We speak with Adelina Gomez, Head of the GESS Boys Football, on her working with and plans ahead for our sporting talents.
Tell us more about yourself and your sporting history.
Hi, my students call me Ms Gomez and I am the Head of the GESS Boys Football. I have a Bachelors in Exercise and Sports Science, and also an AFC ”C” Licence and a Coerver Diploma.
With over a decade of professional coaching experience, I joined GESS to lead our football programme to greater heights. Prior to coaching, I played for the Singapore Women’s National Team in 2001. Over the years, I had the opportunity to work with elite footballers who progressed into Division 1 and 2 College Football in America and Europe.
Share with us your philosophy behind what you are doing for GESS Wildcats.
The GESS Wildcats philosophy is to be more player-centered where there is a holistic development of players, focusing on their technical, tactical, physical and psychological aspects of the sport. Our programme aims to nurture football players to be well-rounded on and off the field – respecting the sport, encouraging sportsmanship, and providing opportunities to grow in areas of the game.
What is your training programme like?
The programme follows a pathway which includes progressive stages aligned with age and skill level of the players. This roadmap for players is to ensure growth, skill development, and advancement within the sport.
Player Development: Specific training programmes are designed for players working on their technical skills, understanding of the game, conditioning and mental resilience.
Team Culture: The programme is built on positive relationships among players from both sections of the school. This includes fostering a supportive and respectful environment where players feel valued and motivated.
Tactical Approach: A strategic tactical plan is designed in alignment with the strengths of the team and the team’s philosophy.
Goal setting: We work with players on their pre-season goal setting to have a better understanding of expectations. The goals that are set are measurable and realistic, designed around the standards and capabilities of the players.
What do you envision for the GESS students you train?
Besides being technically skilled at football, the boys are also encouraged to strive towards success in different aspects of their life. They are ingrained to be grounded and respectful individuals, cultivating positive relationships in the academy, supporting younger and older ages and being tight knitted.
It is essential for the players to acknowledge that everyone nurtures differently in their development of the game, and learning is an ongoing journey.
What is it that motivates your work here at GESS?
I thoroughly enjoy what I do at GESS now. Besides being the Head of Boys Football, I’m also a PYP PE Teacher in the European Section.
The positive workplace culture motivates me every day to strive for the school. I have good relationships with my colleagues and directors, and we have a healthy work life balance that I feel is essential.
My personal values and principles align closely with my work, hence it gives me a strong sense of fulfillment and coming into work does not feel like a chore.
What do you like to do in your leisure/personal time?
I enjoy spending my free time with my dog Cooper. We usually hang out at the park over the weekends with other furry friends. During the school holidays, my partner and I do travel for short breaks. When I’m in Singapore, I’m either being a couch potato, or I’m running elite football camps.
