MFA Coaching Spotlight: Jazmin Murray and Rhys Gorissen (Campbelltown Uniting Church Soccer Club)

In this week’s edition of the MFA Coaching Spotlight, we turn our attention to Campbelltown Uniting Church Soccer Club. Local coaches Jazmin Murray and Rhys Gorissen are helping to inspire the next generation of players and show a strong commitment to providing dedication, leadership and impact to players within their Under 8's and Under 12's teams respectively. Their stories continue to highlight the incredible dedication that lives at the heart of grassroots football across Macarthur.

Jazmin Murray: U8 White Coach at Campbelltown Uniting Church Soccer Club

Jazmin is the dedicated coach of the U8 White team at Campbelltown Uniting Church Soccer Club. What began as a simple desire to support her son Nixon’s interest in football soon evolved into something much more meaningful.

“At first, Nixon just wanted to play, and somehow... I became the coach,” Jazmin recalls with a laugh. “It just happened and now, I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Far from the sidelines, Jazmin is redefining what it means to be a “football mum”, leading by example, building confidence in young players, and showing that passion and heart are all it takes to make a difference.

For Jazmin Murray, coaching goes far beyond drills and match days, it's about heart.

“Coaching is all about fun, encouragement, and building confidence,” she shares. “I want the kids to feel happy, safe, and like they truly belong.”

Her coaching philosophy centres on growth over glory. While many may focus on the final score, Jazmin keeps her eyes on what truly matters: kindness, effort, and those often-overlooked small victories.

“It’s not about winning, it’s about learning,” she says. “I focus on kindness, effort, and massively celebrating the little wins. Those small steps matter more than the scoreboard.”

Jazmin’s journey into coaching is deeply personal. Her son is neurodivergent and has often experienced different treatment from his peers, receiving less encouragement and positive reinforcement, leaving him feeling disheartened. Witnessing this inspired Jazmin to create a space where all children could feel seen, supported, and empowered.

“It’s not just about supporting kids like Nixon,” she explains. “It’s about helping all kids understand each other, to raise a team that includes, supports, and lifts everyone up.”

She teaches inclusion and empathy through simple but powerful everyday actions: encouraging friendships, asking players to help struggling teammates, and reminding them that we all learn differently and that’s more than okay.

Known by her players as a “calm and gentle leader,” Jazmin makes it her mission to be someone the kids can trust. One of her most memorable moments came when a quiet, reserved player, who had barely spoken all season, asked if they could be captain for the day.

“That moment brought me to tears,” she says. “It showed me they felt safe, confident, and like they belonged. That’s when I realised coaching is so much bigger than just football.”

She creates this supportive environment by modelling the behaviours she hopes to inspire, respect, kindness, and patience, and by handling every teachable moment with care.

“When someone does something great, like helping a teammate or showing good sportsmanship, I call it out and praise it. If someone’s behaviour needs correcting, I do it gently and privately, never to embarrass them. I believe in teaching, not punishing. The goal is always to help them grow.”

As a parent of a child with additional needs, Jazmin brings an incredible depth of empathy and patience to her coaching. She has a keen awareness of quieter players or those who may be struggling and ensures they are never overlooked.

From themed training sessions like 'Crazy Sock Day' and 'Superhero Night' to team-building activities like ninja warrior obstacle courses, botanical garden picnics, and post-training pizza nights, Jazmin works tirelessly to make football a fun, inclusive and memorable experience for every child on her team.

Jazmin’s contributions have made a lasting impression within her club. Campbelltown Uniting Church Soccer Club President, Natasha Gomes, spoke highly of the impact she has had on her players and the broader team culture.

“Jazmin goes above and beyond for her team,” Tash shared. “She brings an incredible level of commitment to player development, creates a positive team environment, and leads with empathy and integrity. Her dedication, leadership, and influence as a coach are nothing short of inspiring.”

At Macarthur Football Association, we are incredibly proud of the work Jazmin is doing. She’s not only making a difference at her club, she’s setting an inspiring example for the wider Macarthur football community, especially for fellow mums and women in coaching.

Rhys Gorissen: U12B Coach at Campbelltown Uniting Church Soccer Club

Rhys is the coach of the U12 Boys team at Campbelltown Uniting Church Soccer Club, and another inspiring example of a parent stepping into a coaching role to uplift not only his own child but an entire team of young players. Praised for his “unwavering commitment to the development of his players,” Rhys consistently goes above and beyond to support both their athletic and personal growth.

As a lifelong footballer who started playing at the age of three, Rhys has always had a deep love for the game. So when the opportunity arose to coach his son’s team, he didn’t hesitate to raise his hand. Since then, his passion has been evident in everything he does, from organising extra training sessions to providing players with the tools and encouragement they need to thrive.

“I want to help players grow and be more confident in themselves,” Rhys says. “Not just in football but in life.”

Rhys’ influence stretches far beyond the pitch. He focuses on building self-esteem and a genuine love for the game, creating an environment where players feel motivated, supported, and excited to keep showing up.

“I’m very encouraging with all the players,” he says. “It’s about helping them enjoy the game and want to keep playing.”

His favourite moment this season? Watching his team’s transformation, from early struggles to becoming a competitive, cohesive unit.

“We weren’t winning many games at first, but now we’re holding our own and more importantly, I’m seeing growth in every single player.”

Rhys’s coaching style blends practical instruction with a strong emphasis on communication and collaboration. He closely observes games each week to understand what his players need, and then tailors sessions with purpose.

“Demonstration is a big key—I show them what I want to see. It helps them visualise and understand,” he explains.

He also champions connection and teamwork.

“Every session, I encourage players to talk to one another. I want them to ask, ‘Can we do this together?’ It builds trust and cohesion.”

Perhaps most importantly, Rhys makes sure his players understand the “why” behind what they’re learning—empowering them to think critically, problem-solve, and take ownership of their development.

Rhys is committed to long-term growth over short-term wins. He recognises that each child is on their own journey and adapts his coaching to suit individual learning styles, abilities, and personalities.

He’s a mentor, a motivator, and a role model. Someone who doesn’t just teach football, but inspires players to strive for their best on and off the field.

Rhys embodies what it means to be a great parent coach—invested not only in his own child’s development but in helping every player fall in love with football and enjoy the experience of being part of a team.

Together, Rhys and Jazmin represent the very best of Campbelltown Uniting Church Soccer Club. Their passion, dedication, and genuine care for their players are what make grassroots football so special.

We’re proud to shine a spotlight on both of them in this series and extend our heartfelt thanks for all they do. It’s a privilege to support their coaching journey and watch their continued impact within the Macarthur football community.