduated from St Kevin's College in 2002, Vincent was offered a coaching job at St Kevin's College, despite having no coaching experience. From 2003 till currently, he had been coaching Yr 7s. It was only in August 2006 that he also took on a Yr 5 primary school team.
Season 2003 He both managed and coached this team by himself. There was supposed to be a teacher with him, but the teacher was too ill, so Vincent took on both roles. By his own admission, this season was a failure, though he did manage to nurture some talented players. The team's results were fairly poor, though the team did finish the team with a 5-0 victory over Scotch College.
Season 2004 Despite almost quitting coaching at the start of the season - after a disastrous first season - he was offered another coaching contract. This year, he also had to manage and coach the team, but with a group of much more close-knit and skilful players, Vincent managed to gel a team together. Despite losing the first game 5-0 to Xavier College in horrid conditions, the team managed to pick itself up, and went on to achieve amazing results, including a 6-0 win over Geelong Grammar School in Geelong. His team mainly played in a 4-4-2 formation, though one of his strikers usually dropped back into the midfield, often resulting in a 4-5-1 formation.
Season 2005 He only had to coach this team, as he was accompanied by a staff member. With 16 players on his books, he was again able to gel together a side in a 4-4-2 formation. Despite being sometimes hard to disciplie, this team was able to get some fairly decent results throughout the season.
Season 2006 He was in charge of THREE teams.
The GREEN team consisted of 14 players, most of whom are fairly mobile. This allowed the team to play a fluid-looking 3-4-3 system. Though when needed, the team can switch to a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3. After observing the heroics of the Socceroos at the FIFA World Cup, Vincent introduced the "Kennedy formation" (named after Australian player Joshua Kennedy. This formation is one with long-balls, used only to chase games. This team only lost one game, and has accumulated many good results, including an 8-0 win over Xavier College. This team also boasts a rich pool of talent.
The GOLD team consisted of 12 players, so when injuries hit the team, other players were often drafted in to fill the gaps. This team basically had a 4-2-3-1 formation. Though less flexible and mobile than the GREEN team, the GOLD team were nevertheless a very hard-working and committed team. This team also achieved some amazing results.
The Yr 5 team was taken up on a weekly, part-time basis, where Vincent would only instruct players' moves during games.
