coaches
KALE DE LA CRUZ
I was first exposed to football when I was 8 years old. I vividly remember watching some football highlights that completely captivated me. Watching players manoeuvre around the pitch with the ball at their feet at high speeds and seeing them banging in goal after goal after goal…I was hooked! It wasn’t long before I was asking my dad if I could play football. After telling me to show him that I had a love for the sport, he bought me my very first ball. I was thrilled! I practiced constantly, acquiring new skills to show off to my mates at primary school.
Then at age 9 my dad finally let me play for my local football club, Doonside Hawks. A couple of my friends played for the club, but they were a year older, so I tried out for the under 10’s age group and made it in. Then at 10 years old I made it into the Skills Acquisition Program (SAP) for Bonnyrigg White Eagles. I then moved over to NPL1 club Blacktown Spartans where I stayed for4 years.
During my 3rd season with the Spartans, I was struck down with a severe outbreak of eczema, which meant that I was unable to train or play football for a whole year. It was a difficult time in my life, but I had to stay focused and not let it get to me. Whilst recovering, I spent the time wisely by analysing certain players to further my understanding of the beautiful game. Now at 15, I play for NPL club Rydalmere Lions FC.
Whilst still aspiring to make a career of Football, I have a real passion to share my knowledge of the game with younger players. This passion has led me to Football Life, where I’m so excited about helping younger players develop their skills and character.
I look forward to coaching your kids!
ISAAC BUTTERWORTH
As a young boy living in Australia, I fell in love with football after my first touch of the ball and I’ve been playing ever since. I have never stopped loving this beautiful game.
I started playing football at the age of 4. After years of playing club football, I got an opportunity to complete SAP at an NPL club which led to playing in NSW state titles for Met West. I was fortunate enough to participate in the Football NSW Talent Support Program and then continued into the NPL youth system granting me opportunities to play with and against some wonderful players.
Throughout my football journey I have realised the value of hard work, commitment and the importance of good coaches to lead the way. My goal as a coach is to help develop players holistically so that they become better players as well as better people. This is why I am so excited to coach at Football Life as Football Life is about excellence in coaching and character development.
I look forward to the opportunity to take your kids game and confidence to the next level!
amariah callus
I started playing soccer when I was 7 years old, along with my twin sister. I remember all my friends talking about joining a park soccer team, San Souci FC, and wanting to be a part of it.
Despite it being a mixed competition, I loved playing every minute of it. I loved the cheers of the parents when we scored a goal, or when we stopped one. I loved the excitement of waiting for the whistle to blow to start the game and rushing towards the ball. After playing park soccer for 3 years, I decided to take it a step further and was given an opportunity to play SAP at St George FC.
Since then, I have been playing at NPL level for 6 years and have developed not only as a player but also as a coach. Through my experience in playing football, I have seen the impact excellent coaches and poor coaches have had on players. This has fuelled my desire to be the best coach a player can have and to be someone who influences their growth in both their football and personal life. Football Life has given me the opportunity to do just that and help shape me into the best coach I can be.
I look forward to coaching your kids and seeing growth in all aspects of their life, especially football.
Evanleigh callus
Football was never something that crossed my mind, until all my friends wanted to play club football. So, being an 8-year-old, I wanted to be like my friends. But after 2 years of playing, I loved it and wanted to see how far I could go. I had the opportunity to play at St George FC SAP with my twin sister. It was an experience that really challenged me, and I saw myself grow and become a better player.
After a few years, I was invited to play for Sydney Olympic FC. During my second year at Olympic, I suffered a hip injury which led me to not playing for 8 weeks. I was unable to do much physical exercise during this injury, which caused me to lose confidence, and when I was able to return to football, I was not at the same level as before. I was able to play for Bankstown City Lions after finishing my season at Olympic. That year at Bankstown, I was able to regain my confidence and was given numerous opportunities to develop as a player. I had the privilege of participating in the Football NSW Talent Support Program. I also had the opportunity to play for Macarthur Rams FC following two seasons with Bankstown.
Throughout my years of playing for several clubs, I have developed a passion for not just playing but also coaching the game. I am coming into my second year of coaching and have been blessed with the opportunity to coach at many different football academies and am currently working as a coach with Sydney FC. And as I get older, I hope to further develop my coaching abilities and be fully committed to helping players improve. I’m pleased to work at Football Life since they focus on not just helping your children improve their football abilities, but also on helping them develop their character.
NATHAN RESH
Growing up in a household that loved sports, I was introduced to football at the age of 6. Watching my football idols play on the TV inspired me to dream big and the more I watched the greater my obsession with the game grew.
Football quickly took over my life and before I knew it I was getting up early every Saturday morning to go play for my childhood club Marayong FC. During my time there, my teammates and coaches helped develop my character and skill. As I saw my progress my confidence slowly increased. At the age of 13, after 6 years with Marayong, I decided to follow a few of my friends and moved clubs to Blacktown Workers FC to play at a higher level. After 2 years with the club our team had successfully reached the finals however just fell short of lifting the trophy.
At the age of 15, I moved to play for St Patricks FC, where I won my first championship, and the satisfaction of winning fueled my desire to become an even better player.
Unfortunately due to covid and lockdown, the winning momentum came to a sudden stop with my U16 comp getting canceled midway through the season. However, this was a blessing in disguise as this opened up an opportunity for me to play for a new team – APIA Leichhardt FC. This opportunity lead to me playing Division 1 football alongside amazing players and supportive coaches who brought the best out of me.
The success of my football journey is thanks to all my coaches and teammates who have supported and challenged me to be the best version of myself.
I’m looking forward to applying my football knowledge and experience to my coaching so I can be a part of helping your kids become the best version of themselves, on and off the pitch.