Today we’re delighted to announce the formation of Australia’s first national Association for qualified coaches, Football Coaches Australia.
In the challenging environment of professional coaching, where Australia’s football coaches are provided with no formal support networks, there has long been calls within our coaching ranks to formalise a ‘Coaches’ Association’.
Ongoing discussions with this cross-section of professional Australian coaches has resulted in a resounding endorsement of the formation of an Association. This will provide industry recognition as a significant stakeholder in the game, a platform for a “collective coaches’ voice” and professional support – particularly in legal advocacy, high performance, leadership, development and well-being.
After many months of careful planning and working with our prospective members across Australia, and with our coaches working abroad, we are delighted to unveil our Interim Executive Committee.
The committee was elected during the organisation’s inaugural meeting, held on November 15 at Macquarie University in Sydney. They represent the many parts of coaching in Australian football, including A-League, W-League, National Teams, Youth Development, Academy Development, NPL Clubs, Overseas-based coaches, Education and High Performance.
| Phil Moss | Sydney FC Assistant A-League Coach |
| Tony Vidmar | Recent FFA Centre of Excellence/ Joeys coach |
| Ufuk Talay | FFA Young Socceroos Head Coach |
| Heather Garriock | Canberra United FC W-League Head Coach |
| Mel Andreatta | Brisbane Roar FC W-League Head Coach |
| Rae Dower | FFA Junior Matildas Head Coach |
| Kelly Cross | Sydney FC Academy Director |
| Warren Grieve | Manly United FC Men’s Premier League Head Coach |
| Spencer Prior | Recent Thailand WNT Head Coach & ex-Matildas Assistant |
| Andrew Clark | Sydney FC High Performance/ Sport Science |
| Ian Greener | Australian Football Coaches and Teachers |
| Eugene Lawrenz | Other Professional coaches |
Football Coaches Australia aims to work closely with other key football stakeholders – Football Federation Australia (FFA), Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Australian Professional Football Clubs Association (APFCA), Association of Australian Football Clubs (AAFC), Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) and international coaching associations to bring best practice services to professional Australian coaches.
FCA will also work closely with aspiring state-based coaching associations to align and support the development and wellbeing needs of community coaches.
The interim Committee will develop FCA’s strategic plan, leading up to the inaugural Annual General Meeting, which will be held in February 2017.
Tony Vidmar – Australia’s U-17 head coach until earlier this year and a 76-time capped Socceroo – today voiced his delight at seeing the organisation come to life.
“Coaches are among the most important stakeholders in the Australia football landscape but it’s no secret that their collective interests have long been overlooked. If football is ever going to take the next step, coaches must have a place where their voice can be heard,” he said.
“We’ve formed this group to ensure our qualified coaches have a place where they can share ideas, experiences, knowledge and so much more. The national discussion around coaching is gaining momentum and the formation of Football Coaches Australia gives us the opportunity to push for best practice and raise standards from the A-League to the grassroots.”
Representing the A-League coaches is Sydney FC assistant coach Phil Moss, who previously coached Central Coast Mariners and played for Northern Spirit in the National Soccer League.
“Coaching is an extremely tough job in the modern game and we are often its most vulnerable stakeholder. Unfortunately, Australian football hasn’t always valued its coaches and the formation of Football Coaches Australia collectivises our voice and provides tremendous solidarity.”
“Australian coaches have had great success at both club and national team level over the past decade – led by the likes Graham Arnold, Ange Postecoglou, Aurelio Vidmar, Tony Popovic and Alen Stajcic.”
“Such results show how far we’ve come and it has helped start the exportation of Australian coaches to all corners of the football world. The knowledge of Australian coaches is highly valued and it’s something the football community must protect, nurture and grow together. This is a huge step forward for the game in Australia.”
Canberra United coach Heather Garriock, who enjoyed a long and decorated career with the Matildas, is also joining the executive in a major boost for women’s coaching.
“We are all aware of how women’s football is booming and the stars that generating huge amounts of interest on the field. However, there’s also a rising number of female coaches who are also looking to make their mark whilst seeking both guidance and recognition,” she said.
“Football Coaches Australia has the well-being of all coaches at the forefront of our thinking and we’re hopeful we can map out an exciting future for Australia’s best and brightest coaches.”
FURTHER INFORMATION
To arrange an interview, please contact our lead Interim Office Bearer, Glenn Warry on pressfca@gmail.com or +61 417 346 312
You can download a copy of this media release here.