Our COACHING TEAM
Who We Are
ADAM THURSTON
- DIRECTOR
NZF Junior Level 3
FA Level 2
NZF/OFC b LICENSE COACH​
​
Spending his youth in the Manchester United Academy from age 8-16. Adam completed his Scholarship at Preston North End before going on to play in the Conference Premier. He has also played in America before coming to New Zealand. Adam's vision for The Pro Project is to give young players a positive experience through playing football, to push the player to reach their full potential. Player care is at the top of his list - 'coach the person first, the player second.'
027 555 4606
Tayla
O'BRIEN
- COACH
BACHELOR OF SPORT & EXERCISE SCIENCE
NZ FOOTBALL FERN
NZF Junior Level 3
C License qualified coach
​
Tayla has a true passion for football. This passion has led her to represent her country at two U20 World Cups and her region in the National Womens League.
Tayla is currently an integral member of the Eastern Suburbs Womens Premier team, currently leading the 2022 National League and Tayla is leading the 'Golden Boot' - so she definitely knows where the back of the net is!
Tayla brings extensive knowledge and dedication to the game as a coach. She maintains a focus on ensuring female footballers reach their ambitions by working hard and ultimately having fun.
​
JAkE MOOSbALLY
- COACH
NZF JUNIOR LEVEL 3
YOUTH LEVEL 2
C LICENSE qualified coach
'Moose' has coached the ESAFC U10/11 Academy Teams for the past two seasons. He has also been a key part of this year's Chatham Cup Final Eastern Suburbs Senior Mens team. Specialising in defence from his chosen position of Centre Back. Moose is also a highly qualified Junior Coach who builds amazing rapport with young players through the right mix of fun and intensity. Moose loves seeing young players develop both as footballers and as great people and he's really excited to be working with The Pro Project.
FRANCIS
DE VRIES
- COACH
NZF JUNIOR LEVEL 2
Bachelor in Psychology
Nz all white (6 caps)
​
With a Bachelor (with Honours) in Psychology from Saint Francis University (U.S.) and currently studying Masters in Integrative Health Science from Kristianstad University (Sweden). "Franny" brings to our team both player experience and also an understanding of the mental and physical side of the game.
Franny's purpose in joining the team is to help you fulfil your potential and flourish on and off the football pitch through mental skill improvement.
​
JOE
KNOWLES
- COACH
NZF GOALKEEPER LEVEL 1
u20 goalkeeper
C LICENSE qualified coach
​
Joe is a New Zealand Football Goalkeeper Level 1 Qualified Coach and he has impressively represented New Zealand at U17 and U20 level and made his Northern League debut at 16 years old.
Joe is ESAFC's number 1 & also coaches Jr/Youth ages at the club.
Joe has recently been involved with the NZ U23 Olympic squad, but he’s back and excited to be a part of the The Pro Project team.
An amazing young man, on and off the pitch, we are really delighted that Joe will be working with and developing our players.
Joe specialises in Goal Keeping specific skills as well as ball striking technique and finishing.
JOE
JEREMIAH
- COACH
​
​
Having spent his youth within the EFL academy system, Joe earned a 2 year scholarship at League Two Club Forest Green Rovers.
Since then Joe has gained valuable experience playing at Conference Premier level and is now currently a regular starter at Eastern Suburbs Men's team for their 2023 campaign.
Joe is all about creating a supportive learning environment for the players to express themselves and bring confidence to improve their game.
Joe is a specialist in defending looking to coach defending specifics and all round ability too - so it's great to have him on board !
​
