Our Coaches

  • Trent Hirst

    HEAD COACH

    Trent's coaching journey has seen him work with various age groups, starting from his early coaching days at Franklin United and now as the Ellerslie AFC Men's Head Coach.

    Currently holding an OFC C Licence Goalkeeper Coaching Qualification, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the field. His commitment to the sport is unwavering, and we have no doubt that Trent will bring out the best in his goalkeepers under his guidance.

    With his experience and dedication, he is sure to make a significant impact in his coaching role.

  • Cam Spillane

    YOUTH COACH

    Cameron has a vast amount of experience in the net.  Cameron has been a part of the RTC NZ football U17s and U19s in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Cameron has recently departed from Auckland to the University of Waikato and currently plays for Hamilton Wanderers under coach Joe Hinds.

    He has  since made 3 Premiere First Grade appearances in 2024 and won the U19s National tournament.  Cam is a friendly and approachable  young Goalkeeper based in Hamilton and his coaching sessions will ensure the growth and development of enthusiastic  youth goalkeepers in the  Hamilton region. Cameron sets high standards during his coaching sessions with a consistent demanding work ethic and he  looks forward to sharing his technical experience with  like-minded motivated young  goalkeepers in the Waikato region in 2025.

  • Eli Jones

    YOUTH COACH

    Eli is a dedicated and enthusiastic goalkeeper coach with extensive experience working with youth goalkeepers across Auckland. His passion for the game and commitment to player development make him a valuable mentor, helping young athletes refine their skills, build confidence, and develop a strong mindset. With a hands-on coaching approach, Eli ensures that each goalkeeper he trains is equipped with the technical ability and resilience needed to excel.

    Alongside his coaching, Eli is also a goalkeeper for Auckland FC Reserves, bringing firsthand experience from the professional level into his training sessions. His ambition drives him to constantly improve, both as a player and a coach, inspiring those he works with to push their own limits and reach their full potential.

  • Jan-Willem Sudmann

    YOUTH COACH

    Jan offers a wealth of knowledge and experience in goalkeeper coaching. In 2023, Jan worked with Ellerslie AFC, as he coached goalkeepers across many age groups, from beginners, all the way to women’s national league level.

    Jan’s experience doesn’t just stop there! He holds the esteemed OFC C Licence Goalkeeper Coaching Qualification. This means that Jan is qualified to coach goalkeepers across all youth levels, as well as men’s and women’s national league levels.

    We are very fortunate to have someone with Jan’s experience and qualifications in our academy. He will no doubt bring an added layer of knowledge to share our goalkeepers.

  • Luye Murphy

    YOUTH & WOMEN’S COACH

    Luye brings considerable knowledge and expertise to our goalkeeper coaching team. She has played for various teams across her career, including top northern league sides, Western Springs & Fencibles United. She is currently the number 1 goalkeeper at Onehunga Sports Women’s Premier Team. 

    Throughout her coaching career, she has worked with a range of goalkeepers from beginners to the top youth goalkeepers in the region! Luye is also currently working towards her OFC C Licence Qualification. 

    Fun, friendly and super welcoming, we are sure you’re going to love training with Luye!

  • Jackson Gilbert

    YOUTH COACH

    Jackson's extensive background, having competed in national tournaments for both futsal and football, equips him with a diverse skill set that enriches our academy's coaching staff.

    With a particular emphasis on nurturing the growth of young goalkeepers, Jackson has demonstrated a remarkable ability to unlock the full potential of the emerging talents under his guidance.

    His presence at the academy is invaluable, as he infuses his coaching approach with contagious enthusiasm, unwavering dedication, and a wealth of experience in the realm of youth coaching.

  • Keegan Hansen

    ACADEMY DIRECTOR

    Keegan has vast experience in the goalkeeping industry. From playing in a national final in New Zealand to university in the USA, he has plenty of playing experience to draw on. Currently, he plays as the first-team goalkeeper for the Ellerslie Mens team.

    As an OFC C Licence qualified goalkeeper coach, Keegan has been involved with goalkeepers aged 5 to 30 years. This allows him to cater his sessions to goalkeepers of all ages and abilities.

    Friendly, approachable and a hard worker, we are sure that you’re going to love working with Keegan!