In this episode of Futball Funda, we sit down with Kosta Drakoulakos, founder of 747 Fitness and one of Australia’s most respected strength & conditioning coaches, working with footballers, AFL players, MMA fighters and elite athletes across the country.

If you’re a young footballer who wants to get stronger, faster, stay injury-free, and take your game to the next level, this is the episode you need.

Kosta breaks down the pillars of modern football performance in a simple, practical way that every player, parent and coach can understand. You’ll learn:

🏋️‍♂️ How strength training improves speed, agility and confidence
🧠 The mindset elite players share
🛡️ How to prevent injuries and build career longevity
🔥 Why consistency beats talent every single time

Kosta also shares stories from his journey, the misconceptions he sees in youth football, and the simple routines all players can start today to transform their game.

Whether you’re a player, a parent, or a coach — this episode will help you understand what it really takes to dominate physically and mentally in modern football.

Listen now and start building the strongest version of your game.

💬 “Players don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
That’s the mantra of Simon Zappia, Senior Manager at Melbourne City Academy, and it’s the heart of our latest episode of Futball Funda ⚽🔥

Simon opens up about what real development means and shares what drives players like Craig Goodwin, Jordy Bos, Akeem Gerald, Matt Baker, Thomas Nasoo, Jayden Necovski, and Ryan Kalms to reach the next level.

He dives deep into the mindset, resilience, work ethic, and intrinsic desire that fuel success — and how Melbourne City Academy develops players not just for the game, but for life.

From stories of hard work and setbacks to moments of breakthrough, this episode is packed with insights every player, coach, and football lover should hear.

In this inspiring episode of Futball Funda, we sit down with Akeisha Sandhu, an elite footballer and qualified osteopath who recently led South Melbourne FC to victory in the 2025 Nike Cup, sealing the win with that unforgettable penalty.

Akeisha opens up about the grit and grind behind the glory, sharing valuable insights into leadership on and off the pitch, the importance of recovery, strength training, and how diet plays a critical role in performance.

She talks about balancing her dual career in sport and healthcare, and why she believes that hard work, discipline, and a clear vision are the true game-changers.

Whether you're a grassroots player, coach, or just love the game, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and serious inspiration.

Hit play and get ready to be motivated.

In this special episode of Futball Funda, we sit down with Justin Micallef, Head Coach of South Melbourne FC’s Senior Women’s team.

Fresh off a massive victory at the 2025 Nike Cup, Coach Justin shares his incredible journey from grassroots to elite coaching, offering powerful insights for young players, parents, and fellow coaches.

 In this episode, we dive into:

• How Justin got into coaching and what’s fueled his success

• What it really means to be coachable

• The role of strength & conditioning in youth development

• Why sleep and recovery are non-negotiable

• How to build mental resilience and bounce back stronger

• What top coaches are actually looking for in players

• How he gets the best out of his team at the senior level

• The importance of self-belief and consistent hard work

Whether you’re trying to make the squad, support your child’s football journey, or develop your coaching craft — this episode is packed with real talk and actionable gems.

 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your pods.

In this inspiring episode of Futball Funda, we sit down with Nahuel Bonada – a true baller who's taken the long road from playing on the streets of Argentina to shining on the field for South Melbourne FC 🇦🇷➡️🇦🇺

Nahuel opens up about his early life chasing the ball on the streets of Argentina, how football shaped his mindset, the move to the other side of the world and what it takes to keep chasing the dream.

We chat about:

⚽️ Street football smarts

💪 Overcoming serious injuries

🥗 His diet & training routine

🧠 The mental game and staying locked in

🔥 Real advice for young players who are ready to work!

Whether you're a young baller, a coach, or a parent – this one's packed with passion, hustle, and real talk from someone who's lived it.

Follow, rate and share if you love the beautiful game.

In this episode of Futball Funda, we sit down with Mauricio Novak, whose football journey has taken him from the tough streets of Brazil to coaching the next generation right here in Australia.

Mauricio opens up about:

• Playing through hardship and why football is more than just a game in Brazil

• His own battle with serious injuries — and how he bounced back
• What separates average players from elite ones
• Practical tips to level up your game, from fundamentals to high-performance
• How to build resilience, stay motivated and never give up

Whether you're chasing your first team spot or dreaming of going pro, Mauricio’s story is packed with lessons that will inspire and guide you. This one’s for the ballers who want it bad — and the parents backing them all the way.

What separates the good players from the great ones?

In this episode, we’re joined by leading Sports and Performance Psychologist Michael Inglis, who has worked with elite athletes across AFL, Rugby, and Football.

Michael dives deep into the mindset needed to thrive under pressure, how to bounce back from mistakes, and what it really takes to build mental resilience. Whether you’re a young baller, a parent, or a coach, this chat is packed with real, practical insights to help players grow stronger, smarter and more confident – both on and off the pitch.

If you enjoyed this show don't forget to like, follow and share the podcast with family and friends. And tell us in the comments below what you would like us to cover in future shows. Thank you and see you soon.

In this episode, we sit down with Ayana Aoyagi, a globetrotting goalkeeper who's just signed with South Melbourne FC’s senior women’s team in Victoria’s NPL. Ayana opens up about her journey through the beautiful game—starting out as a young outfield player and making the bold switch to goalkeeper, which eventually took her from grassroots football in Australia to the USA and Japan.

She shares powerful insights on making brave decisions, backing yourself in high-pressure moments, and staying connected to the joy of the sport—even when the path gets tough. Whether you're a young player, parent, or coach, Ayana’s story is packed with inspiration, honesty, and lessons from across three continents.

Get ready for the incredible story of Hassan Jalloh! In this episode he opens up about the challenges of being a young striker chasing big league dreams, injury setbacks, and his epic comeback helping a team in Iceland get promoted! Hear about his unwavering respect, his hard work ethic, and how he made his dreams a reality. A truly inspiring journey!

In Episode 2 of our podcast, we sit down with Casey Reibelt, a top FIFA referee who has officiated at the World Cup and across international tournaments. Casey shares her journey into refereeing, from starting at just 15 to making it to the global stage. She opens up about the challenges of decision-making, handling pressure, and the role of VAR in modern football. Casey also discusses the importance of respect and integrity in the game and offers valuable tips for young players interested in becoming referees. Whether you're a player or aspiring referee, this episode is packed with insights to help you succeed on and off the field.