Joondalup, October 23, 2023 – Joondalup United Football Club is thrilled to announce the appointment of Edward Cross as the Head Coach for our State Division 1 Under 18s team for the upcoming 2024 season. This exciting development comes on the heels of a comprehensive selection process, where Edward’s qualifications and coaching background set him apart as the ideal candidate to lead our promising young talents.
Edward Cross brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Joondalup United, having previously served as the NPL assistant coach for Sorrento FC. His experience at a high level of football is an invaluable asset as we strive to elevate our youth program.
Last season, Edward demonstrated his coaching prowess as the assistant coach at Ellenbrook United, where he also led the Reserves team to an impressive second-place finish. What truly sets this accomplishment apart is the remarkable unbeaten streak of 12 games, including 11 victories. This remarkable achievement becomes even more extraordinary when you consider that the average age of the team was just 19, with the youngest player being only 16. This not only underscores Edward’s ability to develop young talent but also his dedication to fostering a winning mentality within his squads.
In terms of qualifications, Edward holds a C license and next pursuing his B license, a testament to his commitment to personal and professional growth within the world of football coaching. His aspiration to continue learning and improving aligns perfectly with Joondalup United’s vision of developing the best young talent and providing them with top-tier coaching.
Edward Cross expressed his enthusiasm about joining Joondalup United, stating, “I am thrilled to be a part of Joondalup United Football Club and eagerly look forward to working towards the club’s goals. This is an exciting opportunity, and I am committed to nurturing the talent within the Under 18s and helping them achieve their full potential.”
President Ghaz Ramli expressed his warm welcome to Edward, stating, “We believe Edward is a perfect fit for the job, and his track record in developing young talent speaks volumes about his capabilities. We are confident that he will make a significant contribution to the success of our Under 18s team.”
Ramli also took the opportunity to thank previous Under 18s head coach Sean Kalaher, who held the position for the past two seasons along with assistant Oliver Cunningham.
In preparation for the upcoming season, trials for the Under 18s team are scheduled to take place this week. These trials will be held on Tuesday and Thursday at Forrest Park in Padbury (6pm). If you’re a young player looking to join the ranks of Joondalup United and be part of an exciting journey towards excellence, we encourage you to register your expression of interest.
Register for trials HERE