WFC values and acknowledges the time and effort required to coach a team. We are committed to fostering an environment where our coaches feel supported and have ongoing opportunities to grow and develop in their coaching journey.

In 2025, WFC, in partnership with Elite Football (founded by Ivan Jolic, former Matildas Assistant Coach and current assistant coach of the China Women’s National Team) will offer the following programs to support and enhance the skills of our coaches. All of these programs will be funded by Wakehurst FC.

Ivan’s background includes time as a Skill Acquisition Specialist for the FFA and assistant coaching roles at Melbourne City and the Central Coast Mariners. As a qualified FFA/AFC Coach Education instructor, Ivan has delivered and instructed FFA C, B and A Licences for over a decade. Ivan has continued his passion for youth and women’s development and we are excited to have him working with us at WFC in 2026.

1. Coaching Edge Masterclass

Objective: To equip coaches of all levels with the practical tools, techniques, and resources needed to plan and deliver high-quality weekly training sessions, while building both the skills and confidence of their players.

The Masterclass will involve:

• Pre-season workshop tailored to coaching levels (based on building blocks and development phases) combining both theoretical and practical elements.
• Mid-season and/or post-season workshop to reinforce previous workshops and wrap-up the season.
• The workshop will cover content such as creating a safe, engaging and motivating environment, effective use of equipment, area and game rules and requirements of an effective session plan, with the addition of valuable insights on coaching style for player management and behaviour guidance.
• Delivered by Ivan Jolic and the Elite Football senior coaching team (including Marti Garces, in 2026 the program structure will align to the key player development phases, to ensure content and practical experience is directly applicable on the field.
  • Discovery Phase (U6-U9) and Skill Acquisition Phase (U9-U13)
  • Game Training Phase (U13-U17) and Performance Phases (U17+)
• Upon attending the workshop, coaches will gain access to the WFC ‘Virtual Edge’, a platform for ongoing access to expert advice, practical tips, and training inspiration and feedback from Ivan.

2. WFC Virtual Edge

Objective: To provide coaches with access to expert advice and tips, ensuring they have a community of practice through which they can remain connected, supported, and confident in their ability to deliver engaging and effective sessions each week throughout the season. 

The offering will involve: 

• Invitation to a WhatsApp Group facilitated by Ivan Jolic. 

• Weekly posts from Ivan, with a short video outlining his training tip/focus of the week. Ivan will discuss the reason for the weekly focus and include example training activities, with extension options as necessary and in response to questions from the group. 

• Ongoing engagement and feedback from Ivan, including responses to challenges being experienced by coaches in training and on match day. 

3. WFC Internal Edge

Objective: WFC is fortunate to have several accredited and experienced volunteer coaches who are excited to support our volunteer coaching community, beyond their designated Wakehurst team.

The offering will involve:

• Phone or WhatsApp Support – Option to arrange a quick call to discuss questions, challenges, or seek advice on session planning in response to scenarios arising in training or on match day.
• Shadowing – Attendance at the training session of an accredited coach to observe and receive feedback in real time relating to a particular area of focus.
• Mentoring – Option to request a one-off visit from an accredited coach to attend your own training session and provide support and guidance based on the REVIEW process.
• Information on MWFA and Football NSW Coaching Courses – Regular communication from the CCC on training courses, coaching conferences and CPD events for coaches.

These initiatives aim to build confidence, consistency, and connection across our coaching community, ensuring all WFC players benefit from a great grassroots coaching experience.

If you would like to have a mentor attend your training session, would like to watch a mentor’s training session or you just want some advice or a quick chat, please get in touch by emailing the Club Coach Coordinator (CCC) at ccc@wakehurstfc.com.au. 

We are also looking to grow the Internal Edge Coach Mentor team. If you are passionate about educating coaches and have qualifications or previous experience in coaching and would like to get involved, please also get in touch at ccc@wakehurstfc.com.au and Kevin (CCC) will connect with you.