We are currently taking Expression of Interest’s (EOI) for this program. Please click the link below to fill out the form. The form closes at midnight on Wednesday, 26 November. Successful applicants will be notified by 5 pm on Friday, 28 November with details about trialling for the program. If you do not receive an email with trial information, it means your EOI was unsuccessful.

Emerging Talent Program – Fill in form

Trials will be held at Cromer Park, please refer to dates below:

• Wednesday 3 December 2025
  • U13 – 5pm
  • U14 – 6pm
• Friday 5 December 2025
  • U15 – 5pm
  • U16 – 6pm

For all information regarding the Pathway Program, please read below.

1. What is the Emerging Talent Pathway Program? 

The Emerging Talent Pathway Program is a specialised development program designed to support and improve identified players within the Manly Warringah Football Association (MWFA). While not a competition league, the program provides a high-performance training environment aligned with the philosophy, facilities, and coaching standards of Manly United FC.

Players selected for the program will benefit from advanced coaching, structured development sessions, access to facilities at Cromer Park, and opportunities to participate in friendly games that challenge and accelerate their growth.

2. Who is eligibility for the Emerging Talent Pathway Program? 

The program is open to players eligible to compete in the Under 13 to Under 16 age groups.
To be considered for selection, players must:

• Be registered and actively playing for one of our 16 Manly Warringah Football Association clubs.
• Be identified by our technical staff or club coaches as having strong potential for development.

Selected teams in the U13 and U14 age groups will also have the opportunity to represent MWFA in the Football NSW Association Championships in July.

3. Who coaches in the Emerging Talent Pathway Program?

Training and development within the Emerging Talent Pathway Program are delivered by experienced coaches who follow the high-performance philosophy of Manly United FC. In addition to leading Monday night sessions at Cromer Park, our coaching team will visit MWFA community clubs on a rotating basis one night per week to support local coaches and assist with player development across the entire association.

4. What is the training schedule for the Emerging Talent Pathway Program?

All squads train once per week at Cromer Park.
Training details:

• Day: Monday
• Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
• Location: Cromer Park
• Additional Opportunities: Friendly games scheduled throughout the program to encourage player growth and competition experience.

5. What is the cost of the program?

The cost of the Emerging Talent Pathway Program is $400 per term (GST included) and it will be run over 3 terms.

Gear will also be supplied for all new players at the time they join the program including.

• Training shorts
• Jersey
• Tracksuit
• Socks
• Backpack

Manly United Football Club (MUFC) has a fantastic opportunity for a full-time Club Administrator to join the organisation on a permanent basis to assist with the running of all aspects of administration for Manly United .

This role is a full time permanent role, based at the MWFA/MUFC offices at Cromer Park.

Applications should be made by email to admin@mwfa.com.au with applications open until Wednesday 26 November 2025.

POSITION VACANT:                         Manly United Football Club – Club Administrator

Hours per week:                               Full Time

Responsible to:                                CEO –  Manly United Football Club and Manly Warringah Football Association

THE OPPORTUNITY

MUFC is offering an opportunity for a sports administrator to join our team to manage all aspects of the Club’s administration to ensure efficient, effective and compliant operations and best practice service and support to our stakeholders.

The successful applicant will also provide support to the CEO, Technical Directors and Board to ensure efficient operations of the Manly United Football Club.

The successful applicant will work closely with the Technical Directors and Coaches, office staff, volunteers, players and parents.

We have an inclusive, energetic and driven staff and we are looking for an MUFC Club Administrator to assist with providing a safe and enjoyable football environment for our players, coaches and volunteers.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL JOB DESCRIPTION

SELECTION CRITERIA:

• A Degree/Diploma – Tertiary qualification in Sports Management desired
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a sports management or sports administration role
• Experience in engaging with a variety of stakeholder groups
• Completion of Working with Children Check
• Full working rights in Australia
• Local knowledge – An understanding of the local MWFA and Manly United ecosystem and landscape will be an advantage

The successful applicant should understand a career in sports administration requires some evening and weekend work.

Applications should be made by email to admin@mwfa.com.au with applications open until Wednesday 26 November 2025.

Manly United Football club is proud to announce Vladimir (Vlado) Knezevic as our new Men’s First Grade Head Coach.

With over ten years of coaching experience across all levels of football, including with Football Club Rad in Serbia’s SuperLiga, Vlado brings international expertise and a proven record in getting the best out of players, notably coaching over 40 players who have gone on to play in teams throughout Europe.

Vlad holds both a UEFA A Licence (senior), and a UEFA Elite Youth A Licence (the highest coaching licence for youth football in the world), and is a qualified fitness coach, combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of player development and senior performance.

Vlado moved to Australia in 2023 with his young family to settle on the Northern Beaches and after coaching in the area – including Manly United’s youth system – it’s clear to all at the club his professionalism, passion, and experience make him an exciting appointment to lead our senior men’s program into a new chapter.

He will work alongside assistant Dan Petkovski, a former A-League and NPL NSW player, Petkovski brings a wealth of experience to the role. His playing career includes time with Sydney FC, APIA Leichhardt, and a long stint at Rockdale Ilinden, where he was part of the club’s 2020 Premiership-winning squad. Most recently, Dan has been involved with Hills United FC in the NPL NSW competition and is currently Head of Football at St Luke’s Grammar School and a Manly United youth coach.

Manly United Technical Director Jason Bennett said the appointment of Vlado and Dan strengthens the club’s senior coaching team:

“I have worked with Vlado for the past three years and his experience working with players in our development phase has been invaluable.  He brings a wealth of experience to our coaching staff.”

“Dan is an outstanding addition to our First Grade program. He understands what it takes to perform consistently at NPL level and has a genuine passion for developing players within a professional and positive environment.”

Preparations for the new season are already underway, with pre-season training set to begin in the coming weeks.

The C-Diploma course was recently held at Cromer Park, bringing together 17 coaches over four days, nine of whom were from the MWFA. The course was led by instructors Gareth Banks, Chris Semaan and Joe Fox.

The course focused on the principles of play both in and out of possession, highlighting attacking and defending techniques.

Chris Semaan, MWFA’s Community Football Manager, said it was “amazing to see so many coaches dedicating their time to further their football knowledge,” and added that “there are now an additional nine MWFA accredited C-Diploma coaches ready for the 2026 season.”

Here is some of the participants had to say:

“If you’re thinking about continuing your coaching journey with MWFA’s C Diploma course, do it! That was me a year ago, and now I’m wondering why I didn’t do it sooner. Building on previous MWFA courses, the C Diploma dives deeper into football principles, techniques, and coaching methodology. Gareth and Chris delivered it brilliantly through a three-dimensional approach of coaching, playing, and observing  giving you a complete, 360° view of coaching. It’s an inspiring, hands-on experience that will not only elevate your coaching but also inspire your players.” – Michele Addelio, Collaroy Cromer Strikers FC U11s Boys Coach.

“The C-Licence Diploma course at Cromer Park was an excellent experience that deepened my understanding of applying the principles of play in a practical, game-based way. The content and delivery were of a very high standard, and Gareth, Chris, and Joe were outstanding. Their experience and openness made every session engaging and relevant. It was also great connecting with local coaches and sharing ideas. I’d highly recommend this course to anyone looking to elevate their coaching.” – Tony Kenna, Wakehurst FC Men’s Premier League Coach.

“The C Diploma Course was outstanding, challenging and incredibly educational and enjoyable. Gareth and Chris fostered a supportive, collaborative environment that encouraged real growth. It changed how I approach training, showing how one session can target different principles like attacking play or defensive organisation. Every session was fresh, engaging, and tailored to any age or ability. I’d highly recommend this course to anyone who has the opportunity.” – Gareth Taylor, Belrose Terrey-Hills Raiders SC, U16s Coach.

“Over four days, I learned so much from the outstanding coaches, Gareth and Chris. I highly encourage local clubs to support their coaches and for aspiring players to get involved. The course offered not just excellent learning but also a supportive environment and lasting connections. I only wish I’d done it 20 years ago! It would have saved me a lot of time and frustration!” – Gary Woodward, Forest Killarney FC Senior Assistant Coach.

“I recently completed my C-Diploma at Cromer Park with Gareth, Chris, and Joe, and it was an outstanding experience. With over 25 years in football, I’m passionate about keeping girls and women in the game, and this course gave me invaluable tools to do so. The trainers shared incredible knowledge and practical insights. I left with adaptable drills for all age groups and plenty of ideas to apply straight away. The balance of participation, observation, and reflection built real confidence in coaching. A huge thank you to Gareth, Chris, and Joe for an engaging and inspiring course.  I can’t recommend it highly enough!” – Yasmina Zabica, Forest Killarney FC U9 Girls Coach.