Northern NSW Football appoint Ryan Doidge in new Talented Player and Coach Development role

Avatar
NNSWF
Image via Northern NSW Football

Northern NSW Football has announced Ryan Doidge as the appointment to the new position of Talented Player and Coach Development Manager.

Doidge is accredited by Asian Football Confederation and Football Australia to deliver B and C advance coach accreditation courses and has earned an AFC A coaching licence.

The role reports to NNSWF Head of Football Development Peter Haynes, with Doidge to oversee the talented player pathway and all coach education across northern NSW. The extensive recruitment process also included a practical assessment.

Doidge has held previous roles with New York Red Bulls, Western Sydney Wanderers, North Shore Mariners, Northbridge Bulls and Dee Why FC – and will now transition to a leading role with a member federation. Doidge has also completed a Bachelor of Science in Sport, Health, Exercise Science and Coaching.

Talented Player and Coach Development Administrator Rebecca Nee will support Doidge in the role from an administrative perspective.

Doidge began on July 7, with regional visits and a review of the Junior Development League his first priorities.

Doidge identified that his key responsibility would be to improve opportunities for players and coaches within the region.

“A key focus for me will be to provide clear pathways into the A-League Men’s, A-League Women’s and national teams set ups while also developing our own coaches within our region and increase the number of qualified coaches,” Doidge said in a statement to Northern NSW Football.

“I firmly believe that in being able to deliver quality advanced licences and coach support we can improve our coaches and in turn create a better environment for our players.

“I hope to be able to create a reputation among coaches and players in our area that the support we can provide to these stakeholders is world class. Making coach support accessible for all coaches and providing opportunities to learn, grow and develop will be at the forefront of our plan.

“I am looking forward to working hard to provide opportunities for both coaches and players for the betterment of the game that we love. I am truly passionate about development and I hope that comes across to those that I work with over the coming years.”

Previous ArticleNext Article

Community Spirit Shines on AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026

Avatar
Image credit: Football Australia

This week, Football Australia (FA) celebrated AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026, championing the people and communities who continue to hold up a safe, inclusive and supportive environment in the football landscape.

‘For all, for life’

In collaboration with Football NSW, Canterbury Football Association and community club, Balmain & District Football Club, the day reflected the very best of what football provides.

The event brought in participants of all ages – from 4-74 years-old – and reached a total of 400 people. Girls-only programs, all-abilities sessions and over-age football ensured all were catered for.

Such a diverse range of participants builds on a wider drive during FIFA World Football Week, which seeks to promote the sport not just as the dazzling lights of 100,000-seater stadiums, but as a way to foster community spirit and social development.

Furthermore, FA support through its Club Changer program was a welcome addition to the action, emphasising the organisation’s commitment to nurture a real love for the game across communities in Australia.

“Through Club Changer we support our clubs to provide a safe, fun and enjoyable environment where everyone is welcome; whether that be as a player, volunteer, referee or supporter,” explained National Program Manager Club Development at FA, Grace Lambourne.

“Everyone should feel they belong and are welcome to play, stay, and love the game.”

 

A welcome celebration

While the upcoming FIFA World Cup will no doubt inspire millions of future Socceroos and Matildas, events like the AFC Grassroots Football Day represent something beyond just inspiration.

It is a platform. An opportunity to express a love for football and to connect with others while doing so.

And connections between the professional and grassroots game is more important than ever if Australia is to nurture the next generation of talent.

This is particularly clear in the rise of women’s football across the nation. Since the FIFA Women’s World Cup, female participation rose by 32%, and registrations for the MiniTillies Program skyrocketed from 264 in 2023, to 1223 in 2024.

The professionals spark passion. But communities turn that passion into playing time.

That is why celebrating grassroots football – and the volunteers and families who sustain it – is a vital part of Australia’s football future. Together, FA and the AFC are creating strong foundations built on positivity, engagement, and inclusivity for all with a love for the beautiful game.

Heidelberg United denied qualification to AFC UCL 2

Avatar
Image credit: Mark Avellino Photography / Australia Cup

In an announcement made yesterday, Football Australia revealed that, in place of Heidelberg United, Melbourne Victory will now take the AFC UCL 2 spot.

A premature ending

In what is sure to be a disappointing verdict for Heidelberg’s fans, staff and supporters, the NPL VIC side will no longer compete in next season’s AFC CL 2.

The decision comes despite Heidelberg meeting the necessary criteria outlined in Football Australia’s National Club Licensing Regulations.

“We understand that this will be a disappointing outcome for everyone connected to Heidelberg United FC,” said FA Executive Director of Football, Heather Garriock, via press release.

“The club earned enormous respect through its performances this season and should be proud of what it achieved both on and off the pitch.”

Indeed, through defeating several A-League outfits en-route to the Australia Cup Final against Newcastle Jets, Heidelberg did earn widespread respect and admiration across the landscape. Football Australia also strongly advocated for the side’s place in the AFC CL 2 following Newcastle’s qualification to the AFC CL Elite.

But despite the determined efforts of the club’s board to meet all necessary criteria, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) ruled the side ineligible to compete.

 

Victory emerge as replacements

Filling the now-vacant position in next season’s competition is Melbourne Victory, who finished 4th in the A-League this year.

As 3rd-place Auckland FC are based in New Zealand, thus falling under the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), they are also ineligible to compete.

So while the AFC CL 2 will still be arriving in Melbourne next season, fixtures will no longer be built on the underdog success story of Heidelberg’s immense rise from NPL to AFC CL matchdays.

The club, however, will appeal the decision, and has written to Football Australia for further clarity on the Appeals Process.

It remains uncertain whether the appeal will be successful or not, but Heidelberg will undoubtedly enjoy the backing not just of its own staff and supporters, but of the entire Australian grassroots community.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend