Football NSW Names Coaching Group For 2027 National Futsal Championships
Football NSW has begun preparations for the 2027 National Futsal Championships (NFC) with the appointment of its head coaches across the state team program.
The National Futsal Championships will be held on the Gold Coast from 12-16 January 2027, with Football NSW continuing its strong record at the national tournament after being crowned Member Federation Champions in recent years.
Through its futsal pathway, Football NSW is aiming to provide opportunities for up to 34 teams to represent the state at NFC 2027, giving players from across NSW the chance to compete against some of the country’s best young futsal talent.
The program is designed to create an environment that is both fun and enjoyable while maintaining a strong competitive focus throughout the tournament.
Importantly, the state team program will provide players with opportunities to experience higher-quality competition, while creating scenarios where learning and development can take place.
The appointed coaches will play a key role in creating those environments, supporting players throughout the preparation period and helping their respective teams be ready for the demands of national competition.
Football NSW Futsal Technical Director Brett Hewit said the unique qualities of futsal make it an important environment for player development.
“Futsal provides a unique environment for developing technical ability, creativity and rapid decision-making under pressure,” Hewit said.
“The fast-paced nature of the game and emphasis on skill execution make it an ideal environment for both player development and high-performance competition.”
Hewit also welcomed the coaching group selected to lead the Football NSW teams at NFC 2027.
“We are delighted to appoint a coaching group that not only brings a wealth of technical expertise, but also shares a genuine commitment to nurturing and developing players,” he said.
“We are grateful for their willingness to contribute their time, knowledge and passion to our program and we look forward to working closely with them as we continue to support and inspire the next generation of futsal talent.”
Additional Technical Support
Football NSW will also introduce three Technical Leads who will work alongside Hewit and provide additional support to the coaching staff throughout training camps and match days.
Ryan Flecther will take responsibility for the Juniors, George Lethbridge will oversee the Youth area, while Ricky Guihot will provide support across the Country program.
The Technical Leads will assist coaches and players with challenges that arise throughout the preparation and tournament, helping to ensure a consistent development environment across the Football NSW state team program.
The expanded coaching and technical structure is designed to provide coaches with greater support while ensuring players receive the best possible environment to develop their skills and experience at a national level.
Football NSW NFC 2027 Coaching Appointments
Metro Boys
- 12 Boys Thunder: Brandon Groom
- 12 Boys Lightning: Jordan Guerreiro
- 13 Boys Thunder: Tyson Black
- 13 Boys Lightning: Karim Moursi
- 14 Boys Thunder: John Theodoropoulos
- 14 Boys Lightning: Jacob Basden
- 15 Boys Metro: Peter Spathis
- 16 Boys Thunder: Patrick Pace
- 16 Boys Lightning: Ethan De Melo
- 19 Men Thunder: Andrew Lancaster
- 19 Men Lightning: Steve Tzanakes
- Men’s Lightning: Rob Varela
Metro Girls
- 12 Girls: Sarah Easthope
- 13 Girls Thunder: Beau Jenkins
- 13 Girls Lightning: Jayden Webb
- 13 Girls Storm: Lea Zullo
- 15 Girls Thunder: Halle Smit
- 15 Girls Lightning: Ryan Flecther
- 17 Girls Thunder: Zoe Anderson
- 17 Girls Lightning: Hugh Brown
- 19 Women Metro: Charlie Harb
- Women’s Lightning: George Lethbridge
Metro AWD
- AWD Thunder: Gregory Brown
- AWD Lightning: Jacob Jones
- AWD: Adam Saber
Country
- 12 Boys Country: Daniel Lucas
- 13 Boys Country: Petar Ralevski
- 14 Boys Country: Tony Ounpraseuth
- 15 Boys Country: Ian McAndrew
- 16 Boys Country: Ferdinand Maniti
- 19 Boys Country: Gemma Morgan
- 13 Girls Country: Jarrah Fuz
- 15 Girls Country: Mikaela Molina
- 17 Girls Country: Mikaela Molina
With the coaching group now beginning preparations, attention turns towards the upcoming training camps and the process of bringing together players from across the Football NSW footprint.
The NFC 2027 will provide another significant opportunity for Football NSW players and coaches to test themselves on the national stage, while continuing the organisation’s commitment to developing the next generation of futsal talent.
The road to the Gold Coast has officially begun.
