NERIMBERA FOOTBALL CLUB
EST 1910
COACHING STAFF
Nerimbera FC has a strong team of accredited and skilled coaching staff, who collectively have a wealth of knowledge and experience of the game. Our coaches share a passion for all things football and are focused on the development of players in a positive team environment.
Michael Cay
HEAD COACH
At age 9 Michael started playing junior football for Berserker, working his way up through the senior ranks to First Division. In 2008 he played for the Capricorn Cougars in the inaugural QSL competition. Michael was named as one of the top 50 players outside of the A League. Earning a training trial with the Central Coast Mariners, playing with the squad in Mackay. Before continuing to playing with the Cougars / Energy representative teams through until 2012. In 2013 a move across to Frenchville contributed to their winning streak, securing 4 straight Wesley Hall Cups wins (2013 - 2016). Michael's coaching career started in 2014 as assistant coach for reserve grade. Helping guide reserves to 3 premierships wins (2014-2018).
Seeing the incredible job Scott & Bevan were doing with a young NFC squad, Michael took the opportunity to give back to the game. Coming across to Nerimbera in 2019 to play alongside the young players, assisting to continue development of the squad from on the field.
In 2020 Michael took on the appointment of Head Coach at Nerimbera. Throughout the many challenges faced due to Covid and suspension of the season. Michael remained positive, focusing on moving the structure and style of football around to redevelop the way the team play. He is excited for the year to come and is confident if the squad continue to develop the way they are Nerimbera will again be a force to be reckoned with.
Scott Thomson
Scott began playing football at the age of 5 for Ringwood City juniors down in Victoria, where he continued to play until 1997. When his family made the move north to Queensland. Scott continued to play football and signed up with the local team Capricorn Coast. The following year 1998 at the age of 17 he decided to focus on goalkeeping and worked his way into the senior ranks playing for their men's teams.
In 2003 he made the move across to Nerimbera FC as a senior. Playing a significant role in all grades and becoming a well respected key member of the NFC squads.
Scott is an accredited senior coach, successfully completed his Senior Coaching Certificate and has previously coached senior men's teams at the club.
ASSIST.FIRST DIVISION COACH
Fred Leleu
From the age of 12 Fred has been around the game. Playing as a junior player for Frenchville playing on through the various senior teams until 2001. In 1992 he became involved in coaching junior teams and then Frenchville seniors in 2000 & 2001. He had four years at Parkana 2002-2005 as a player/coach taking the second division team to a grand final. In 2012 returned to Frenchville coaching junior U15/16 teams, winning two grand finals 2013 & 2015.
In addition to various club coaching roles Fred has also undertaken Rockhampton Junior Representative and Central Queensland team coaching appointments.
For the last 6 years Fred has managed Frenchville’s first division (2019-2020) and second division (2015-2018) teams. He enjoys the role of team manager and being able to build respect and rapport with the players. This is something he is most looking forward to with the NFC squad in the manager role with Mick Cay in 2021.
FIRST DIVISION MANAGER
Rick England
Rick has been a proud member of Nerimbera Football Club for the past 34 years. In that time he has been fortunate enough to win two CQ League titles and two Wesley Hall Cup victories. Rick has represented Rockhampton and Central Queensland as a junior, and Rockhampton as a senior player. In 2004 he was selected in the Capricorn Cougars representative squad and completed against teams throughout the State.
Coaching has always been an interest for Rick. Having coached Men's Third Grade to a Grand Final victory, along with coaching Second Grade and also spent time in the role of Assistant First Grade Coach. Junior coaching has been a passion for the past 10 years. Having assisted in the progression of junior teams representing the club at carnivals around the region, as well as being manager for the u13 boys Talen Support Program (TSP) Central QLD representative team.
Holding coaching qualifications for Mini Roos and Skill Training he has successfully developed players at club level to go on and represent Central Queensland. Rick is looking forward to continuing to work with the young players and producing some exciting football in 2021.
WOMENS HEAD COACH
Zoe Peters
ASSIST.WOMENS COACH
Zoe has been playing football for 16 years, commencing with Nerimbera FC at the age of 6, and has been a Magpie ever since. In addition to playing for Nerimbera FC juniors in mixed teams and currently senior women's. She was successful through her schooling years being selected in Rockhampton, Capricornia & Queensland representative teams.
As well as playing futsal, Zoe was a competitive member of an all boys team with the CQ Bulls in 2009-10 and also played for the CQ Junior Premier League team. Experienced in coaching many age groups within our club including the NFC women's team in recent years. Zoe holds coaching accreditations in Miniroos, Skill Training, Game Training as well as completing a Cert III in Fitness.
Zoe is the current coach for the u13/14 Girls Talent Support Program (TSP) representative team for Central QLD. This all girls team is the first to represent our region in five years. Highly motivated to increase the number of females playing our great game. Zoe is keen to play and coach throughout the 2021 season. While continuing to promote and develop the talent of women in football and encouraging girls to take the next step in playing football within the region.
Adrian Baker
SECOND DIVISION MANAGER
Adrian was first introduced to Nerimbera FC in the early 1990's where he played in the senior third division squad. A move away for work purposes saw him return to the club in 2001. During his playing time 2001-2018 (forced to retire due to injury), Adrian also coached junior teams through this period.
Excited to be back working with the next generation of Magpies Adrian took on the role of first division manager in 2020. In 2021 he plans to use his football experience and love for this great club to help drive the players to continue grow and develop.
Shane Burgess
JUNIOR COACH
In 1987 Shane commenced his football career with Nerimbera, playing juniors through until 1993. For the last six years he has been a valuable member of the first grade side representing the club in the CQ Premier League.
For the past four years Shane has been coaching junior teams at the club, holding coaching qualifications for Mini Roos and Skill Training. Combined with a background in education as a qualified school teacher. Shane has significant experience in working with young people and enjoys being able to encourage and assist with developing skills of the younger players in the club.
Shane is looking forward to the new season and seeing our young players develop and build their love of the game.
Brooke Rawlings
JUNIOR COACH
Brooke started playing football in 2017 joining Nerimbera FC Women's team. Having previously played and coached Touch, this experience combined with her love of sports made for a natural progression into the world of football. Her talent and passion for the game was quickly identified earning her Nerimbera FC's Women's Player of the Year for the 2020 season.
In addition playing football Brooke has been part of Nerimbera FC's committee and coaching staff for the last two year. A qualified coach holding accreditation for Skill Training and Miniroos, Brooke's coaching role has been introducing our youngest players (ages 4-7) to the game. Assisting with the development of basic skills and foundations of the game while maintaining a focus on fun.
Brooke is looking forward to the 2021 season. Not only aiming for the Women's team to take out the title, but also continuing to contribute to the club within the committee and as part of our junior coaching staff.
Matthew Trotter
JUNIOR COACH
Matt's football career began in Bundaberg QLD at the age of 6. Playing for Brothers Aston Villa until the age of 14.
He has been with Nerimbera FC since 2016, commencing his coaching career in 2017 as Assistant Coach for U7's. In 2018 Matt stepped up to into a coaching role for the U8's team.
Matt is a qualified coach having completed his Miniroos accreditation in 2020 while coaching the clubs U7's team.
In addition to coaching juniors Matt is an active member of the clubs committee. He is keen to see what 2021 brings for Nerimbera FC and also further this coaching credentials.