The Northern Rivers Football Academy is pleased to confirm the appointment of Gavin Whitney as the Academy’s Technical Director.
Gavin has enjoyed a long and successful coaching career throughout the Northern Rivers. He has coached club and elite level youth, Premier League teams and has taken Representative squads from the Far North Coast through to the National titles. Some of Gavin’s proteges have gone on to sign for National Premier League, A-League and international teams.
Gavin holds a FFA/AFC B Licence and has been a Lead Coach at the Academy since its inception in 2017. He has acted in the Head Coach role and led our coaching team’s development and education, overseen the Pre-Academy programs, coached 12s, 13s and 14s boys and girls and was instrumental in keeping the Academy alive through the challenges of 2020 and 2021.
Gavin is one of the most dedicated and tireless coaches and managers in youth football and a worthy leader for our football programs.
Our Liverpudlian connections will remain integral parts of the Academy team. James Gow (Underground Coaching) will continue as our Technical Consultant, bringing his incomparable expertise and football wisdom to our coach and player development, while James Rowe will provide invaluable support in his Player Engagement and Female Program roles.
"This is a wonderful step for The Academy. Gavin is a highly knowledgeable coach and
epitomises everything that is good about the Academy. Moving into a full time academy director role will give him the time he needs to drive the Academy forward."
James Gow - Underground Coaching
Academy Technical Director - Al Jazira Sports Club
"Gav is a true leader. A bit of a hero to me really! Knowledgable, experienced and enthusiastic. His love for this Academy and these players knows no bounds."
James Rowe - NRFA Head of Female Program & Player Engagement
Congratulations Gav!