In this week's 2026 MFA Coaching Spotlight we headed out to Ingleburn Eagles Soccer Club and spoke to two inspiring youth coaches, Danielle Simons (U12 Girls Coach) & Zac Marshall (U14 Girls Coach). Both coaches have been able to build on the family club environment at Ingleburn Eagles, but also build friendships on and off the field. Danielle and Zac have highlighted their team’s dedication in showing up every week with a positive attitude, willingness to learn and building connections along the way.
Danielle Simons (U12 Girls Coach)
Danielle values her players commitment and dedication every week, and tries to bring a smile on their face every game and training. This includes a positive mindset to learn and make weaknesses individual strengths. Her girls work hard on and off the field, especially with the friendships the girls have made and enjoying being a part of the Ingleburn Eagles club.
Danielle has adapted her coaching style to balance her focus on individual players in her U12 Girls Squad, whilst still focusing on performing as a team through three major targets including communication , teamwork and development of skills. She also continues to focus on the players' positive attitudes and willingness to learn new skills. Danielle acknowledged that her team has faced tough competition throughout the season, but the girls continue to turn up every week and are willing to develop and always have fun.
Danielle describes her favourite experience this season as watching the girls grow as individual players, seeing them build friendships that have contributed to the positive team environment and making it fun to play the sport.
Danielle’s biggest goal for this season was, “To see every player improve their skills and grow in confidence.”
Zac Marshall (U14 Girls Coach)
Zac is a key member of the club's community, he has been a part of the club since he was 10 years old as a player, and continues to show his dedication to the club and love of the sport through coaching the younger generation. Week-in and week-out, Zac focuses on building a positive mindset for all of his team and the willingness of them to learn and develop.
Zac’s goal for the season is, “Our ultimate goal is to win the Grand Final,” and with no doubt, the team has the opportunity to achieve that goal. Zac’s team is sitting 2nd on their ladder, and with many new additions to the team, the girls have been able to adapt together and ultimately play really good football.
Similar to Danielle, Zac’s approach this season has involved individual development of his girls. He wants to improve the girl's individual strengths, but also find areas for improvement to make his players become the best version of themselves. He values his players' hard work and adaptability to bond together at training and games to achieve the team’s goal.
During the 2026 season, Zac has created numerous memories with his players by hosting fun team nights where the girls can build team chemistry and have fun together. Zac describes that with everyone working together and on the same page, the team has been able to achieve some great results this season.
Both Danielle and Zac are helping to build a positive coaching culture at Ingleburn Eagles SC, one that celebrates learning, respect, and player wellbeing. Their dedication on and off the field is contributing to something bigger than just game-day results.
They are coaches who lead by example, value the little wins, and make every player feel seen. By doing so, they’re not only developing better footballers, they’re developing better people.
We’re proud to spotlight Danielle and Zac this week and thank them for their ongoing contribution to their club and the broader Macarthur football community.
If you're part of a club in the MFA and would like to nominate a coach to be featured in our MFA Coaching Spotlight series, we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact Football Development Manager, Matt Rootsey, at matt@macarthurfootball.com.au.
