Our COACHING TEAM
Who We Are
ADAM THURSTON
- DIRECTOR
NZF Junior Level 3
FA Level 2
NZF/OFC b LICENSE COACH​
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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
FRANCO
D'ORTENZIO
- COACH
NZF JUNIOR LEVEL 1
COACHING AWARD
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Young and enthusiastic, Franco is starting to make his mark on football and has an early passion for coaching.
Franco has coached several teams through school level and recently won Coach of the year award at Selwyn College. Having played at Eastern Suburbs all his life, he is focusing on his own playing whilst also helping young football players on their own journey.
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Franco vales great people as well as great players, putting emphasis on positive attitude and work ethic.
Franco is super excited to be working as part of The Pro Project team and will make sure that at the end of the day, players love playing football.
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The Pro Project welcome Franco on board, a young passionate Coach and another great person to add to our team. Franco will be coaching our Promising Player Programme and our private sessions for 5-9 year olds.
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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.
Campbell Strong
- COACH
Campbell has represented New Zealand at both U17 and U23 level. His major highlight is captaining the U17 side to an Oceania Championship.
Campbell has also played in America and England while making 100 appearances for Eastern Suburbs mens first-team by the age of 19.
Starting coaching at 15, Campbell enjoys seeing the success and growth of young players in the area.
Campbell is a caring and empathetic coach who creates a positive and encouraging environment where kids can develop their unique abilities and carry lessons into all aspects of life.
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DYLAN CONNOLLY
- ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT COACH
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The Pro Project Athlete Development Coach's focus is to improve the athletic ability of young footballers.
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Dylan has gained a great understanding of athletic development through both his career as a physiotherapist but also his playing career as a footballer. This is vital on the journey to becoming a better player and will give our athletes the edge when it comes to their club/school football. This will involve individualised assesment and planning around each players weaknesses and appropriate programming to improve on these aspects of their game, through strength and conditioning, speed and resistant work.
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The game of football is evolving and every player wants to be faster and stronger, these sessions will give our athletes the chance to do so. This will be rolled out in our Advanced Player Programme 1-1 sessions to supplement out football coaching.
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The Pro Project are delighted to have Dylan in board. He brings great expertise in this area and we look forward to introducing the speed/strength element alongside our football coaching.​