Coaching Conference

Tom Sermanni is one of the most respected and influential figures in international women’s football. Across a distinguished coaching career spanning more than three decades, he has led national teams in Australia, the United States, and New Zealand, and coached professionally in the NWSL with Orlando Pride.

Best known for his multiple tenures with the Matildas, Sermanni guided Australia to two FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-finals and the 2010 AFC Women’s Asian Cup title. His global experience and leadership have helped shape the modern women’s game, with a career defined by player development, tactical innovation, and a lifelong commitment to advancing opportunities for women in football.

Director of Coach Education, Japan Football Association (JFA)
Member, AFC Coach Education Panel | FIFA Technical Expert

Kimura Yasuhiko is a highly regarded expert in football coach education with extensive experience in youth development. As the Director of Coach Education for the Japan Football Association (JFA), he has been a key figure in advancing coaching standards and structures throughout Japan. His deep commitment to youth football is reflected in his extensive coaching experience, having worked with several Japan youth national teams across various age groups.

Kimura has attended multiple FIFA Youth World Cups as part of the technical staff, where he gained invaluable insights into international youth football and contributed to the development of Japan’s next generation of football talent. His hands-on experience in high-level international competitions has further enriched his understanding of the unique needs of young players in elite football environments.

In addition to his coaching roles, Kimura delivers the prestigious AFC/FA Pro Diploma course for the JFA, shaping the future of top-level coaches in Japan. He also serves as a member of the AFC Coach Education Panel and a FIFA Technical Expert, offering his expertise to improve global coaching practices and youth development strategies. His comprehensive experience across coaching, youth development, and coach education makes him a key figure in shaping the future of football in Asia and beyond.

Damir Dugandzic, M.A.
Sport Scientist & Pro Licence Holder
Technical Head of the Talent Development Program (TDP), German Football Association (DFB)

Damir Dugandzic is the Technical Head of the Talent Development Program (TDP) at the German Football Association (DFB), where he leads the strategic planning and implementation of Germany’s football development framework. His primary focus is on nurturing young talent, supporting coaches, and advancing the sport at all levels in Germany.

With over 15 years of experience at the DFB, including roles as Regional Coordinator and Research Associate at the University of Konstanz, Damir has developed a comprehensive understanding of talent development and coaching education. He oversees a team of 29 full-time regional coordinators and more than 1,200 freelance coaches, managing the development of over 14,000 young players across 350 locations in Germany.

In addition to his leadership at the DFB, Damir has also served as an Assistant Coach for various youth national teams and Head Coach for multiple state representative teams (U15-U19). Combining his expertise in sport science with practical coaching experience, he is committed to preparing the next generation of footballers for future success and ensuring the long-term sustainability of German football.

Ian Buckman is the Academy Manager at Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, a role he has held since September 2022. With over 11 years of experience at the club, Ian has contributed significantly to the development of the academy, previously serving as Head of Academy Coaching from 2019 to 2022 and Assistant Academy Manager from 2017 to 2019. He has also coached within the club’s youth development program, including as Professional Development Coach and Lead Youth Development Coach.

Ian has played a pivotal role in the development of several current first-team stars, including Jack Hinshelwood and Evan Ferguson, as well as high-profile players who have moved on to major clubs. Notably, he helped nurture Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP), Robert Sanchez (Chelsea), and Ben White (Arsenal), all of whom began their careers at Brighton’s Academy before securing big transfers to top clubs.

Before joining Brighton & Hove Albion, Ian worked at Portsmouth Football Club, where he spent nearly six years as Assistant Academy Manager for players aged 6 to 16. Throughout his career, Ian has played a key role in shaping the next generation of football talent, focusing on coaching, player development, and leadership within the academy system.

Ian’s extensive experience in academy management and coaching continues to make a lasting impact on player development and youth football.

Amy Price is the Women’s National Coach Developer at the English Football Association (FA) where she leads the development of coaches across the women’s game, from grassroots to elite level. A UEFA A Licence holder and UEFA Advanced Youth Award recipient, Amy also works as a coach educator on courses up to the UEFA A Licence. In her time working with the FA Amy has also worked as an assistant coach for the England U15 girls team.

She is the lead coach developer and curriculum designer for the FA Women’s Elite Coach Programme, supporting high-potential female coaches in the professional game. Amy brings valuable experience from academy roles at Fulham FC and Chelsea FC, where she contributed to long-term player development.

With a Master’s in Pedagogy and a PhD in Coach Learning, Amy previously served as a senior lecturer at St Mary’s University. Her innovative work particularly applying video game design principles to coaching—has earned international recognition. Amy is a passionate advocate for inclusive, player-centred coaching and a regular speaker at global conferences.

Silvia Piccini is a UEFA A Licence coach educated at Italy’s prestigious Coverciano coaching school, one of the world’s leading centres for football education and coach development.

She is currently the assistant coach of the Italian U17 Girls National Team, where she plays a key role in preparing the next generation of Italian talent as the team works toward qualification for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

Prior to this, Silvia served as assistant coach of the Italian U19 Women’s National Team, contributing to the team’s impressive semi-final finish at the UEFA Women’s U19 Euro 2025 in Poland—a significant milestone that reflected both the group’s progress and her impact within the national program.

At club level, Silvia has worked with two of Italy’s most prominent organisations—AC Milan and Juventus within their youth Academy—where she focused on the technical and tactical development of emerging female players. Her time in these elite environments further strengthened her expertise in youth development, game model implementation, and individual player mentoring, shaping her approach to coaching.

Jon Moss is the current Head of Referees at Football Australia, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to the role. With over 500 professional matches officiated, including 285 in the English Premier League and every major Cup Final, Moss is recognized as one of the most accomplished referees in the game.

Before joining Football Australia, Moss served as VAR Manager for the Scottish Football Association, where he played a key role in the integration and advancement of video-assisted refereeing. His extensive knowledge of modern officiating technologies and best practices positions him as a strong leader in the development of Australian refereeing.

In his new role, Moss oversee’s match officials’ development programs, seeking to implement best practices in officiating, and enhance professionalism and accountability within the refereeing community. He also has a strong focus on improving technology integration in match officiating and fostering stronger relationships between referees, clubs, and key stakeholders.

Moss’s appointment aligns with Football Australia’s commitment to building a world-class football ecosystem, ensuring officiating standards continue to evolve across all levels of the game. Moss is working to elevate the standard of refereeing from grassroots competitions to the A-Leagues, further strengthening Australia’s reputation in international football.

With a distinguished career in youth development and high-performance football, Michael Cooper brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the coaching landscape. Currently serving as Head Coach of the U17 Junior Matildas team leading the next generation of Australian female footballers.

Prior to this he was the Technical Director at Football South Australia (2022–2025), where Cooper played a pivotal role in developing South Australia’s elite player pathways.

Nationally and internationally recognized, Cooper has contributed significantly to Football Australia’s youth programs, serving as Assistant Coach with the Subway Joeys (U-17 Men’s National Team) since 2019. His time with the Joeys has provided him with a deep understanding of international youth football, which he now brings to his work with the U-17 Women’s National Team.

Prior to his national team roles, Cooper worked as a Coach Educator and Developer with Football Australia (2014–2019), influencing the next generation of coaches across the country.

Holding a Football Australia/AFC A Diploma and a Bachelor of Physical Education and Teaching (Hons), Cooper blends academic expertise with elite coaching credentials. His background equips him with the unique ability to communicate effectively with young athletes, making him a leading figure in youth football coaching in Australia

A leader in women’s football and a passionate advocate for developing both grassroots and elite pathways, Alex Epakis brings a dynamic blend of coaching expertise, leadership, and vision to the Australian football landscape.

Currently serving as Head Coach of the CommBank Young Matildas, Epakis is shaping the next generation of elite female footballers with his signature possession-based, attacking style and commitment to high-performance culture. His coaching journey spans national and international levels, including his role as Lead Opposition Scout for the Philippines Women’s National Team during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.

Epakis’ diverse experience includes:

• Head Coach, Perth Glory FC Women (2020–2024)
• Technical Adviser & State Team Coach, Football NSW (2024)
• Technical Director & Senior Coach, Sydney University SFC NPL Women (2017–2020)
• Academy Coach, Sydney FC (2015–2017)
• Senior Assistant Coach, Canberra United FC A-League Women (2017/18)

A Football Australia/AFC Pro Licence holder with a Master of Education (Sports Coaching), Epakis also serves as an accredited Football Australia Coach Educator and Developer.

Recognised for his ability to nurture young talent and build resilient, high-performing teams, Epakis is playing a key role in shaping the future of women’s football in Australia.

Tony Vidmar is one of Australian football’s most respected figures, known for his versatility, leadership, and enduring legacy in both playing and coaching. Born in Adelaide, Tony enjoyed a remarkable international career spanning 15 years, earning 91 appearances for the Socceroos, including 76 full ‘A’ internationals. He famously played a pivotal role in Australia’s historic qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, scoring in the dramatic penalty shootout against Uruguay.

A dependable defender capable of playing across the back line, Vidmar was part of four FIFA World Cup qualification campaigns and is among the most capped Socceroos of all time.

Throughout his club career, Vidmar played in top leagues across Europe, representing NAC Breda (Netherlands), Rangers FC (Scotland), Middlesbrough (England), and Cardiff City (Wales), before returning home to help shape the A-League with the Central Coast Mariners.

Following his retirement, Vidmar transitioned seamlessly into coaching with spells within the National teams as part of the youth development pathway, and within the A League. Tonys coaching career saw him also serve as an Assistant Coach with the Socceroos under Graham Arnold, contributing his wealth of international experience and tactical insight to Australia’s senior men’s national team.

Tony Vidmar remains a key figure in Australian football, continuing to shape the next generation of players on the international stage.

Catherine Cannuli – Technical Director & Coach, Southern Districts Soccer Football Association & Football Australia “Team Of Coaches” Member

A former CommBank Matildas forward turned elite coach and mentor, Catherine Cannuli brings deep expertise, tactical creativity, and a passion for player development to her role as Technical Director and Head Coach at Southern Districts (Football NSW).

With a focus on attacking football and technical excellence, Cannuli has made her mark at both the professional and grassroots levels. As Head Coach of Western Sydney Wanderers FC Women (2021–2022) and previously as Assistant Coach (2017–2021), she played a pivotal role in building competitive teams while nurturing emerging talent.

Her coaching philosophy emphasizes structured yet creative play, making her a driving force in developing the next generation of national team prospects. In addition to her technical work, Cannuli is a respected mentor to young female coaches, championing the growth of Australia’s future coaching leaders.

Cannuli’s impact across multiple levels of the game positions her as a key figure in shaping the future of women’s football in Australia.

After beginning her coaching journey in the United Kingdom at the age of 16, Helen Winterburn went on to earn her UEFA B Licence and accepted a four-year scholarship at Limestone College.

Helen continued to develop her coaching career, moving to Australia in 2019, where she held roles with South Melbourne and the Football Victoria NTC program. She served as head coach of the FV Emerging Matildas squad for the past two years in NPLW Victoria. In addition to her coaching responsibilities with Football Victoria, Helen was also the Coach Education Coordinator and CCC Program Manager.

In 2022, Helen progressed into the senior professional coaching ranks as the inaugural assistant coach for Western United in the Liberty A-League Women’s competition. That season, she helped guide the team to a Grand Final appearance and a runner-up finish in the league.

In 2024, Helen relocated to New South Wales to join the Central Coast Sports College, contributing to the school’s football program.

She was also a key member of Leah Blayney’s U20 Young Matildas coaching staff, serving as assistant coach. Helen played an integral role in the team’s successful AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup campaign, which secured qualification for the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.

Helen is now an assistant coach across Australia’s female youth national teams, continuing her commitment to developing the next generation of elite footballers.

She is also a participant in the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Gen32 Coach Program. Launched in 2022, AIS Gen32 was created to enhance the depth and diversity within Australia’s high-performance coaching ranks ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The program provides emerging or early-career coaches with a two-year paid internship within the nation’s top sporting programs, offering invaluable experience and development opportunities.

Mikayla Lyons is an accomplished sports scientist with extensive experience across elite women’s football and high-performance sport in Australia. Since 2022, she has served as the Sports Scientist for the Junior Matildas (U17 Women’s National Team), where she plays a key role in supporting player performance and development at the national level.

Alongside her work with Football Australia, Mikayla contributes to athlete welfare and performance pathways as an Advisor with Gaining Ground WA, an organisation dedicated to advancing opportunities for women and girls in sport. She also spent over two years as a Board Member for the organisation, helping guide its strategic direction.

Mikayla brings a rich background in applied sports science, strength and conditioning, and athlete rehabilitation, having worked with the Fremantle Dockers AFLW program and Fremantle City Football Club in leadership roles.

In addition to her practical expertise, Mikayla is passionate about education and research, serving as a Sessional Lecturer and Tutor at The University of Notre Dame Australia, where she mentors the next generation of sport and exercise science professionals.

Her multidisciplinary experience across football, AFLW, and academia reflects her commitment to evidence-based practice and holistic athlete development within the women’s game.

Michele Lastella is an accomplished coach, researcher, and educator with a career spanning both high-performance football and academic research. He currently serves as Assistant Coach of the Junior Matildas (U17 Women’s National Team), contributing to the development of Australia’s most promising young female footballers.

Based in South Australia, Michele has been a driving force in player development through his roles as Head Coach of the Football South Australia NTC Women’s program and Assistant Coach with Adelaide United FC in the A-League Women’s competition. His work across these programs has helped nurture the growth of elite female talent transitioning into professional and international football.

Beyond the field, Michele is a Senior Lecturer and Research Fellow at CQUniversity, where he leads research in sport science, sleep, and athlete wellbeing, while also coordinating academic programs in the sport and exercise sciences.

Combining his academic expertise with hands-on coaching experience, Michele brings a unique, evidence-based perspective to athlete performance, recovery, and development within the women’s game.

David Plowright – Goalkeeper Coach & Coach Educator

David Plowright is a highly accomplished goalkeeper coach with extensive experience in elite football development across Australia and internationally. With a proven track record in nurturing talent and delivering high-level coaching programs, David has played a pivotal role in shaping goalkeepers for professional clubs, national teams, and international competitions.

Currently, David serves as a Talented Player Pathway Goalkeeper Coach at Football NSW, where he mentors goalkeepers in the Talent Support Program, Future Sapphires program, and State Teams representative program. He also works as a Coach Education Tutor for Football Australia, specializing in delivering goalkeeper coaching modules for FA/AFC ‘C’, ‘B’, and ‘A’ Diplomas, alongside goalkeeper specific coaching courses.

David was appointed U17 Men’s National Team (Joeys) Goalkeeper Coach which saw him contribute to the team’s success as 2024 ASEAN U-16 Boys Championship Winners. Additionally, during his tenure at Sydney FC, he helped develop goalkeepers who secured professional contracts in the A-League and overseas while also contributing to the 2019/20 Foxtel Y-League Championship.

David has also been instrumental in women’s football, serving as Goalkeeper Coach for the Philippine Women’s National Team during their historic campaign at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and previously as an Interim Goalkeeper Coach for the Australian Women’s National Teams (Matildas & U20s). His work with Sydney FC’s A-League Women’s Team saw them win two Premierships (2020/21, 2021/22) and set a league record for consecutive clean sheets in a season (9, 2021/22).

Beyond team coaching, David has contributed significantly to futsal and grassroots football development, serving in various roles with Football NSW, including Futsal Development Manager and Game Development Officer. His efforts in coach education and player development have impacted thousands of athletes and coaches across New South Wales.

With a passion for excellence and goalkeeper development, David continues to shape the future of Australian goalkeeping.

Simon Zappia is a highly experienced football development professional currently serving as the Senior Manager – Academy at Melbourne City FC. With over a decade of experience in elite youth development, coaching, and football education, he has played a pivotal role in shaping young talent within the City Football Group.

Since joining Melbourne City FC in 2013, Simon has held several key positions, including Academy U15s Head Coach and Melbourne City Football School Program Coordinator, where he was instrumental in developing structured pathways for aspiring footballers. His leadership in the academy space ensures that players receive world-class training, mentorship, and development opportunities.

Prior to his current role, Simon spent over two years as the U13-U16 Program Coordinator for Manchester City Football School in Abu Dhabi, where he contributed to the City Football Group’s global player development initiatives. His experience extends to game development and football education, emphasizing a holistic approach to coaching and player growth.

With a deep understanding of talent identification, high-performance training, and youth football development, Simon remains committed to fostering the next generation of footballers and ensuring Melbourne City FC’s academy continues to thrive as one of Australia’s premier youth development programs.

Stuart McDonald is a dedicated football coach with experience across youth and senior levels, currently working as an Academy Coach at Melbourne City FC. Since joining the club, he has served as U21’s Head Coach and is now the Senior NPL Assistant Coach, playing a key role in developing emerging talent.

He previously spent four years at Bentleigh Greens SC in various coaching roles, including Senior Assistant Coach and Head Coach for both U21 and U16 squads. Stuart also has a strong background in education, having worked as a PE Teacher in Victoria’s Department of Education for over a decade.

Before his coaching and teaching career, Stuart served in the Royal Marines Commandos, bringing leadership and resilience into every role he takes on. He holds a degree in Health and Physical Education from The University of Edinburgh and is committed to fostering growth both on and off the pitch.

Sean has a keen interest in helping coaches learn. He holds an AFC/FA Pro Diploma, but also has a passion for continual learning, which has included a Masters of Coaching (University of Queensland), and training as a Master Coach Developer through the International Council for Coaching Excellence (ICCE) Coach Developer Academy.

Sean has been involved in Coach Development for over 13 years, helping coaches / organisations in different countries and sports. He has a playing background at a professional and international level, and has coached at ‘national league’ level, and with various international age group teams.

Sean is now the E-Learning Development Manager for the Oceania Football Confederation as well as a key member of the FIFA Technical Expert Team under the guidance of Arsene Wenger. Within this role with FIFA Sean is tasked with supporting and developing the growth of Coach Education within International Football Associations. Sean has consulted with several National Associations in the design of their coaching courses from C Diploma right through to the highest accreditation of the Pro Diploma.

Despite this experience at a high level, he highlights working (early in his coaching career) as a full-time coach in a community club, coaching 12 sessions every week from U9’s to Seniors, as his best learning moments.

Warren Moon is an AFC Pro Licence holder and the current Technical Director of Lions FC in Queensland. Under his leadership, Lions FC has earned its status as a Gold-ranked youth academy within the Football Queensland Academy model.

In his role, Warren collaborates closely with both coaching staff and players across the club to implement a comprehensive football philosophy centred on youth development. His focus is on fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the club.

A former professional player, Warren has a deep understanding of the game from both a player’s and coach’s perspective. He has previously served as the Academy Manager and Head Coach of the Brisbane Roar A-League Men’s team. Warren was also the Head Coach of the Papua New Guinea Men’s National Team, leading them through multiple OFC and FIFA tournaments.

Founder of The Coaching Lab, Jack Rolfe is an unconventional coach, former international hockey player, and business owner. His unique journey has led him to work alongside elite sports organizations, including Arsenal, West Ham, and Crystal Palace FC, as well as within leading educational environments and the AFL. Jack’s mission is to challenge sports leaders to think differently, encourage more game-based learning, and nurture players who excel in adaptive decision-making.

The Coaching Lab, now trusted and loved by grassroots coaches and world-class organizations alike, has made its mark in 77 countries. Its reach includes top teams like the England Football Team, the German Hockey Federation, and numerous Premier League academies.

Jack’s passion is simple yet powerful: to help coaches answer the age-old question, “Can we play a game now?” with a resounding yes—through dynamic, game-centric coaching strategies that inspire both players and coaches alike.

Jason Eagar is a highly experienced football coach and technical director with a deep passion for player and coach development. His coaching journey began with Ryde City, where he first tested the waters of coaching after his playing career. What started as an exploratory step soon turned into a dedicated pursuit, leading him to complete a Master’s in Sports Coaching at the University of Queensland through a program with the Australian Institute of Sport, as well as earning his A Licence.

In 2006, Jason joined Northern Tigers FC, a club undergoing significant transformation at the time. He started as the Men’s Under-20s Head Coach, guiding the team to a Grand Final and league title in 2008 before stepping into the Men’s First Grade coaching role in 2009. Over the years, he balanced coaching with leadership, serving as Technical Director (TD) for the NSFA and Northern Tigers while continuing to coach at various levels, including the Women’s First Grade squad in recent seasons.

As Technical Director, Jason played a crucial role in shaping the club’s football philosophy and ensuring alignment across all teams. His work involved a mix of strategic planning, coach mentoring, and player development, ensuring that both short-term and long-term goals were met. His structured approach included weekly reviews, planning sessions, and proactive problem-solving, helping deliver consistent execution across all programs.

In 2025, Jason took the next step in his career by moving into the role of Head of Football for Hills Football and Hills United. In this expanded leadership position, he now oversees player and coach development across both organisations, continuing his commitment to building strong footballing pathways and high-performance environments.

With a wealth of experience in player development, coaching, and football operations, Jason remains dedicated to fostering growth at all levels of the game, helping both players and coaches reach their full potential.

Luke Harris is an experienced educator, coach, and football development leader, a background in Primary and Secondary PDHPE teaching, as well as extensive experience as a Primary Classroom Teacher, Luke has combined his passion for education with his love of sport to make a significant impact in both fields. Luke has worked within Grassroots football development and recently held the position as the Community Football Manager at Northern Suburbs Football Association (NSFA).

Throughout his teaching career, Luke has been recognized for his innovative approach to technology in the classroom, presenting at various conferences and receiving a Director’s Choice Award for Early Career Teaching. His ability to engage learners and foster growth extends beyond the classroom and into the football community, where he has worked as a coach across representative, grassroots, academy, and senior environments.

As Head of Coach Education at Lindfield FC, Luke is responsible for providing learning and professional development opportunities for both parents and coaches, ensuring a strong and supportive football culture at the community level. His commitment to ongoing education and knowledge-sharing led him to create the Functional Football Podcast, where he engages with coaches to share insights and experiences with the broader football community.

With a drive to continually expand his understanding of sport, coaching, and development, Luke remains committed to enhancing football participation, improving coaching standards, and fostering an inclusive football environments.

Stephanie Brantz is a freelance television sport 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 2025 Football NSW Coaching Conference where she will be Master of Ceremonies and coordinate activities on the day.

Victoria Martin is a rising female champion within coach education in New South Wales as a Coach Education Tutor delivering Football Australia courses from the Grassroots level through to the AFC/FA C Diploma course.

Alongside her Coach Education commitments she is also currently playing for NWS Spirit FC’s NPL Women’s NSW team.

Her football journey began at Beecroft Wombats, inspired by her father’s love for the game. After trying various sports, Victoria’s passion for teamwork and skill with the ball led her to pursue football seriously. She was soon scouted into the pre-SAP development squad at NWSF, where she embraced the club’s welcoming environment and worked diligently to climb the ranks.

Victoria’s commitment to leadership extends beyond playing, as she focuses on coaching and developing young female footballers. Drawing from her own experiences in the NWSF developmental pathways, she aims to shape positive and resilient athletes, helping them grow in confidence and learn from their mistakes to refine their game.

With aspirations to establish herself as a key player within Football Development, Victoria represents the new wave of women making their mark in football, both on and off the pitch.

Andrew Fearnley is the Regional Football Manager at Football NSW, overseeing player and coach development across regional New South Wales. Passionate about supporting growth in all areas of the game, Andrew works closely with local associations, clubs, and coaches to enhance football experiences and development pathways in regional communities.

With extensive experience in both coaching and coach education, Andrew is dedicated to creating learning environments that empower players and coaches to reach their potential.

Nadine Shiels is a highly experienced football professional dedicated to the development of talented female players and elite pathways in Australian football. As the Player Development Manager – Girls at Football NSW, Nadine has been instrumental in identifying, nurturing, and advancing the next generation of female footballers for nearly two decades.

With 15 years as the Football NSW Institute Head Coach, she has played a key role in shaping the technical and tactical growth of young female players, ensuring they have the best possible foundation to succeed at higher levels of the game.

Nadine holds an AFC/FA A Diploma, showcasing her expertise in coaching at an advanced level. She also has a Bachelor of Sports Management and Exercise Science from the University of Technology Sydney, combining her knowledge of sports business and science to provide a well-rounded approach to player development.

Passionate about fostering the growth of elite female players, Nadine continues to have a profound impact on the football landscape in New South Wales and beyond.

Phil Myall is a professional football coach with over 15 years’ experience both here in Australia and in his native England. Phil is currently the Player Development Manager, Boys at Football NSW overseeing the high performance and talent development pathways across the boys youth competitions. Within this role Phil oversees the TSP program as well as the NSW State Team programs for boys.

Prior to this his experience covers the full spectrum of the game ranging from working within the grassroots game through to professional academies – including Sydney FC, Watford FC, Southampton FC, and with the Australia U17s.

Phil currently holds his AFC/FA A Diploma and is a qualified Coach Education Tutor to deliver Football Australia courses within New South Wales. Outside of football Phil graduated from the University of Chichester with a Sports Coaching Science degree and is also the holder of Certificate 4 in Fitness.

Phil is extremely passionate about Football coaching, particularly youth development, and ensuring all players have every opportunity to reach their full potential.

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.

Beyond football, Paul is a brand and marketing strategist and business owner, bringing a strategic mindset to his leadership roles. A passionate Liverpool FC supporter, he combines his love for the game with his expertise to inspire players, coaches, and football enthusiasts alike.