Football Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of Alex Epakis as Head Coach of the CommBank Young Matildas (U-20 Women's National Football Team) and Michael Cooper as Head Coach of the CommBank Junior Matildas (U-17 Women's National Football Team), reinforcing its commitment to strengthening the national team coaching pathway, developing elite talent, and fostering a world-class high- performance environment for women's football in Australia.
These appointments align with Football Australia's strategic objectives, ensuring Cooper and Epakis bring proven expertise in player development and talent identification, an elite coaching focus, and a holistic approach to nurturing both players and staff.
Their track records in enhancing programs make them well-equipped to lead the U-17s and U-20s Women's National Football Teams, while also ensuring alignment with Football Australia's broader culture, business, and strategic goals.
As part of Football Australia's development strategy, Cooper and Epakis will work closely with Ninja A-League Women and NPL Women clubs, plus Member Federation Technical Directors, to strengthen alignment between domestic and national pathways. This collaboration will enhance talent identification, streamline player development, and expand opportunities for young footballers to progress, ensuring they are prepared for international competition while thriving at their clubs.
Alex Epakis - Head Coach, CommBank Young Matildas (U-20 Women's National Team)
A passionate builder of grassroots and elite pathways in Australian football, Alex Epakis brings a wealth of experience, having played a key role in youth and professional coaching development. Epakis has previously served as:
- Technical Adviser, Football NSW Girl's Youth Development (2024 - Present)
- Head Coach, Football NSW, NSW Girls State Team (2024 - Present)
- Head Coach, Perth Glory FC Women (2020 - 2024)
- Lead Opposition Scout, Philippines Women's National Team (FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Australia and New Zealand™)
- Senior Head Coach & Technical Director, Sydney University SFC NPL Women's NSW Team (2017 - 2020)
- Academy Age Group Head Coach & Administrator, Sydney FC (2015 - 2017)
- Senior Assistant Coach, Canberra United FC A-League Women (2017/18 Season)
A strong advocate for the professionalisation of women's football, Epakis is recognised for his possession-based, attacking style of play, his ability to nurture young talent, and his commitment to creating positive, high-performance team cultures.
Holding a Football Australia/AFC Professional Diploma, a Master of Education (Sports Coaching) and an accredited Football Australia Coach Educator and Developer, Epakis is well-positioned to lead the CommBank Young Matildas' program into its next phase, ensuring a clear pathway to the CommBank Matildas.
In his current role as Technical Adviser for Football NSW Girl's Youth Development, Epakis supports the technical development of coaches and clubs to develop best practice coaching methodology across NSW's Women's National Premier Leagues youth league programs.
Michael Cooper - Head Coach, U-17 Women's National Team
With extensive experience in youth development and high-performance football, Michael Cooper has been instrumental in shaping South Australia's elite player pathways while also bringing valuable international experience from Football Australia's Subway Joeys/U-17s Men's program where Cooper has been Assistant Coach. His years working within the Subway Joeys set-up provide him with a strong understanding of international youth football, which he now applies to the U-17s Women's National Team. Key Experience & Achievements:
- Coach & Technical Director, Football South Australia (2022 - 2025)
- Assistant Coach, Subway Joeys (U-17s Men's National Team) (2019 - 2025)
- Coach Educator & Developer, Football Australia (2014 - 2019)
Cooper, who holds a Football Australia/AFC A Diploma and Bachelor of Physical Education and Teaching (Hons), is highly suited to leading youth players. His advanced academic and teaching qualifications equips Cooper with the skills and experience to communicate and guide athletes in the U17 age group.
These qualifications, blended with domestic and international youth football coaching experience ensures that Australia's emerging female footballers are developed within a high-performance framework, creating a seamless pathway from the CommBank Junior Matildas to the CommBank Young Matildas and CommBank Matildas.
Introducing the 'Team of Coaches' Initiative
Football Australia's Team of Coaches initiative aims to develop the next generation of high-performance football coaches by providing hands-on experience in national team environments, international camps, and tournaments while maintaining their club commitments.
Key Objectives of 'Team of Coaches' Initiative:
- Advance senior coach development to keep Australia competitive globally.
- Strengthen coaching depth and pathways within the football ecosystem.
- Identify and mentor future national team coaches, ensuring long-term succession.
- Bridge the gap between club and international football, offering high-performance exposure.
- Enhance collaboration between clubs and national teams, integrating best-practice coaching.
The inaugural cohort consists of four high-performance club coaches, ensuring strong alignment between domestic and national team football.
Melissa Barbieri (Melbourne City FC - Assistant Coach, A-League Women)
Former CommBank Matildas' captain and A-League Women champion, Melissa Barbieri, is an Assistant Coach at Melbourne City Women, specialising in goalkeeper development, leadership mentoring, and tactical coaching.
Key Experience & Achievements:
- Former CommBank Matildas' Captain, with 15+ years of international experience.
- Assistant Coach, Melbourne City FC Women (2018 - Present)
- Head Coach, Haileybury College Girls First XI (2017 - Present)
- Technical Director, Southern United FC - Football FC VIC (2022 - 2024)
Barbieri's experience and leadership make her a valuable mentor for emerging talent in the Australian football system.
Catherine Cannuli (Southern Districts Soccer Football Association - Technical Director / Coach)
A former CommBank Matildas' forward, Cannuli is currently Head Coach and Technical Director at Southern Districts (Football NSW), with a focus on attacking football, player development, and tactical innovation.
Key Experience & Achievements:
- Head Coach, Western Sydney Wanderers FC Women (2021 - 2022)
- Assistant Coach, Western Sydney Wanderers FC Women (2017-2021)
- Experienced elite youth coach, focusing on technical excellence and attacking play.
- Mentor for emerging female coaches, supporting the development of Australia's coaching talent pipeline.
Cannuli's ability to implement structured yet creative football philosophies ensure she is well-positioned to develop future national team talent.
Emily Husband (Central Coast Mariners FC - Senior Coach, A-League Women)
Emily Husband is the Head Coach of Central Coast Mariners FC in the A-League Women competition, with a strong track record in tactical coaching and team development. She is known for her ability to create high-performance environments and develop technically skilled teams.
Key Experience & Achievements:
- A-League Women Coach of the Year (2024)
- Assistant Coach, A-League Women All Stars (2024)
- Assistant Coach, Canberra United FC A-League Women (2020 - 2021)
- Head Coach, Sydney University SFC NPL Women's NSW (2016 - 2023)
Husband is a respected leader in Australian football, focused on developing players and progressing the women's game.
Kat Smith (Western United FC - Senior Coach, A-League Women)
Kat Smith is the Head Coach of Western United FC in the A-League Women competition, with extensive experience in high-performance coaching and player development. She has been instrumental in identifying and nurturing elite talent, leading multiple players to national team selection.
Key Experience & Achievements:
- Head Coach, Western Sydney Wanderers FC Women (2022 - 2023)
- Assistant Coach, Melbourne Victory FC Women (2013 - 2019)
- CommBank Matildas' Opposition Analyst (2019 & 2023 FIFA Women's World Cups) - Provided detailed tactical analysis and scouting reports.
Smith is known for her strategic coaching approach, talent identification, and ability to develop high-performance team cultures.
Football Australia's Head of National Teams, Gary Moretti, highlighted the significance of both the new head coach appointments and the Team of Coaches initiative: "The appointments of Michael Cooper and Alex Epakis, alongside the 'Team of Coaches' initiative, reinforce our commitment to building a seamless high- performance pathway from youth national teams to the CommBank Matildas.
"Michael and Alex bring proven expertise in talent identification, player development, and high-performance coaching. Their leadership will drive sustainable success and ensure stronger alignment between club and international football, creating a more connected coaching ecosystem for the future.
"Team of Coaches is a game-changer - offering top coaches national team experience while continuing their club roles, strengthening our coaching depth and leadership pipeline," Moretti concluded.
Epakis will take up his respective roles on 10 March and Cooper on 17 March, to prepare for AFC and FIFA U-17 and U-20 Women's competitions in late 2025, with domestic camps scheduled for April.
