MFA Coaching Spotlight: Jade Adamson and James English (Eschol Park Football Club)

In this week’s edition of the MFA Coaching Spotlight, we shine a light on two of Eschol Park Football Club’s most inspiring coaches, Jade Adamson and James English. Both have been long-standing members of the Eschol Park community, dedicating countless hours to developing young footballers and shaping them into not only skilled players but also confident, respectful individuals. Their commitment and leadership continue to leave a lasting impact on the club and the wider Macarthur football community.

Jade - U11 MSAP Coach

Jade Adamson is the driving force behind Eschol Park’s U11 MSAP team. A respected coach and valued community member, Jade has been instrumental in building the club’s MSAP program since its early days. Beyond coaching, she has contributed as a long-serving committee member, including time as club secretary, always giving back to the game she loves. Thanks to her passion and knowledge, Jade has nurtured young talent with great success — with several of her former players progressing on to representative football teams.

For Jade, the motivation to coach is simple: the joy of seeing her players grow. Whether it’s developing their football skills or building their confidence as young people, Jade thrives on creating a positive environment where smiles and laughter are part of every session. Her philosophy is centred around positivity, teamwork, and care for each individual, with player welfare always coming first. She gets to know her players on a personal level and ensures they feel valued for who they are, not just for what they can do on the field.

Jade makes a point of celebrating more than just match results, from birthdays to small milestones, she creates moments that build team culture and connection. Training sessions are inclusive, fun, and designed to help players express themselves. While her team continues to perform strongly, Jade challenges herself to find new ways to support their growth. Attending coaching courses has been key to this, helping her refine her approach and stay focused on long-term development.

One of her favourite memories this season was hearing her players proudly sing their team song after a recent win. The joy and unity in that moment perfectly reflected everything she hopes to instil in her young team.

James - U16 Boys MYL Coach

James English has carved out a remarkable legacy at Eschol Park FC. Coaching the same group since their U7 days, he has guided them through every stage of their journey, culminating in a historic achievement, leading the club to its first-ever Champion of Champions victory in 2024. His team has consistently performed at the highest level, securing both Premiership and Championship titles since U12s, while many of his players have advanced to AYL and NPL sides. His impact has been recognised formally as well, with James being named Club Coach of the Year three times.

For James, coaching is about much more than results. He takes pride in helping each player reach their full potential, technically, mentally, and personally. “Being part of someone’s journey, seeing their progress, and knowing I’ve had a positive impact on their development is what drives me every day,” he explains. His values of integrity, honesty, and respect underpin everything he does, shaping not only his coaching sessions but also the culture of trust and fairness within his team.

James’ sessions go beyond drills and tactics; they’re designed to build intelligent, adaptable players who can problem-solve, work as a unit, and make good decisions on and off the pitch. Importantly, James has learned over time that no two players respond the same way. For some, clear direction works best, while others thrive on encouragement and one-on-one conversations. By tailoring his approach, James ensures every player feels supported and understood.

Among the many highlights in his coaching career, the 2024 Champion of Champions triumph stands out. Not just for the silverware, but for the way his team rose to the occasion, played outstanding football, and shared in a moment of achievement they had built together over years of hard work.

Both Jade and James embody what grassroots coaching is all about: passion, care, and an unwavering dedication to their players. Their work goes far beyond football, helping young people build confidence, resilience, and respect. The Eschol Park community is stronger for their contributions, and the Macarthur football family is proud to celebrate their ongoing impact.

We thank Jade and James for sharing their journeys in this week’s Coaching Spotlight and look forward to seeing how they continue to inspire the next generation.