Welcome to the Futball Funda Podcast— aimed at young soccer players, parents, and coaches who want to take their game to the next level! Hosted by Rohan Sane and Isaac Sane, we dive into the basics and beyond, helping you master the skills and mindset needed to succeed.
Each episode features exciting interviews with players, coaches, and experts from the world of football. They’ll share tips, stories, and advice to help you improve your game.
Join us as we explore the beautiful game, uncover what it takes to be your best, and, most importantly, have a ton of fun along the way!
Episode 12 – Kelli McGroarty on the Extra Reps, Positive Self-Talk, and the Art of Goal Scoring
From backyard sessions with her dad in New Jersey to becoming one of the top strikers in Australian football — this week on Futball Funda, we sit down with Kelli McGroarty for an inspiring conversation about resilience, mindset and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
A former Gatorade New Jersey Player of the Year, NCAA Division I standout at La Salle University and University of Iowa, Kelli shares the journey that brought her from the United States to Australia's football scene, where she is now lighting up the NPL Victoria Women's as the league’s leading scorer for Essendon Royals SC.
In this episode, Kelli opens up about:
⚽ Growing up training with her dad and developing a striker’s mentality
⚽ Battling injuries, poor sleep and self-doubt during crucial moments in her career
⚽ How positive self-talk changed her game and mindset
⚽ Why extra reps and consistency separate good players from great players
⚽ Adapting to football culture in Australia and embracing life in Melbourne
⚽ What young players can do right now to improve their finishing and confidence
Known for her relentless work rate, clutch goals and elite mentality, Kelli delivers valuable insights for players, parents and coaches involved in grassroots football development.
Whether you’re chasing your football dream, coaching the next generation or simply love hearing the stories behind elite athletes, this episode is packed with practical lessons and inspiration.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
📲 Follow Futball Funda for more conversations with players, coaches and football minds shaping the future of the game.
22 Nov 2025
Episode 11 - Kosta Drakoulakos on Strength, Speed & Building Resilience in Football
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.
3 Nov 2025
Episode 10 - Simon Zappia on the Heart of Development at Melbourne City Academy
💬 “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.
19 Oct 2025
Episode 9 - Chasing Dreams with Akeisha Sandhu – Football Player, Osteopath, Leader
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.
11 Oct 2025
Episode 8 - How to Stand Out & Succeed in Football – with Coach Justin Micallef
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.
2 Aug 2025
Episode 7 - From the Streets of Argentina to Melbourne, Australia – Nahuel Bonada’s Incredible Journey
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.
19 Jul 2025
Episode 6 - Mauricio Novak’s Story of Grit, Growth & the 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.
8 Jul 2025
Episode 5 - Michael Inglis on mental toughness and the mindset of champions
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.
4 May 2025
Episode 4 - Ayana Aoyagi a globetrotting goalkeeper shares powerful insights on making brave decisions, backing yourself in high-pressure moments, and staying connected to the joy of the sport
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.
13 Apr 2025
Episode 3 - Hassan Jalloh on chasing dreams, overcoming setbacks, working hard and the importance of respect.
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!
7 Mar 2025
Episode 2 - Casey Reibelt on World Cup Refereeing, Handling Pressure and Decision Making, VAR Basics, Respect in Football and Tips for Aspiring Referees
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.
6 Jan 2025
Episode 1 - Carlo Africa on football fundamentals, young player development, building resilience and pathways to professional soccer
Carlo Africa, a seasoned football coach, shares expert insights on football fundamentals, young player development, and pathways to professional soccer, offering actionable tips for aspiring athletes.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
4.8 / 5
9 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 16 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
19
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
Contact Futball Funda
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Futball Funda?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
