Community Coach
Jenna, a proud Perth local, has been passionate about football since she was 4 years old, inspired by her dad, Jamie Harnwell, a Perth Glory legend with 256 appearances! She began her football journey at Sorrento Football Club and later advanced to the NTC program with Football West, where she spent three years playing in the NPLW and representing various state teams.
Currently studying a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at Edith Cowan University, Jenna has been coaching football for the past three years. As a Football Futures Foundation community coach, her passion for helping others and teaching children shines through. Jenna loves the connections she builds with young players and the joy of giving kids who haven’t had the chance to participate in football the opportunity to enjoy the game.
Community Coach
Evan is a passionate football enthusiast and a dedicated supporter of Everton Football Club. By day, Evan is a 4th-year electrical apprentice, and during his downtime, he enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, traveling, and spending time with friends.
Evan joined Football Futures Foundation because he believes in their mission of bringing communities together through football. His role as a community coach not only allows him to meet new people and travel to new places, but also gives him the opportunity to play the game he loves while making a positive impact on the community.
Community Coach
Baxter thrives on helping others and building strong connections with young players. He was diagnosed with two life-threatening medulla blastoma brain tumours at 17, undergoing surgeries, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and was informed that he may never walk again. Today Baxter brings this resilience to his role as a community coach with Football Futures Foundation, inspiring young players with his incredible story and creating a positive, supportive environment for all.
As a sports lover, Baxter enjoys watching basketball and football and maintains an active lifestyle by playing sports himself. He brings this energy to his coaching, encouraging young people to stay active and healthy. Baxter aims to combine his passion for exercise and helping others as a future clinical physiologist, making a meaningful impact on the lives of those facing health challenges.
Community Coach
Rodrigues (affectionately known as Roddy) was born in Burundi, Africa, and brings his lived experience of cerebral palsy and being of a migrant background to Football Futures Foundation. His unique perspective helps him connect deeply with young players, especially those from diverse backgrounds, as he understands the challenges they may face. He leverages his own journey to inspire and uplift others, making football a tool for empowerment and inclusion. Rodrigues is actively involved with the Foundation’s WA Para Football program and has been selected to represent Western Australia in the National Para Football Championships for two consecutive years. Rodrigues have also been selected to participate in various Pararoos training camps and continues to work on his goal to represent Australia with the Pararoos squad someday.
Rodrigues is a passionate community coach with Football Futures Foundation, where he teaches young players with disabilities essential football skills, along with values like respect and teamwork. He focuses on building communication and confidence in a safe, inclusive environment. Rodrigues is dedicated to ensuring all children and young people feel comfortable and included, while also helping kids who may not afford club participation develop their talents and love for the game. His mission is to make football accessible and enjoyable for all.
Community Coach
Katelyn is a multi-talented athlete and Australian representative in both para football and athletics. She co-captains the CommBank ParaMatildas alongside Carly Salmon and has competed nationally in sports like swimming, netball, tenpin bowling, and touch football. She is also part of the Australian Deaf and Blind Football squads.Her achievements include multiple national championships in tenpin bowling and netball, numerous swimming and athletics medals, and a successful ParaMatildas career, highlighted by being named ParaMatilda of the Year and winning the Asian Cup as co-captain in 2023.
Katelyn Smith is a dedicated community coach with Football Futures Foundation, bringing her wealth of lived experience as an elite para athlete and co-captain of the ParaMatildas. Her journey overcoming physical challenges, including severe asthma, cerebral palsy, and hearing impairment, inspires and empowers young people in our programs. Katelyn’s resilience, passion, and deep understanding of inclusion make her a role model for participants, fostering a supportive and encouraging environment for all abilities.
Executive Officer
Michael is a dynamic leader with over eight years as a CEO and 13 years in sports and charity management. Michael excels in creating high-performing teams and delivering impactful solutions for youth and children’s services.
Programs & Operations Manager
Art has over 15 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, of which eight were spent in community services. He is passionate about improving the lives of others and gets excited about strategy, innovation and new business start-ups.
He has experienced the power of football in connecting people from different backgrounds and cultures following his migration from the Netherlands in 2009. It is his mission in life to share the benefits he has received from the World Game with as many people as possible and give back to his adopted country. He is a grassroots football coach and volunteers at his local club in his spare time.
Art holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Small Business Management, a Master of Science in Policy, Communication & Organisation and a Master of Business Administration (adv) from the University of Western Australia.
Committee Member
Committee Member
Sue Minutillo is a dedicated advocate for inclusive football in Western Australia, with a passion ignited when her son Chris became part of the Equal Footingball program in 2011. Witnessing the inception of inclusive football in WA, Sue’s commitment to the cause led her to volunteer at the Special Olympics, where she served in a pivotal role in establishing the first football team for Special Olympics WA. As a devoted mother, she has worn multiple hats, including State Secretary, Perth Metro Secretary, Football Coordinator, and Assistant Head of Delegation for three National games at Special Olympics WA. Sue also served as Team Manager for WA Paras and currently manages the Equal Footingball team at Cockburn City Soccer Club, championing and coordinating the Equal Footingball league. Additionally, she is a committee member of Cockburn City Soccer Club and the Team Manager of the newly formed WAID (intellectual disability) state team.
Sue firmly believes in recognising and accepting players with disabilities, advocating for their rights to excel in football, from grassroots to national and international levels. Her primary focus lies in supporting players with intellectual disabilities, culminating in the realisation of her dream – the formation of the first state ID team (WAID), set to compete at National competitions. Sue’s motto is straightforward: to enhance the participation and acceptance of disabled athletes in football, empowering them to achieve their full potential.
Her recent appointment to the WA Football Disability Advisory Committee is a testament to her dedication. Sue sees this role as an honour and a valuable opportunity to contribute significantly to the advancement of disability football in WA. Through her tireless efforts, she continues to make a lasting impact, ensuring that every player, regardless of ability, has an equal opportunity to thrive in the beautiful game.
Committee Member
Jack O’Keeffe is the President of the Western Electric Sporting Association (WESA), a dedicated leader with 16 years of experience in powered wheelchair sports. Living with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy, Jack has been an influential force in shaping WESA’s vision for the past five years, fostering inclusivity and empowerment within the organisation.
In addition to his role at WESA, Jack has a diverse professional background, having worked in the independent film industry and taught high school English and special needs education. Currently contributing to the disability equipment sector, he leverages his expertise to enhance accessibility and support for individuals with diverse needs.
Jack’s commitment extends beyond his professional life, with a significant history of volunteering for various disability sporting associations. His contributions positively impact individuals across different age groups, reflecting his dedication to creating opportunities for everyone in the disability community.
As a leader, athlete, and advocate, Jack continues to inspire resilience and determination. His involvement in the WA Disability Football Advisory Committee demonstrates a sustained commitment to shaping the future of disability football, ensuring an inclusive and empowering experience for all participants.
Committee Member
Chris Barty brings over a decade’s worth of experience and an unwavering commitment to building and advocating for inclusive sports environments. In his diverse career, Chris has worn many hats, playing roles as an athlete, administrator, classifier, and dedicated volunteer.
Educated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Masters of Professional Communications specialising in Public Relations and Management, Chris has seamlessly integrated his academic background with his passion for fostering inclusivity within sports communities.
Chris’s journey as an athlete has been marked by his significant contributions to the Sunday League, where he showcased his skills prominently as a player for the Joondanna Blues. His international representation for the Pararoos at two Para Football World Cups stands as a testament to his prowess in adaptive sports. Notably, Chris was awarded Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the 2018 IFCPF Asian Cup, underlining his excellence in the field.
Chris considers his proudest achievement to be the co-founder of the WA Para Football program in 2010. Through this initiative, he has witnessed the transformative power of football in bringing communities together and enhancing the quality of life for individuals, irrespective of their circumstances, background or ability.
In his commitment to inclusion, Chris serves as a valuable member of the WA Football Disability Advisory Committee. His expertise and insights are instrumental in providing guidance on matters related to inclusive sports initiatives. His dedication extends to ensuring that football becomes a game accessible to everyone.
Marketing and Communications Manager
Saskia is a communications professional who collaborates with stakeholders to deliver strategic communications outcomes. Saskia holds a Bachelor of Communications (Public Relations and Journalism) and a Diploma of Digital Marketing from Murdoch University, and has over ten years of marketing and communications experience across a variety of sectors including media, education, public health, not for profit, sports and community services.
Saskia was only ten years old when she migrated with her family from Indonesia to New Zealand. She was the newest kid in the block and didn’t speak the language of her classmates very well. But every lunchtime, everyone knew how to play her favourite game, football! Through football, Saskia made friends, learned the English language and was able to connect with her new community. When she relocated to Australia later on as a young adult, Saskia volunteered and coached at local football clubs which helped her find new friendships and a sense of belonging. Since then, Saskia knew she wanted to spread the word about the power of football in breaking barriers.
As a football fan, Saskia is an advocate for sports as a community development platform and works within the media and communications space to support Football Futures Foundation in delivering impactful messages to promote its mission.
Outside her 9-5, Saskia serves as an advisory board member at One Ball, a Melbourne-based not for profit football organisation championing inclusion for children and young people from immigrant and refugee backgrounds.
In her spare time, Saskia is usually watching football games, spending time with loved ones and travelling whenever she gets a chance!
Chair
Nick has over 50 years experience in business across a variety of sectors including primary production, hospitality, horticulture property development and professional sports. He currently owns Sumich Group which is the largest horticulturist in Western Australia. He was previously majority owner of Australian Fast Foods which owned both Chicken Treat and Red Rooster.
In 1995 Nick founded the Perth Glory Soccer Club, Western Australia’s first entry into the then National Soccer League. He was also instrumental in the redevelopment of Perth Oval (now HBF Park) by the Western Australian State Government.
In 2019, Ernst and Young recognised Nick’s business achievements naming him as its Champion of Entrepreneurship at the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.
Nick is the Chair of the Football Futures Foundation.
Director
Tanya is experienced in all forms of the game and is currently the Head Coach of Bristol City Women in the FA Women’s Championship. She has playing experience at a professional level for Perth Glory, where she was the first player of indigenous descent to captain a W-League side, and Doncaster Rovers Belles.
Tanya was born in the Pilbara town of Wickham and grew up playing football in a team coached by her father in the local community.
Tanya holds a UEFA A-Licence, a Diploma in Football Management and is a qualified sports psychologist.
Director
James is an experienced senior executive, board member and advisor across government, not for profit and community sectors. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Football West and a member of the University of Western Australia’s Sports Advisory Board, whilst previously Executive Director – Community Development within the WA State Government and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (ABC) Advisory Council. He is also current Director of Richmond Wellbeing who provide inclusive, community-based mental health and wellbeing support services across Western Australia.
James has worked in a broad range of sectors including media, health, education, Aboriginal affairs, finance, community services including as a senior management consultant providing strategy and evaluation advice to State and Commonwealth government agencies.
James holds a Graduate Diploma in Commercial Resource Law from the University of Western Australia and Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Social Science from Curtin University. James is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and a member and graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Inclusion Program Advisor
Chris has over a decade’s worth of experience in building and advocating for inclusive sport. He has worn many hats over that time, including an athlete, administrator, classifier and volunteer.
Chris has spent his working life working alongside communities and holds a Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) and a Masters of Professional Communications (Public Relations & Management).
As an athlete, Chris spent the majority of his Sunday League career playing for the Joondanna Blues. He represented the Pararoos at two world cups and won Goalkeeper of the tournament at the 2018 IFCPF Asian Cup.
He considers his proudest achievement to be co-founding the WA Para Football program in 2010 where he has witnessed first-hand the power of football to bring communities together and improve the quality of life of people regardless of their circumstances.
Chris provides advice on matters relating to community inclusion and is excited to support the Football Futures Foundation to ensure that the world game is a game for everyone.
Inclusion Programs Manager
Originally from Liverpool UK, Mick is a die-hard Everton supporter, living and breathing all things football (soccer). Mick loves playing and coaching and is passionate about inclusion in the sport – working tirelessly to ensure that the entire Perth community can play the beautiful game, regardless of disability, age, or background.
Mick leads the Football For All initiative including the i-League (formerly United Reds Football League), supporting local clubs to get involved in this fun and inclusive league for young players with disability or just new to the game!
Mick is also involved with the WA Paras football program and has been for the last 7 years. If you want to know anything about parafootball, ask Mick!
On the off-chance Mick isn’t coaching, playing or even thinking about football, you’ll find him cooking up a storm in the kitchen, or walking his beloved dog.
Director
Ivy has held several senior corporate management roles. Currently Ivy is the Manager of the Corporate team and a Principal Consultant at CSA Global Pty Ltd where her areas of specialty include corporate governance, due diligence, mining studies and disclosure.
Ivy has been involved in the minerals industry for over 30 years in geology, mining and resource estimation, and management. Her operational experience in the mining industry in Australia and China as a geologist includes open pit and underground mines for gold, manganese and chromite. She is a director of the AusIMM, the largest professional association for those employed in the mining industry, and a non-executive director of Horizon Power, a WA state government trading enterprise.
Ivy’s passion for football was developed at a young age through growing up in Malaysia and being exposed to many international competitions. Ivy is now involved with Multicultural Futures, a not-for-profit organisation which provides support to migrants for the first five years in Australia, where English and living can be challenging, but football provides a great way for community integration.
Director
Tony has over 30 years’ experience as a qualified lawyer in the areas of corporate law, commercial law, property law and commercial litigation. He has significant experience in commercial management across real estate, sport, not-for-profit entities, venue management and media industries.
Tony is currently Managing Director of Gramercy Legal and a former Director of the Educational Music Tour Bus Foundation Australia (The FAME Project).
Tony holds a Bachelor of Laws, a Bachelor of Jurisprudence and a Bachelor of Psychology all from the University of Western Australia. He is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Western Australia and the High Court of Australia.
Our people are our Foundation. Those within our team are afforded opportunities to build a successful and highly fulfilling career while being suitably rewarded for doing so. If delivering social impact with or alongside a fantastic, growing charity organisation is of interest to you, we welcome your contact via this form.