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 ( run by Ivan Jolic, ex. Matildas Asst. Coach) will offer the following programs to support and enhance the skills of our coaches. All of these programs will be funded by Wakehurst FC.

Between 2019 – 2020, Ivan Jolic was the Assistant Coach for the Matildas, working on player development and technical skills. In 2024 he became the Assistant Coach of the Chinese International team. His passion for the development of Women’s Football has continued to grow and we are excited to have him working with us at Wakehurst FC in 2025

1. Coaching Edge Masterclass

Objective: To equip coaches of all levels with the tools and resources needed to run effective weekly training sessions, while building both the skills and confidence of their players.

The Masterclass will involve:

• A pre-season workshop tailored to different coaching levels based on individual needs and prior attendance.
• The session will cover content such as creating an engaging and motivating environment, 
  effective use of equipment, space and facilities and requirements of an effective session plan, with the addition of valuable insights on player management and behaviour guidance.
• Delivered by Ivan Jolic and the Elite Football senior coaching team.
• Upon completing the course, coaches will gain access to ‘Virtual Edge’, a platform for ongoing support and resources.

2. Virtual Edge

Objective:  Provide coaches with access to expert coaching tips, ensuring they have the support and confidence they need to coach their team week in and week out.

The offering will involve:

• An invitation to a WhatsApp Group run by Ivan Jolic (Don’t worry, you will only see Ivan posting here; it won’t be ‘another one of these WhatsApp chats!’)
• Weekly posts from Ivan, with a 2-3 minute video outlining his training tip/focus of the week. He will briefly discuss the reason for the weekly focus and offer some training activities with an extension option.
• Where needed, the video will be accompanied by a fact sheet that coaches can print out for the session

3. Team Insight Edge Sessions

Objective:  On-the-field coaching development visits, delivered in partnership with Elite Football. An accredited coach will visit your team’s training session during the season to offer you advice and support to strengthen your training sessions going forward.

The offering will involve:

• A technical coach who will attend your teams training session at a pre-arranged date during the season, to provide coach mentoring and player-skill development
• During the session, the 2 coaches co-run the session, with the Wakehurst coach organising and running the activity, whilst the mentor coach will get involved and offer tips.
• Prior to the session coaches will be asked to provide feedback in terms of what support would be of most value.

4. Internal Edge Sessions

Objective: WFC is fortunate to have a number of highly qualified volunteer coaches who generously offer their expertise to support the broader development of the club’s coaches & players, beyond their designated Wakehurst team.

The offering will involve:

• Interested volunteer coaches will have the opportunity to attend ‘Open Training’ sessions, where they can observe a training session with one of WFC qualified volunteer coaches. They are invited to get involved and ask questions afterwards for further insight and learning.
• In addition, any coaches who believe they could benefit from extra support, can access additional internal mentors. The mentor will attend a training session to provide guidance, similar to the ‘Sessions Insights’ offering.