Omar Husaini

Background  - Born in Sydney, I moved to the Middle East at the age of two which is where my football career started. I returned at the age of twelve and played two seasons at Wahroonga Tigers FC (with fellow coach Angus Richardson). I played a year with the Northern Tiger’s Development Squads and then with Lindfield FC for a further year. At age 17, I played with St Ives FC for two years before joining this great club in 2018.

Coaching qualifications - I hold both a Grassroots and SAP Coaching Licence.

Best advice a coach has ever given me - The more difficult the victory, the greater the happiness in winning!  

What I love about coaching is ... it allows me to develop certain life skills which will help me off the field in the future. I love the satisfaction of having the junior players look at you and smile because you are playing part in their enjoyment and overall improvement as a player.

The team I support is ... Manchester United

My most embarrassing moment on the football field is ... back in U16s, I was playing striker and was one on one with the keeper when I managed to hit the post from close range. The ball came back off the post and hit me straight in the face (resulting in a black eye).

Angus Swift

For an additional profile on Angus visit the NSFA’s Coaching Spotlight HERE

Background - I lived in Wahroonga until age 5 and then moved to North Turramurra where I have lived for the past 15 years. I played for Wahroonga for about 8 seasons. In my under 15 season I joined the local representative team, the Northern Tigers for just the one season. I then played two seasons with St Ives FC. Since the age of 17, I have played for the mighty North Turramurra Magpies (easily the best years of my footballing career).

Coaching qualifications - I hold Grassroots and SAP Licenses (Skill Acquisition Phase.) In 2018, I was the recipient of an NSFA Class C Coaching Scholarship and the 2020 XLR8 COACH OF THE YEAR!! I have been coaching our Super League squad since 2019 and I am the current Head Coach for our Men’s All Age squad.

Best advice a coach has given me - You have to believe you are good enough and better than anyone on the field. Football is mind over matter.

What I love about coaching is ... Coaching is a constant learning curve and I find it teaches me skills useful not only for football but for life too. This includes leadership, communication and more. Forming a bond with my players is also very rewarding and most importantly its always huge fun.

The team I support is ... Manchester United.

My most embarrassing moment on the football field is ... Shooting for goal and the ball going out for a throw-in (a $10 fine in Men's All Age).

Mark Williams

Background - I grew up in Sydney, playing goalkeeper for the mighty Beecroft FC (coached by my dad), Epping/Eastwood Tigers, state league Futsal for Western Sydney Swans and later for NSW. Following in my dad’s footsteps, I am now focused on coaching my two sons at North Turramurra FC and supporting the other coaches within the club. I also play senior football for the Over 35s (not in goal) and aiming to be the oldest player ever selected for the Socceroos!

Coaching qualifications - Grassroots and Skill Acquisition Phase (SAP) coaching licence.

Best advice a coach has ever given me - Never take your eye off the ball (see below).

What I love about coaching is ... Seeing such a rapid growth and development in the kids, and to share my passion for the game I love so much

The team I support is ...  Liverpool FC (#YNWA)

My most embarrassing moment on the football field is ... when playing goalkeeper in the State Cup Final, I momentarily took my eye off the game, when the striker (pretending to tie his shoelace) took a quick set piece when I was looking the other way. A lesson to all junior players… never take your eye off the ball!!

Tina Phillips

Background - I have lived in North Turramurra for 20 years. Growing up we moved around as my Dad was in the RAAF. I grew up playing many different sports including netball, volleyball and hockey but only started playing football after my second son Micah was born. I started out playing for Wahroonga and I now play for Kissing Point. I have been coaching my older sons, Kaiden and Micah's teams for seven years now and I am actively involved in promoting the growth of Female Football.

Coaching qualifications - I have a Grassroots coaching qualification.

Best advice a coach has ever given me - To always play within the spirit of the game, to give my all, but most of all to have fun.

What I love about coaching is ... My favourite part of coaching is being able to watch the players grow in confidence. I love being able to encourage them, especially the less confident players. There is nothing more rewarding than watching a player master a new skill, grow in confidence and enjoy playing the game. Their smiles are my favourite part. I also love having my older boys and some of the other U15 players assisting at junior training and seeing them share their skills and passion for the game with the younger kids.

The team I support is ... Manchester City- I love watching the way that they play as a team, in particular De Bruyne as he moves the ball around and sets up goals for his team mates, as well as score a few along the way.

My most embarrassing moment on a football field is ... I can’t think of a particular moment: but I have done many air swings, missed tackles and face plants as I have hit the turf, often in a superman position as I fly through the air as my family have watched on.

Angus Richardson

Background - I was born and raised in Wahroonga and have been playing football since the age of six. I have spent the last four years training as a sprinter. I’ve played for St Ives and Wahroonga FC before joining the Mens All Age squad for the mighty Magpies!

Coaching qualifications - I hold a Grassroots and Skill Acquisition Phase (SAP) coaching licence.

Best advice a coach has ever given me - My under 12s coach taught us to “Take it to the line and cut it back” and for the defenders “you can’t run without legs”

What I love about coaching is ... Coaching our U12’s as it’s been great to see their progression each week as they learn how to play competition football on the bigger field and having a laugh with the boys each week at training.

The team I support is ...  Liverpool FC

My most embarrassing moment on a football field is ... Stepping up to take a penalty from the spot and kicking it straight at the keeper, then going on to lose the game. 

Alireza Ehsani

Background - I started playing street Futsal from the age of 5 and played for the School teams at both Junior and Senior level. I also played representative football at regional, national and state level in Iran from the age of 15.

During my university studies I was the Captain of my university team for 4 years before coming to Australia, and since arriving in Australia in the early 90s I have played and/or been involved in coaching with St Ives, Mount Colah, Berowra, Prouille and North Turramurra football clubs. I have been the Head Coach of Prouille FC and their Women’s O30s for 7 years. Last year I coached North Turramurra inaugural Women’s O35 squad who were premiers in their first season!

Coaching qualifications - - Junior/Senior coaching license and Arsenal coaching school

Best advice a coach has ever given me - Always look up while running with the ball and think about your next move before you receive the ball

What I love about coaching is ... Having fun and working with players at various skill levels and sharing my football knowledge and experiences I have learnt over years with new players and it is so rewarding to see gradual development and skills improvement of my players

The team I support is ... Sydney FC (A-League) and Barcelona (La Liga Spain)

My most embarrassing moment on a football field is ... When it is not your day and losing easy chances in front of goal!!