It’s my belief that in every young players desire to play for their favourite team, whether it be Australia or Manchester United, there needs to be a safe and nurturing environment encouraging them to get there.
I take enormous pleasure out of trying to make that dream possible for each and every one of them, and this drives me to better myself in order to better the young footballers.
I have always loved football since watching Arsenal play in the European cup back in the 80s, when I went to see them play in North London as a kid. I was impressed by the brass band and constant singing in the stands.
Living in Ballarat, playing both here and in Melbourne, I saw the need for coaches quite early and began coaching under 9s when I was 20.
Over the last 25 years I’ve never lost my passion for football, and I’m sure we can build an amazing future for our current crop of emerging players.
That’s why I take great pleasure in educating young footballers who want to achieve personal success.
I am a mum of 4 boys and step mum to my daughter! Being born into a football crazy family there was no other choice than to love the sport just as much as my grandfather!
My playing career lasted for over 20 years, including playing at the highest state level women’s division. Now semi-retired, it is my turn to pass this passion onto my children. Being able to coach and watch them grow alongside their friends and team mates is what drives me, doing it for the kids!!
I got into football coaching because of my deep-seated passion for the game and a desire to make a meaningful impact on young athletes’ lives. I recognized the power of football to teach invaluable life skills—teamwork, resilience, discipline, and leadership—that extend far beyond the field. My own positive experiences with mentors and coaches during my playing days inspired me to pay it forward, fostering a supportive environment where players can grow both as athletes and individuals. Additionally, the sense of camaraderie and shared goals within a team setting fueled my commitment to guiding others towards achieving their full potential. Coaching football became not just a profession, but a calling that allows me to combine my love for the sport with the joy of helping others succeed.
I love how the game brings people together in a team environment. I coach because I want to help players become better and to prepare them as juniors so they can enjoy the competitive nature of our game as adults, and most importantly to appreciate how wonderful this game can be.
I served in the Australian Defense Force for 11 years,
Played football as a child with the Ballarat red devils.
Also played football in the ADF as a Hobby,
In 2024 I coached the under 12s for Ballarat Soccer Club who held 2nd place although the season to then become the 2024 U12 cup winners.
I am a dedicated mentor and I consistently push the players to reach their full potential, fostering a positive team environment where everyone feels supported and empowered to improve their skills, while always emphasizing sportsmanship and the joy of the game.
I am a full-time coach for western Victoria football Academy training kids from the age of 2. And I would never pass it up for anything I am looking forward
To coaching the young athletes.
I have been playing football since I was 5 years old. I love the unity, brotherhood and the relationship between players and in teams. Also the freedom and the joy it brings me. I can’t choose my best football memory, I feel like every time I step onto the pitch I consider it my best experience. I just enjoy playing and helping my team to achieve our goals. I played for a number of teams at various stages of my career, such as Preston lions, Dandy thunder, North Geelong warriors, Moreland zebra and of course my current club Ballarat city. I follow 2 international teams Real Madrid and Chelsea. My favourite player is Zidane mainly because of his ability to affect the game with just one touch and his elegance on the ball.
I am originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA and was brought up playing soccer since the age of 4 years old. I played football all through primary and high school at the club level and became a huge fan of the Women’s US National team. I moved to Australia in 2006 and later played for Elwood City FC in Melbourne at the state level 3 and 2 for four years. After moving to Ballarat with my husband and having my own children, I have a desire to teach my two kids how to play the game and develop a love of the sport.
Joining the Academy as a coach has been a wonderful opportunity to both teach my kids about football as well as other children just learning the game.
Coach Cath Toro
“I coach girls because I’m passionate about creating opportunities for them to play the beautiful game and, hopefully, develop a lifelong love for football. If I can help build their confidence—whether they’re playing in the community, competing in NPL, or stepping onto the field in a tournament—that means everything to me.”
Craig Schepis is the owner of On track Fitness and is the head of our Sports Science team.
On Track Fitness is a state of the art Ballarat Health and Lifestyle centre. Our modern and clean facility is laid out over 2 levels. You’ll find everything from our public gym, showers and change rooms to our Massage Therapy and Group Fitness Studios and dedicated education and training spaces.
Craig comes with an amazing CV:
Vision Radiology is a comprehensive Diagnostic Medical Imaging & Interventional Radiology service provider with multiple clinics in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
We conduct general x-rays near Ballarat for a wide range of purposes. Our Sebastopol clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art medical imaging technology designed to capture high-quality results. Generally used to measure bone fractures and breaks, an x-ray generates 2D imaging that focuses on specific areas of the body. Each scan is completed within a short time span, with minimal patient preparation required.
Vision Radiology offers bulk billing options for the vast majority of x-rays near Ballarat and appointments are generally not required. Bulk billing is available for both Medicare Card holders as well as individuals with a referral.
Ballarat Spinal Health is a Chiropractic clinic servicing the Ballarat and surrounding area since 2014. Exclusively utilising the Gonstead System of Chiropractic, Ballarat Spinal Health can assist in the management and recovery of not only spinal related conditions, but most acute and chronic sporting injuries as well. Sporting injuries often present as a sprain or tear/strain, however there are often multiple underlying factors that can either cause or contribute to the problem. Ballarat Spinal Health has the tools and the experience to assist individuals of all ages in managing their condition.
Dr. Dale Hawkes is the principal Chiropractor and has 20 years of combined experience in the fields of Chiropractic, Exercise Science and Injury Rehabilitation. Dale grew up in Ballarat, attended Ballarat High School and studied at the University of Ballarat and RMIT University in Melbourne. He holds four university degrees in the fields of Chiropractic and Exercise Science, and has a special interest in lower back pain, headaches and sporting injuries.
Katherine Collyer – Clinical Nutritionist
The story of myInsight Health was birthed into existence through a shared journey of transformation. Our path was illuminated by a simple yet profound realization: when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.
Our philosophy encourages individuals to be the authors of their own future. It invites people to embark on their own journey of self-discovery, challenge paradigms, search for their own truths and ultimately, take control of their health and lives.
Through myInsight Health, we continue to evolve and grow, living our mission to help others unlock their potential and become their best selves. We hope our story resonates and serves as inspiration to remind you that the path to true health and fulfillment begins with a single step – the decision to look within and embrace the power of your own insight.
