Club Development Conference

Stephanie Brantz is a freelance television presenter and well known to many in the football community as one of the key anchors of a number of football and sporting events. Outside of sport, Stephanie was the host of the ABC’s coverage of the World War One commemorations from both Gallipoli and the Western Front in France, as well as the Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony in Canberra. With over 20 years of experience in the media including many years at SBS TV, the Nine Network and Fox Sports, as well as on radio, Stephanie is in high demand for corporate MC roles. She has a wealth of experience in hosting events including Awards Galas, Corporate and Sports functions and running Business Conferences both here and abroad. As such, Stephanie is returning once again to lead the 2026 Football NSW Club Development Conference where she will be Master of Ceremonies.

Hayley Conway is the CEO of Pride Cup, bringing over 15 years of experience working for LGBTIQ+ equality in Australia and overseas. Prior to joining Pride Cup, Hayley held a range of roles across the for-purpose and private sectors specialising in communications and public affairs. She holds a Masters with Distinction from RMIT, is a Leadership Victoria Williamson Fellow, and a Board Director of Equality Australia. 

Matt Sibley is a Child Safeguarding expert and the founder of Safe Sport Solutions. He delivers tailored training and consultancy services to sporting organisations. His work spans the entire breadth of the sporting industry including community-based clubs and associations, professional and pathways programs, the fitness and aquatics industry, and state and national sporting bodies.

Prior to establishing Safe Sport Solutions, Matt was the sport sector specialist at the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian. With an understanding of the unique position of sport within the child safety space and a background in university teaching, he knows how to deliver engaging workshops and consulting that creates realistic and actionable change to not only keep kids safer but also protect organisations and their staff.

Catriona Rose is a Senior Program Manager with a passion for creating inclusive, impactful change in the sport sector. With proven expertise in translating research into action and leading strategic programs through effective stakeholder collaboration, she currently leads the delivery of the Sport Volunteer Action Plan within Play Well – a national initiative focused on enhancing the experience of sport volunteers and building a sustainable, thriving volunteering ecosystem.

Catriona brings over a decade of experience working across sport and government, driving policy, strategy, and program design to strengthen participation, inclusion, and sector capability. Her work has supported national sporting organisations, community clubs, and system partners to build more inclusive environments and to develop workforce strategies that support long-term sustainability. She is a dynamic thought leader committed to delivering impact through lifelong learning and collaboration across sport and community programs.

Tom Finch (he/him) is the Assistant Director, Coaching at the Australian Sports Commission, where he leads national initiatives in coaching and officiating development through a human-centred lens. His current focus includes advancing gender equity in community sport via mentorship and organisational allyship, while also supporting sports in the strategic design and alignment of coach accreditation frameworks to enhance sport and participation outcomes and elevate the athlete experience.

With over a decade of experience driving innovation in coach and official development, leadership programs, and cultural transformation initiatives, Tom brings a deep curiosity about psychology and human behaviour to his work. He is passionate about connecting with the lived experiences of others to co-design programs and interventions that are relevant, engaging, and grounded in real-world challenges to achieve strategic and business outcomes.

Delfina Moresco is a die-hard football fan, passionate Argentinian and sponsorship sales manager at Two Circles – a global sports marketing agency that works with leading rights holders and brands around the world. She left her consulting role at Accenture in a fit of passion after Argentina won the World Cup in 2022 and joined Football Australia’s commercial team on the eve of the Women’s World Cup. Here, she worked on signing new sponsors for the National Teams and various other football properties. While at FA, she was heavily involved in the women’s leadership space and some of you might even recognise her from the Follow Your Lead conference back in early 2024. She has since made the move to Melbourne for her new role at Two Circles and as a side passion has been providing support across the football community club space.

Ian Londish has formal qualifications in accounting, law and governance with further training in risk management and corporate resilience. Ian is the Chair of a mineral export company and a director and/or secretary of several not for profits including education and medical institutions.

Nikki Riddle is an accomplished and dedicated grassroots football administrator with extensive experience with roles at North West Sydney Football and Hills Football across member services, game development and competitions, as well as numerous volunteer roles and a 3^rd generation life member at Kenthurst & District Football Club. Nikki is passionate about ensuring there is an opportunity for everyone to give football a try, and this has led to her facilitating programs across walking football and women and girls’ participation programs as well as advocating for female participation and leadership.

Rob Laws has conducted professional practice for over 40 years and specialises in accounting, taxation and advisory services for small business clients.

Included in Rob’s clientele are football clubs and a football association which covers a wide range of matters to be addressed by employees and volunteers who are involved in treasurer and other financial roles within the community.
Rob is a life member of Football NSW and has previously been the deputy chairman as well as chairman of the audit and finance committee.

Using a practical approach wherever possible while being mindful of regulatory responsibilities, Rob has worked on many assignments which football clubs are likely to face when contributing their time to a community club.

Paul has been deeply involved in football for most of his life. After playing school and club football in England from the age of six through to 21, he moved to Australia in 1990. His connection with the game was reignited when his children began playing for Lindfield FC, where he stepped into coaching in 2007 as a parent coach for his daughter’s team.

Since then, he has dedicated himself to coaching girls’ and women’s teams every year, from grassroots G8 to Women’s All Age Premier teams, achieving notable success by leading four different teams to Champion of Champions titles. In 2016, he completed his C Licence, further strengthening his coaching expertise and commitment to player development.

In 2015, he took on leadership of the Lindfield FC girls’ program, and in 2018 was appointed Coaching Director, a volunteer role overseeing all football programs at the club. From 2020 to 2023, he also served as Vice President. Under his stewardship, Lindfield FC has grown into one of the premier community football clubs in New South Wales.

Having stepped down as Coaching Director at the end of the 2025 season, Paul remains passionate about community football. With a particular focus on creating opportunities for girls and women, he continues to champion inclusive pathways that strengthen both grassroots participation and the wider football community.

With over 20 years of football development experience, Grace has worked extensively with community clubs to support growth, improve governance and build sustainable pathways for participation. Having worked for two National Football Associations in England and Australia, Grace brings insights that reflects both the diversity of club experiences and the shared ambition to build a stronger future for community football.

For the past 6 years Grace has been an integral part Football Australia’s Community Department, leading on Participation and Club Development. This work has consistently focused on strengthening foundations of the game by empowering the people and the clubs that are such a vital part of our game. As creator and manager of Club Changer, Football Australia’s Club Development Program, Grace is leading Football Australia’s National Network of over 2,000 grassroots clubs to build long term development and sustainability.

Maddy brings over 17 years of experience in community football, spanning roles as a player, coach, and administrator. With a strong passion for advancing the game’s growth, sustainability, and pathways, Maddy offers a unique perspective that bridges on-field experience and strategic development. Over the past 2.5 years, Maddy has specialised in club development and currently leads the implementation of Football Australia’s national Club Development Program, Club Changer. In this role, Maddy works collaboratively with Member Federations and clubs to enhance operations, culture, and long-term resilience, contributing to the advancement of more than 1,000 clubs nationwide.

Alison Lloyd is the NSW State Coach for the Female Para Football program. She has recently completed her AFC B-Diploma and is a Coach Education Tutor across both Hills and North West Sydney Football Associations. Alison is a FNSW Female Coach Mentor, Director at Epping Football Club and sits on the NWSF Football Management Committee, holding the women’s portfolio.

Alison is passionate about facilitating and supporting inclusive environments for female footballers and established a Women’s Social Football Squad at Epping Football Club that is now in its 4th season. She was part of the coaching team for EFC’s inaugural Women’s Premier League Team this year and is also a coach of North West Sydney’s PINK All Abilities program.

Steve Weatherly has been a dedicated member of the Macarthur Magic family since 2014, when he and his son Nathan first joined the club. Now entering his 13th year with Macarthur Magic, Steve proudly serves as Vice President, helping guide the club’s continued growth and commitment to inclusion through sport.

At Macarthur Magic Special Needs Football Club, players take part in a weekly soccer-based program that focuses on participation, fun, and community in a supportive, less competitive environment. Founded in 2012 with just 22 players, the club has grown to become one of the largest inclusive soccer programs in Australia, now providing opportunities for more than 150 players, both boys and girls, aged 6 through to young adults.

The club now operates across two full-size soccer fields, which are transformed into seven modified pitches each week to cater for all age groups and abilities, continuing to uphold Macarthur Magic’s mission of making football accessible, enjoyable, and empowering for everyone.

Emma Kocbek is a FIFA Assistant Referee and full-time sports administrator, with over 15 years involvement in football through various aspects of the game including as a player, match official and volunteer.

Emma currently works for Football NSW as a sports administrator, leading the Referees Department as the Referees Development & Education Manager. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the administration of over 5,000 match officials and the development and training of referees across the state.

On the field, Emma is an active match official, refereeing at both a national and international level. Internationally, Emma was appointed to the FIFA International Referee List in 2024 and is a member of AFC’s Elite Match Official panel which has seen her appointed to competitions such as the FIFA U17s Women’s World Cup, AFC Women’s Asian Champions League and AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers. Nationally, Emma is an assistant referee on the A-League Men’s competition where she recently made history for being a part of the first all-female crew to officiate an A-League Men’s match. She was also appointed to the recent A-League Men’s and Australia Cup Grand Finals as an assistant referee, becoming the first on-field female official to be appointed to the prestigious fixtures.

Combining her on-field experience with her work at Football NSW, Emma is passionate about improving the experiences of grassroots match officials across the state and shift the numbers in referee recruitment and retention to make a positive impact on the game.

Helen Armson is an accomplished football administrator with a passion for relationship building and change management for future growth. Helen has extensive experience in grassroots football both operationally as Registrar and club President at North Epping Rangers Sports Club and in the leadership role of Chair of North West Sydney Football Association from 2016-2022.

In 2022 Helen was appointed the Legacy Plan Manager at Football NSW as a result of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and worked closely with clubs and associations to foster female participation growth, infrastructure upgrades, revenue generation and the implementation of club and association strategic visions.

Helen’s current role in Strategic Partnerships and Corporate Affairs provides assistance, advocacy and advice to clubs and associations on infrastructure projects, producing and maintaining quality football facilities through relationships with councils, members of parliament and government agencies and sourcing funding through grants and corporate partners.

Paul Higgins is an accomplished football development professional with extensive experience in coaching, technical advising, and grassroots football development. Currently serving as the Grassroots Coach Development Lead at Football NSW, Paul has played a pivotal role in shaping football programs and fostering player growth and retention across New South Wales.

With a strong background in coaching, mentoring, and program development, Paul has held various leadership roles, including Football Development Manager at Northbridge FC, Technical Director at FC Five Dock, and Coach Lead at Liverpool FC International Academy NSW. His contributions as a Technical Advisor for Football NSW and a Participation Officer for Football Australia highlight his dedication to growing the sport at all levels.

Paul holds AFC B and C Diplomas, demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning and excellence in football coaching and development. His ability to engage stakeholders, develop strategic programs, and lead teams has made a lasting impact in the football community.

Hayley Todd is a passionate football administrator with over 20 years of dedicated service to the development of women’s and girls’ football. A former WNPL player herself, Hayley now devotes her time to fostering the growth of the game through innovative strategic development initiatives. Her unwavering commitment to empowering women and girls in football has made a significant impact on the sport’s progress, inspiring countless players, coaches and administrators along the way. Hayley is a Board Member at Macarthur Football Association and a committed community coach at her local Club.

Trudy is a passionate and accomplished football administrator and has worked in football administration over the past 8 years with community football roles at Football Canterbury and is currently the Female Participation Program Manager at Football NSW. Trudy’s focus is to increase female participation numbers across the state, as well as enhancing the experiences of women and girls currently in the game through programs including women’s leadership and the body image and well-being program. Alongside this role, she has been a Goalkeeper Coach within the Youth National Team space since 2022.

Emma is the Female Football Coordinator at Football NSW, leading initiatives that increase participation, development, and visibility for women and girls across the game.

With lifelong involvement in community football, Emma works closely with associations and clubs to empower women and girls as players, coaches, referees, and leaders. She oversees key programs and events, including Female Football Week, as well as flexible football initiatives that create accessible and inclusive opportunities for engagement, with her main goal being to increase female participation across NSW and enhance the experiences of women in football.

Nick Amies is currently Marketing Manager at Football NSW, responsible for the creation and execution of the organisation’s marketing, communications and branding, including delivery of campaigns to support growth across various types of participation and involvement in football.

Prior to joining Football NSW, Nick spent six years working within grassroots football at the Northern Suburbs Football Association (NSFA) in Sydney as Digital Content and Social Media Manager then Marketing and Communications Manager. This included producing content and strategy for the NSFA’s grassroots initiatives, INSPIRE FC Coach Education, Northern Tigers Football Club and XLR8 Player Development.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Sports Media from the University of Canberra, Nick also attained significant volunteer media experience in the nation’s capital, including W-League fixtures for Canberra United, Capital Football’s Women’s Premier League competition and the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.