Established in 1897, Sacred Heart College is a co-educational Catholic college in the Marist tradition, nurturing both day and boarding students’ holistic needs from Years 7 to 12, across two campuses.

First XVIII Football Coach

Sacred Heart College is seeking an experienced and highly capable football coach to lead its First XVIII program.

The First XVIII Football Coach will play an significant role in developing our senior footballers, establishing a strong and positive team culture, and contributing to a consistent approach to football development across the College. The successful candidate will work closely with the College's Boys Sport Coordinator, Second XVIII Coach and broader coaching team, while building strong relationships with players, families, clubs and the wider football community.

This role will be engaged as an independent contractor for the College football season or for a tenure to be agreed between the College and the First XVIII Football Coach.

Key responsibilities

The First XVIII Football Coach will:

- Plan and deliver a high-quality coaching program for the First XVIII, including two training sessions per week during the College football season and an appropriate pre-season program.

- Attend and coach the First XVIII at scheduled matches, including pre-season trial games, Statewide Knockout matches and Intercol fixtures.

- Develop and implement a clear game style, with players understanding both their individual roles and their contribution to team performance.

- Provide regular, constructive and individualised feedback to First XVIII players to support their development as footballers.

- Use training, match observation and, where available,



game footage and performance data to inform player development and team performance.

- Work collaboratively with the Second XVIII Coach and Football Coordinator to make sound and considered selection decisions and ensure alignment across the senior football program.

- Coordinate appropriate strength and conditioning and fitness programs for the First and Second XVIII senior squads.

- Mentor coaches across both campuses and conduct Coach Education Sessions to promote consistency in the College's game style, coaching approach and behavioural expectations.

- Build strong relationships with players, families, SANFL clubs and the wider football community to support appropriate player development and pathways.

- Uphold and model the Marist values and expectations of Sacred Heart College and actively support the College in matters relating to student behaviour, wellbeing and team culture.

- Report any concerns relating to student safety or wellbeing promptly to the Boys Sports Coordinator and comply with all College safeguarding and reporting requirements.

- Comply with all applicable child protection legislation, Working with Children requirements and College policies and procedures, and maintain all required documentation.

- Perform other reasonable services associated with the First XVIII football program, as agreed between the College and the First XVIII Football Coach.

The successful candidate will have:





- Level 2 Coaching Accreditation, as a minimum.

- Significant experience as an Australian Rules football coach and/or player, ideally including senior, high-performance or representative-level involvement.

- Demonstrated ability to develop young athletes and create a positive, disciplined and high-performing team environment.

- Demonstrated capacity to mentor and develop other coaches.

- Strong football knowledge, including contemporary approaches to player development, game strategy and training design.

- Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage effectively with students, families, coaches, College staff and external clubs.

- Strong organisational, leadership and decision-making capabilities.

- A genuine commitment to providing positive sporting experiences for young people and supporting their development both on and off the field.

- A current Working with Children Check and willingness to meet all other College child safeguarding and compliance requirements.

Please note applications will be reviewed as they are received. Applicants may be contacted, interviewed and appointed prior to the closing date and time. If you are considering this position please submit your application promptly.

Please visit our website https://shc.sa.edu.au/our-college/employment/ for more details about the position and the application process.

Only complete applications submitted via email directly to Sacred Heart College will be considered. Applications submitted via this Seek advertisement will not be considered.

Applications for this position will close at 4.00pm on Friday 16 October 2026.

📌 First XVIII Football Coach (Somerton Park)
🏢 Sacred Heart College
📍 Somerton Park