Football NSW Names Coaching Group For 2027 National Futsal Championships

a group of people standing around each other

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
Tayller Battestin 12s Boys Thunder
Brandon Groom 12s Boys Lightning
Jordan Guerreiro 13s Boys Thunder
Tyson Black 13 Boys Lightning
Karim Moursi 14s Boys Thunder
John Theodoropoulos 14s boys Lightning
Jacob Basden 15s Boys Metro
Peter Spathis 16s Boys Thunder
Patrick Pace 16s Boys Lightning
Ethan De Melo 19 Men Thunder
Andrew Lancaster 19s Mens Lightning
Steve Tzanakes Mens Lightning
Rob Varela Mens Thunder
Metro Girls
Sarah Easthope 13s Girls Thunder
Beau Jenkins 13s Girls Lightning
Jayden Webb 13s Girls Storm
Lea Zullo 15s Girls Thunder
Halle Smit 15s Girls Lightning
Ryan Flecther 17s Girls Thunder
Zoe Anderson Anderson 17s Girls Lightning
Hugh Brown 19s Womens Metro
Charlie Harb Womens Lightning
Geroge Lethbridge Womens Thunder
Metro AWD
Gregory Brown AWD Thunder
Jacob Jones AWD Lightning

 

Adam Saber 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
JarrahFuz 15 Girls Country
Mikaela Molina 17 Girls Country

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.

a group of people standing in a room a man standing on a court