MEET OUR COACHES
Matt Kiriakopoulos
Founder and technical director
Matt is the Founder and Technical Director of Northern Football, and the driving force behind the academy’s vision and growth. From the beginning, his goal has been clear: to build a structured, high-quality football program in Melbourne’s north that not only develops strong players, but also nurtures a positive culture where young athletes can thrive and deepen their love of the game.
Under his leadership, Northern Football has established a comprehensive coaching framework that caters to players of all abilities, from beginners taking their first steps in the sport to advanced youth looking to elevate their performance. Every session is built around purposeful development, clear progression, and long-term growth.
Matt’s coaching influence has recently expanded into senior women’s football following his appointment as Head Coach of the women’s team at Bundoora United FC for the 2026 season. With ambitions to lead the team to promotion from the Victorian Premier League into the National Premier Leagues, this move reflects his broader commitment to creating inclusive, high-performance pathways for players of all ages and genders within Melbourne’s football community.
What truly defines Matt’s work, and what makes Northern Football stand out, is the balance between development and community. His philosophy extends beyond drills and tactics. It is about building confidence, resilience, and a genuine sense of belonging. Players under his guidance often speak just as highly of the team spirit and culture as they do of their technical improvement.
Whether it is a junior player taking their first touches of the ball or a senior athlete stepping onto the pitch with pride, Matt’s impact is consistent and clear. Football should challenge, inspire, and most importantly, be fun.
Our Team
leah ambrosini
Operations Manager / Coachi have been playing football since I was 6 years old and have developed a strong understanding of the game through my experience as both a player and coach.
With a degree in Sport Management, I have been able to combine my passion for football with my knowledge and experience in sports operations and development.
I enjoy being involved in the development of young players and helping them build their skills, confidence and understanding of the game. Coaching our development programs is something I particularly enjoy, as I love seeing players improve, grow and develop their own passion for football.
Mark kalatzis
i focus on helping players improve by identifying both their strengths and the areas they can develop, turning these into clear and achievable goals.
I enjoy coaching because it allows me to break skills down into simple, repeatable actions, helping players build confidence and consistency in their game.
Creating a positive environment is important to me, where mistakes are seen as part of the learning process. By providing targeted feedback and tailoring sessions to each player, I aim to help them make strong progress and build a solid foundation for long-term development.
coach
jaime Farrugia
Coach I have been playing football for over 10 years and am currently competing at Avondale FC. Being an active player allows me to bring strong fundamentals, energy and a genuine love for the game into every session.
What I love most about coaching is seeing players improve over time; not just technically, but in their mindset, belief, and enjoyment of football. Creating a positive and supportive environment where players feel comfortable to challenge themselves and thrive is something I value greatly.
i also coach our baby ballers program. At this age, my focus is on helping children build confidence, coordination and basic ball skills, while most importantly developing a love for the game.
mEEKA rAFIQ
Coach My inrest in becoming a footbal coach stemmed from wanting to pass my knowlage nto the youth, in order to give them the best changce at develpoping and pursuing their football dreams!
I have been playing for the last 13 years, and am now captaining a mens team at Malvern City as a centerback/wing back.
I enjoy being able to make football fun and enjoyable for the youth, whist givg them the fundamentals to take their game to the next level.
I haave a passion for teaching our 1v1 defedning and attacking as i gets to watch the kids express themselves and take risks.
Costa Giannopolous
I have had a passion for football from a young age and have always loved being involved in the game. I have now been playing for 14 years, which has helped me develop a strong understanding of the sport and what it takes to improve and perform consistently.
My passion for coaching has grown through developing players and supporting them as they build confidence and improve their skills. I enjoy helping players grow into the best versions of themselves, both on and off the pitch, while creating a positive and encouraging environment where they can enjoy the game and reach their potential.
Coach 
Deia Raxach
Football has always been more than just a game to me. It challenges you to develop not only your technical ability, but also your ability to think, communicate and work as part of a team.
After growing up playing football and later taking up refereeing from a young age, coaching has become another way for me to stay involved in the game and give back to something I have always loved.
I enjoy seeing young players develop their skills and confidence, but there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a player fall in love with the game and experience the same joy that football has given me.
Coach / Baby Ballers Coach 
Merve yucel
I’ve been playing soccer since 2016 and have had the opportunity to develop through programs and clubs like NTC, Bulleen FC, and Avondale FC. My love for the game and everything that comes with it is what led me into coaching.
I enjoy seeing players improve and elevate their level over time, particularly as their confidence grows alongside their skills. I’m passionate about developing strong game awareness and helping players become more composed and efficient in front of goal, while creating an environment that encourages continuous growth and enjoyment of the game.
Coach 
orlando de fazio
CoachI have been playing football for over 10 years and currently play for Doreen United, primarily as a striker, attacking midfielder or winger. I enjoy being creative and contributing in attacking areas of the game.
I am passionate about helping young players improve, particularly in attacking and striking skills, while building confidence in front of goal.
I enjoy coaching because it allows me to support players in developing their technique, including first touch, movement and using both feet, while encouraging them to express themselves. Football is a big part of my life, and I enjoy helping others grow and improve their game.
Kane Cannistraro
I have been playing football for 8 years and have really enjoyed the moments and friendships I’ve built through the game. I value being part of a team environment and embracing different team cultures.
I got into coaching to help players improve their skills and confidence while sharing what I have learned.
I enjoy coaching because it allows me to focus on skill development, game awareness and building a positive team environment.
Coach
Briana Kubli
I have been playing football since the age of three and have always had a strong passion for the game. I spent five years playing college football in america at Western Oregon University and the University of Hawai’i at Hilo.
My interest in coaching comes from the positive influence of the coaches I had growing up, who pushed me to improve and inspired my love for the game. I aim to provide that same experience for young players.
I enjoy coaching because it allows me to help players build confidence and develop their skills, particularly in areas such as 1v1 attacking and ball mastery.
Coach