Wollongong Wolves appoint Director of Football
The Wollongong Wolves Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Dean Merola to the position of Director of Football.
As a local Wolves junior Dean enjoyed a very successful representative football career and as an all-round sportsman also experienced representative honors in cricket.
His greatest passion has always been football and as Director of Football for the Wolves, Dean will pass on his wealth of experience and knowledge to the next generation of South Coast football talent, senior and junior.
“I’m incredibly excited about this new role and believe the Wolves are perfectly placed to really make our mark across the football landscape. We have put together a very impressive squad for the upcoming season and with the recent board and management changes the Wolves have the ideal foundation to finally achieve the potential that has been evident for such a long, long time.”
Dean will be responsible for all aspects of football operations across the Wollongong Wolves Football Club with a heavy focus on all coaching appointments and education and player retention and recruitment.
Additionally Dean will oversee the junior and SAP programs under the Wolves umbrella ensuring the best possible pathways are available to all players and that there is smooth, consistent progress from juniors through to seniors through to First Grade.
“I think it’s absolutely crucial we develop our local talent along every step of the process and give them every possible opportunity to represent our club and region in First Grade. The Illawarra and South Coast have always had a long, proud football history and we will continue to foster that talent and provide everyone with the opportunity to participate and represent and make our region the envy of the entire football community.”
Born and bred in the Illawarra, growing up here, Dean has spent the last 15 years as a teacher at Holy Spirit College, Bellambi, and is now raising his own, young family in our region.
He has come full circle and is now giving back to the club and the area that he loves.
“Being able to give something back has always been important to me and as Director of Football for a proud, successful club like the Wollongong Wolves I now have the responsibility to continue the work of those who have fought for this club in the past and make sure I do whatever it takes to give those rising stars of the future the same support, encouragement, guidance and passion I received coming up through the ranks.”
-Wollongong Wolves Press Release