IT BEGINS WITH GREAT COACHES

At Sharks, our highest priority is to hire and develop the most exceptional coaches for our players. 2025 sees an almost completely refreshed coaching lineup at the club as we double down on this promise.

Our Leadership Team

James Webb

JDL TD
James Webb, with over 20 years of coaching experience across New Zealand, England, and Australia, is the first full-time Junior Development League (JDL) Technical Director at Sutherland Sharks FC. His extensive background includes working with players of all ages, from grassroots to elite pathways, and developing national-level players now competing internationally.
Having coached at Chelsea Football Club and contributed to New Zealand’s talent pathways, James brings a global perspective to our JDL program. He is committed to fostering a high-quality, inclusive development environment focused on individual growth, goal setting, and a love for the game. Passionate about supporting players and coaches alike, James is excited to lead the Sharks’ JDL program into a new era of excellence.
Paul Reid

YOUTH TD & U18’s
As a former Socceroo, Paul brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience at every level, from grassroots to the professional stage. With a 16-year career as a professional player in both Australia and England, Paul knows firsthand the standards, winning mentality, and work ethic youth players need to embrace to reach their potential and chase their dreams.
Passionate about youth development, Paul transitioned into coaching after retiring as a player. His coaching career culminated in a role as Assistant Coach for Sydney FC’s A-League men’s team from 2019 to 2023, during which they achieved Premiers and Champions status in 2020. Now, as the Technical Director of our Youth Football Program, Paul is committed to leading the next generation of Sharks players with his deep experience and vision for success.
Steve Zoric

FIRST GRADE
Steve Zoric is a highly accomplished and results-driven coach with over 11 years of experience coaching at the top levels of NPL in NSW. Renowned for his tactical, data-driven approach, Steve has a proven track record of developing players who advance to compete at elite levels. His coaching philosophy integrates advanced methods and a deep understanding of the game, empowering players to refine their technical skills, enhance tactical awareness, and build the mental toughness needed to excel under pressure.
With a focus on teamwork, discipline, and resilience, Steve fosters a positive learning environment where each player can reach their full potential. His commitment to player growth and strategic insight make him an invaluable asset to the Sharks coaching team.

Aleksandar Veljanovski

JDL 9’s & 12’s
Aleksandar, originally from Macedonia, brings a wealth of international playing experience to the Sharks. Starting at a young age, he competed in Macedonia’s top league and represented his national team from U13 to U21.
Since moving to Australia in 2014, Aleksandar has played at the NPL level and transitioned to coaching, dedicating himself to youth development. He’s thrilled to be part of Sutherland Sharks, where he looks forward to learning from fellow professionals and helping players reach new heights in their football careers.
Allan Edmondson

JDL 10’s & 11’s
Allan has been a dedicated part of Sutherland’s coaching community since 1973, bringing with him decades of experience in both youth and senior football. His early years saw him leading representative teams to three State Championships before transitioning to senior football, where he worked in the National League, winning two premierships with U20s teams. Allan has also coached NSW representative teams, leading them to two National Titles and helping players launch international careers.
As an Australian Soccer Federation staff coach and “A” licence holder, Allan is thrilled to return to youth coaching at Sutherland, aiming to guide young players toward their goals with his extensive experience and passion for the game.
Luke Di Stefano

YOUTH 13’s
Luke’s coaching journey began with the Miniroo program at Caringbah Redbacks, sparking a passion that quickly led him to take on coaching roles with GSAP and Sharks’ U11 SAP team.
With a background in competitive football and a keen interest in the tactical intricacies of the game, Luke is excited to help players develop as they transition into youth football. He looks forward to building a cohesive team and is driven by a vision of guiding his squad to finals success, instilling a love for the game and the discipline required to excel.
Luccas Pereira

YOUTH 15’s
Luccas is a passionate football coach committed to developing players of all ages through personalised, skill-focused training. His coaching philosophy centres on exposing players to diverse playing styles and high-level competition to enhance growth, which led him to collaborate with IberCup and create international pathways for Australian players.
With a meticulous approach to training, Luccas emphasises attention to detail and leads by example, aiming to instill resilience, teamwork, and a love for the game in each player. He fosters an environment that encourages excellence and a deep understanding of football’s values.
John Christou

YOUTH 16’s
John’s football journey began as a standout young player in the NSW State League, competing alongside top players and gaining invaluable international experience playing against clubs like AC Milan and Olympiakos. After his playing career, he dedicated over 15 years to youth coaching in the NPL, helping hundreds of players prepare for senior football.
Now part of the Sharks coaching team, John values the camaraderie of his colleagues and is focused on making a positive impact on every player’s development. His message to players and families: “Enjoy the journey.”
Christopher "Kiki" Naumoff

UNDER 20’s
Kiki Naumoff started his football journey with Sutherland Sharks FC at age 11, where he played for seven seasons and made his 1st Grade debut. After joining Sydney FC in 2013, he represented the club in the A-League, FFA Cup, and Asian Champions League and played for Australia’s U20 and U23 teams, with the highlight being his start in the 2015 A-League Grand Final.
Returning to Sutherland in 2019, Kiki served as 1st Grade Assistant Coach and later Youth Technical Director and U18 Head Coach before leading the U20 squad, a role he continues in for 2025. With experience gained from time at the FFA Centre of Excellence and Arsenal FC Women’s team, Kiki is focused on youth development and creating pathways for players to reach the first team. He will begin his AFC/FFA A Diploma in early 2025.
Nathan Denham

GOALKEEPER COACH
Nathan brings extensive playing experience from both the NSL and NPL NSW. He played youth football with Canberra Deakin, winning the final NSL Youth season, and went on to represent Wollongong Wolves before joining Sharks in 2008. Nathan played over 200 first-grade games with the club, winning several trophies until retiring in 2017.
Now fully dedicated to coaching, Nathan is passionate about developing the next generation of goalkeepers at the Sharks with the hope of seeing them progress to professional careers. Having mentored players who have gone on to the A-League, the national team and successful international careers, he brings invaluable experience and a commitment to helping young goalkeepers reach their potential.
Tom Wilson

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING
Tom is a seasoned Exercise and Sports Scientist with over 15 years of experience in athletic performance, specialising in strength and conditioning. A former semi-professional player in the NSW NPL—and a former Sharks player himself—Tom understands the demands of competitive football. After running strength and conditioning programs at St George FC and Mounties Wanderers FC, he has returned to his childhood club to build a new generation of strong, resilient Sharks athletes.
With a diverse background in athletic performance, Tom has worked with professional and amateur athletes across multiple sports, managed private academy programs, and lectured in exercise science. Tom’s dedication to enhancing sports performance makes him a vital part of the Sharks’ development program.