Australian Sports Father of the Year 2026
Scott Mutton Coach. Mentor. Father figure.
For 20 years, Scott Mutton has used soccer to help young people become better players, more confident in themselves and, importantly, good humans.
More than a coach
Some of the most important lessons Scott teaches have very little to do with soccer.
Scott has spent much of his life working with young people in regional communities, helping them see what they might be capable of — on the field and away from it.
Over two decades, Scott has watched hundreds of young players grow up and take different paths. Some still get back in touch years later to tell him the difference his support made.
For Scott, coaching has never been only about developing the player in front of him. It is about the young person that player is becoming.
“My passion is helping regional kids be the best they can be.”
Twenty years on the sidelines
Building the player.
Backing the person.
Confidence, resilience and character
Growing up happens between the first and final whistle too.
Scott wants young players to improve their skills and see how far they can take their football. But his idea of a good coach extends well beyond technique, tactics or what appears on the scoreboard.
On a soccer field, young people learn to make mistakes in front of others and keep going. They learn to respond when a game does not go their way. They have to work alongside different personalities, take responsibility for their behaviour and understand what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Scott sees those moments as opportunities to build confidence, resilience and character — qualities that matter long after the final whistle.
The same commitment at home
There for his own children — and many others along the way.
Scott has brought the same steady commitment to his own family that he has shown to generations of young players: being present, encouraging them and staying in their corner.
He continues coaching because he loves the sport, but even more because he has seen what it can give a young person when the right people are there beside them.
In Scott's own words
Why showing up matters.
Scott reflects on coaching, fatherhood, male role models and the difference genuine care can make in the life of a young person.
The impact that stays
Sometimes the real measure comes years later.
Former players still get in touch with Scott years after leaving his teams to share where life has taken them — and the impact his support had along the way.
For Scott, those words mean more than results or trophies. They reflect what can happen when a young person has someone who believes in them, takes them seriously and stays in their corner.
Australian Sports Father of the Year 2026
Twenty years of commitment.
Scott Mutton is recognised as Australian Sports Father of the Year for the contribution he has made as a father, coach, mentor and positive male role model.
His story shows the impact one caring, consistent adult can have by helping young people build confidence, resilience and belief in themselves.
