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The people behind the players

Coaching with
purpose.

Technical knowledge matters. So do trust, encouragement and the ability to bring out the best in every young person. Meet the coaches shaping the HVEFA experience.

Player-firstDevelopment-ledValues-driven

Meet the team

Different strengths.
One philosophy.

Every HVEFA coach brings their own perspective and strengths while sharing one commitment: safe, positive and purposeful development for every player.

Luke Lancaster, Founder & Academy Director at HVEFA

Founder & Academy Director

Luke Lancaster

Luke brings more than a decade of experience across MiniRoos, youth development, senior football and technical direction. He leads HVEFA with clear standards, purposeful pathways and a whole-player approach that connects football development with confidence, wellbeing and character.

Coaching skills

  • Technical direction
  • Team development
  • Tactical intelligence
  • Youth pathways
  • Coach coordination

Personal attributes

  • Experienced
  • Values-led
  • Ambitious
  • Inclusive
  • Development-focused

Coaching credentials

  • C Diploma
  • Youth Game Training Certificate
  • Youth Skills Training Certificate
  • MiniRoos Certificate
  • Working towards FA ‘B’ Diploma in 2026

Experience & achievements

  • 2010–present · Senior men’s and women’s coach
  • 2014–present · MiniRoos coach
  • 2020–present · MJFC girls’ and boys’ development coach
  • 2023–2024 · MJFC Club Coach Co-ordinator
  • 2024 · HVF Interstate runner-up
  • 2024 · U16 Boys Minor Premiers
  • 2024 · Champion of Champions runner-up
  • 2025 · HVF Interstate Champions
  • Development Trials Coach and Co-ordinator
  • Female Football Ambassador
“My mission is to develop winning teams by creating safe, enjoyable environments where every player builds technical skill, tactical intelligence, and strong mental and physical health.”
Iain McDonald, Senior Academy Coach at HVEFA

Senior Academy Coach

Iain McDonald

Iain is a B Diploma coach with more than two decades of experience across senior football, community teams and youth development. His background includes coaching within the Northern NSW Football Academy, club leadership and successful development programs for girls and boys.

Coaching skills

  • Team development
  • Technical coaching
  • Tactical learning
  • Goalkeeper development
  • Youth pathways

Personal attributes

  • Dedicated
  • Motivated
  • Experienced
  • Supportive
  • Player-first

Coaching credentials

  • B Diploma
  • C Diploma
  • Youth Game Training Certificate
  • Youth Skills Training Certificate
  • Goalkeeping Certificate

Experience & achievements

  • 2003–2011 · Senior men’s captain and player-coach
  • 2013–2017 · Community boys’ coach
  • 2018–present · MJFC girls’ and boys’ development coach
  • 2020–2023 · MJFC President
  • 2023–present · Northern NSW Football Academy coach
  • 2023 · Development Minor and Major Premiers
  • 2024 · HVF Interstate Champion
  • 2024 · Development Major Premiers
  • Development Trials Coach and Co-ordinator
  • Female Football Ambassador
“Dedicated to developing winning teams and creating safe, enjoyable environments where players grow their technical and tactical skills, confidence, and mental and physical wellbeing.”
Skyla Stauffer, Junior Coach at HVEFA

Junior Coach

Skyla Stauffer

Skyla combines strong football vision and technical ability with a genuine passion for youth development. She helps young players see the game in new ways and understand how to think and move on the pitch.

Coaching skills

  • Football vision
  • Technical development
  • Game awareness
  • Movement coaching
  • Youth development

Personal attributes

  • Positive
  • Supportive
  • Passionate
  • Confidence-building
  • Creative
“Creating an environment where players build confidence, learn and enjoy their football.”

The HVEFA coaching standard

How we show up.

01

See the player

Understand the individual before prescribing the development.

02

Teach the game

Help players understand why, when and how—not simply what to do.

03

Build belief

Create challenges that grow confidence, resilience and enjoyment.

04

Model the values

Lead with respect, integrity, teamwork and care in every session.

Start your HVEFA journey

Meet the team.
Find your program.

Tell us about your player and we’ll help you choose the right development environment.

Book a trial