Bright Stars Team

Meet the Team

Great sessions start with people who care. Our Bright Stars Academy team brings together experienced players, passionate coaches and supportive leaders who share one vision: happy, healthy, active kids.

Each coach brings their own personality and love for sport to the pitch, helping children build skills, grow in confidence and make new friends. From a reassuring welcome on day one to celebrating a skill they’ve worked hard to master, our team is here to encourage every little star along the way.

Get to know the friendly faces who make each session full of fun, learning and moments to feel proud of!

Richard

Hi, I’m Richard! I’m excited to help our young stars discover just how much they can achieve through soccer. As an international soccer player and experienced coach, I lead our coaching team and design the Bright Stars curriculum around our vision of happy, healthy, active kids. I love turning the foundations of the game into fun, age-appropriate activities that build skills, confidence and teamwork. Every child deserves encouragement and the chance to enjoy learning. My goal is to help our players celebrate their progress, support their teammates and finish each session eager for the next one!

Head Coach

Zorion

Hi, I’m Zorion! As Bright Stars’ manager and an experienced soccer player, I’m passionate about helping kids fall in love with sport. I love the energy of a great session: kids having a go, cheering each other on and leaving with big smiles. I support our coaches in creating a welcoming, positive experience where every child feels part of the team. For me, the best moments are seeing confidence grow and new friendships form. I’m excited to help make every family’s Bright Stars experience full of fun, encouragement and a sense of belonging!

 Manager - North West Melbourne
Manager - South West Melbourne

Dev

Hi, I’m Dev! I’ve played soccer since childhood and bring experience from VPL1, NPL, cultural and community football. Being part of different teams and playing environments has given me so much to enjoy and learn from, and I’m excited to share that experience with our young stars. At Bright Stars, I want kids to discover the excitement of learning a skill, supporting a teammate and being part of the game. My goal is to encourage their progress, grow their confidence and help them develop the same love for soccer that has stayed with me over the years!

Jacinta

Hi, I’m Jacinta! I’ve been playing soccer since I was eight and now play in the NPLW. I’m excited to share my passion for the game and help our young stars enjoy their own soccer journey. I love helping kids build their skills, understand what’s happening on the pitch and find the confidence to give things a go. Whether they’re learning a new move or working together as a team, I want them to feel proud of their progress. At Bright Stars, my goal is to make learning enjoyable and help every child grow a lasting love for soccer!

Assistant Manager

Elissa

Hi, I’m Elissa! Soccer has been part of my life since I was young, and years of competitive playing inspired me to take the next step into coaching. I’ve completed several football courses to keep developing my knowledge, and I love sharing what I’ve learned with young players. Seeing a child master a skill, grow in confidence or feel proud of their effort is what makes coaching so rewarding. At Bright Stars, I’m excited to create a positive team environment where kids feel supported, enjoy the game and look forward to every session!

Assistant Manager
Assistant Manager

Arnav

Hi, I’m Arnav! I’ve loved soccer since my early teenage years, and I’m excited to share that passion with the next generation at Bright Stars. From the energy of a match to the friendships formed on the field, there’s so much to enjoy about the game. I bring that enthusiasm to sessions where kids can try new skills, learn from mistakes and feel proud of their efforts. My goal is simple: for every little star to walk off the pitch more confident, proud of their progress and excited to come back for more!

Gianluca

Hi, I’m Gianluca! With nine years of soccer experience across NPL and community levels, I’m excited to share my love for the game with our young stars. I love creating a positive space where kids can try new things, build friendships and enjoy learning together. My goal is to help players grow in confidence, teamwork and resilience while keeping sessions engaging and fun. I’m also studying with the Hawthorn Football Club as I work towards a career in the business of sport. I can’t wait to help our players discover what makes soccer such a rewarding game!

Soccer Coach

Anay

Hi, I’m Anay! I’m passionate about helping young players discover their potential and enjoy every step of their soccer journey. I love creating positive, engaging sessions where kids can develop their skills, understand the game and build the confidence to try something new. From practising the basics to learning how to work with teammates, every small step matters. At Bright Stars, I want each child to feel encouraged, included and proud of their effort. I’m excited to help our young stars build a strong foundation for soccer while having plenty of fun along the way!

Soccer Coach
Soccer Coach

Nikolina

Hi, I’m Nikolina! I’ve been on the pitch since I was four, and soccer has been a huge part of my life ever since. I’m thrilled to bring my European roots and lifelong passion for the game to the Bright Stars team. I love the excitement of learning, playing with others and discovering how much fun soccer can be. My goal is to help our young stars feel welcome, confident and ready to give things a go. I can’t wait to meet our players, share that enthusiasm and enjoy lots of memorable moments on the pitch together!

Alieu

Hi, I’m Alieu! I’m a sports enthusiast who’s excited to help our young stars reach their goals and discover what they can achieve. I love helping kids build a positive mindset, encourage their teammates and keep trying when something feels tricky. For me, coaching is a chance to make a difference in our community and share skills that matter both on and off the field. At Bright Stars, I want every child to feel included, capable and proud of their effort. Let’s learn new skills, celebrate progress and have plenty of fun making those goals happen!

Soccer Coach

Lily

Hi, I’m Lily! My high-performance background includes learning from the team at Melbourne Victory, and I’m excited to bring that energy to Bright Stars. I love helping young players master the foundations of soccer and discover how those skills come together in the game. Through engaging, well-structured sessions, I want kids to build their technique, understanding and confidence while enjoying themselves. Every new skill is a reason to celebrate, and every challenge is a chance to learn. I can’t wait to help our little stars grow, feel proud of their progress and have fun on the pitch!

Soccer Coach
Soccer Coach

Kero

Hi, I’m Kero! I’m an enthusiastic soccer coach and a massive Messi fan! I love the creativity, excitement and teamwork that make soccer such a special game, and I’m excited to share that passion with our young stars.

At Bright Stars, I want children to enjoy the ball at their feet, make friends and build the confidence to keep trying. I can’t wait to celebrate their efforts and help them fall in love with soccer!

Samyukta

Hi, I’m Samyukta! I’m excited to help our young stars learn, have fun and feel part of the Bright Stars team. I want every child to feel welcome and encouraged as they discover what they can achieve through soccer. My goal is to make learning a positive experience, with plenty of opportunities to try new skills, build confidence and enjoy playing with others. I love the idea of celebrating each child’s effort and helping them feel proud of their progress. I can’t wait to share that enthusiasm and help make each session something our players look forward to!

Soccer Coach

Aaliyah

Hi, I’m Aaliyah! Soccer has always been a huge part of my life, and I’m excited to share that passion with our young stars. I bring two years of NPL playing experience, along with lessons in patience and resilience from recovering from an ACL injury. That journey has reminded me how much small steps and encouragement matter. Coaching at Bright Stars keeps me connected to the game I love while helping younger players learn and grow. I want every child to feel supported, celebrate their progress and discover the joy of being part of a soccer team!

Soccer Coach
Soccer Coach

Obed

Hi, I’m Obed! I’ve played soccer since I was young, usually as a defender, where focus, teamwork and supporting one another make all the difference. I’m excited to bring those lessons to Bright Stars and help our young players grow their skills and confidence. I love encouraging good sportsmanship, resilience and a positive approach to learning. My goal is to create an inclusive team environment where every child feels welcome and ready to try. I can’t wait to celebrate our players’ efforts and help them discover how rewarding it is to learn and play together!

Ayden

Hi, I’m Ayden! I’m excited to make soccer a highlight of your child’s week through fun, engaging sessions packed with opportunities to learn and play. I love helping young players build their skills while discovering the confidence to try something new. Whether they’re finding their feet or ready for their next challenge, I want every child to feel encouraged and enjoy being part of the team. At Bright Stars, having fun and making progress go hand in hand. I can’t wait to see our young stars give it a go and grow their love for the game!

Assistant Coach

Manrose

Hi, I’m Manrose! I love working with kids and helping them discover the fun of soccer, from learning new skills to making friends and playing as a team. I bring a friendly, supportive approach so every child feels welcome and comfortable giving things a go. I’m excited to encourage our young stars through each challenge and celebrate their progress along the way. My goal is to help players build confidence, learn to support one another and enjoy being active. I can’t wait to see our team learn, laugh and grow together on the pitch!

Assistant Coach

Axel

Hi, I’m Axel! I’m excited to be part of the Bright Stars coaching team and help our young stars make the most of their time on the pitch. I want sessions to feel fun, welcoming and full of encouragement, so kids feel comfortable trying new skills and learning alongside friends. My goal is to help every player build confidence, enjoy being active and feel proud of their effort. Whether it’s giving something new a go or cheering on a teammate, there’s plenty to celebrate. I can’t wait to get started and share the fun of soccer with our team!

Assistant Coach

Henok

Hi, I’m Henok! I’m excited to bring my energy and passion for sport to the Bright Stars team. I love encouraging youth to get active, try new things and discover the fun of learning and playing together. Teamwork is something I really value. I believe introducing it early through sport can help children build habits that support them throughout life: listening to others, sharing ideas, encouraging teammates and working towards a common goal. Whether it’s making a pass or helping someone feel included, those small moments matter.

Assistant Coach