Coast Football Weekly

Coast Football Weekly – Ep. 16 | Featuring: Sarah Hudson

In this episode of Coast Football Weekly, we’re joined by Sarah Hudson, current Killarney WPL coach, who has helped guide the side through an incredible unbeaten run. Sarah’s first season in charge saw Killarney go undefeated and win all three trophies on offer, and this season they have continued that form, remaining undefeated once again. We dive into Sarah’s football journey, from starting out at Umina United and Woy Woy, to becoming the only girl in Central Coast Football’s inaugural Academy, making her First Grade debut at just 11 years old, and progressing through representative pathways. Sarah also reflects on some huge moments from her playing career, her successful years in local football, her move into coaching, what she learned as a player that shaped her coaching style, her experience with Killarney’s WPL squad, and what has made the team so hard to beat over the past two seasons.

Coast Football Weekly – Ep. 15 | Featuring: Alex Burgin

In this episode of Coast Football Weekly, we’re joined by Central Coast Football CEO Alex Burgin for a behind-the-scenes look at how football is run across the Coast. Alex takes us through his journey in sport administration, from his early years at Central Coast Football to his time working in the AFL system, and what eventually brought him back to lead CCF as CEO. We dive into the growth of football on the Central Coast, including another record-breaking registration season in 2026, the challenges that come with managing more players and fixtures than ever before, and the work that goes into supporting clubs, volunteers and competitions across the region. Alex also shares insight into some of CCF’s major initiatives and events, his relationship with clubs and council, the importance of facilities, upgrades at Pluim Park, office day-today, judiciary processes, the continued growth of the MPL and WPL competitions, and what the future of football on the Central Coast could look like.

Coast Football Weekly – Ep. 14 | Featuring: Chris Ackerley

In this episode of Coast Football Weekly, we’re joined by former Killarney MPL head coach Chris Ackerley, the man behind the greatest dynasties in Central Coast football history. Chris takes us through his football journey, how he first got into coaching, and what eventually led him to Killarney. From there, we dive into the incredible run that saw Killarney finish first in the Men’s Premier League for seven straight seasons, a record-breaking achievement that had never been done before. We talk about the standards, culture, players and mentality that helped build such a dominant side, how hard it is to stay at the top year after year, and what made that Killarney team so special. Chris also reflects on life after Killarney, his move to East Gosford, and the new challenge of coaching in Division 1 as he looks to build success in a different environment.

Coast Football Weekly – Ep. 13 | Featuring: Andrew Redmayne

In this episode of Coast Football Weekly, we’re joined by Central Coast local, current Mariners goalkeeper, A-League champion and Socceroo, Andrew Redmayne. From growing up in Gosford and starting his professional journey with the Central Coast Mariners, to winning trophies across the A-League and representing Australia on the world stage, Andrew shares the story behind an incredible football career. We chat through his early days on the Coast, his first stint with the Mariners, the lessons learned across his career, and what it means to return home to the club where it all began. Andrew also takes us inside his Socceroos journey, including the famous penalty shootout against Peru, the “Grey Wiggle” moment, and what it felt like helping Australia qualify for the World Cup.

Coast Football Weekly – Ep. 12 | Featuring: Di Fathers & Elyse Vella

In this special Female Football Week episode of Coast Football Weekly, we’re joined by long-time contributor to the women's game on the Central Coast, Di Fathers. Di reflects on her decades involved in the game and shares her perspective on how far women’s football has come on the Central Coast, from the early days of the women’s game through to the opportunities now available for young female players. We discuss the growth of women’s football locally, the impact of the Matildas, the importance of volunteers and female leadership within the game, and what still needs to happen to continue building the future of women’s football. Di also shares stories from her time involved at club and association level, her experience serving on the board at Central Coast Football, and why community football continues to play such an important role on the Coast. We are also joined by Southern's WPL keeper Elyse Vella as we discuss life at her new club, their start to the season and break down the Round 6 WPL fixtures.