Fresh from promotion to the National Premier League (NPL), Melbourne City FC has locked in its 2026 Senior Boys’ Academy Coaching Structure.
After two highly successful years leading City’s Youth Team, Alessandro Diamanti will depart the Club to return to Italy and complete his UEFA Pro License.
The Italian great has played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of City talent, helping bridge the gap between the Academy and the first team.
During his two-year tenure, over 10 Academy players signed their first professional contracts, while City capped off a historic 2025 campaign by earning promotion to the NPL for the first time in Club history.
After four seasons at the Club, Stuart McDonald will now step up to lead City’s Youth Team in 2026.
McDonald first joined City in 2021 as U18 Head Coach, securing the 2022 U18 Championship before progressing to the U21 side for the 2023 season where he again won a Championship.
He has served as Youth Team Assistant Coach for the past two seasons and has previously taken charge in Diamanti’s absence, making this a natural progression in his coaching journey.
Following his recent professional retirement, Jimmy Jeggo will step into the role of Youth Team Assistant Coach, with a key focus on supporting players transitioning from the Academy to senior football. Since hanging up the boots in June, Jeggo has worked closely with City’s A-League Men’s coaching staff as part of his move into coaching.
Lewis Potter will continue in charge of City’s Development Squad (NPL U23), while Leroy Almenara steps into the U18 Head Coach position after leading the U16s to a Championship-winning campaign. The pair will enter their fifth and sixth seasons respectively as Academy Head Coaches.
The Club’s Academy remains one of the most successful in Australian football, with 68 City Academy graduates having gone on to make professional debuts, while more than half of City’s current A-League Men’s squad have progressed through its ranks.
Senior Academy Manager Simon Zappia said:
“We’re extremely grateful for the work Alessandro has done during his time at Melbourne City and fully support his decision to return to Italy.
“It opens up a great opportunity for Stuart McDonald to step into the Youth Team Head Coach role. Stuart has been outstanding throughout his time at the Club and has a very bright future ahead.
“We’re equally pleased to welcome Jimmy Jeggo into our Academy coaching ranks, while continuing with Lewis Potter and promoting Leroy Almanera, who both bring great experience and success from within our system.”
Melbourne City FC Director of Football Michael Petrillo added:
“Alessandro has left a lasting mark on the Club, as reflected in the number of Academy players who have earned professional contracts, particularly over the past year, as well as the overwhelming positive impact he has had on the players and staff within the Academy.
“We thank him for his contribution and wish him all the best as he returns to Italy to complete his UEFA Pro License. I am sure he will enjoy a very successful journey in coaching in the years ahead.
“I’d also like to congratulate Stuart McDonald and Jimmy Jeggo on their appointments. We have full confidence in them to lead our Academy into an exciting new phase.
“It’s extremely pleasing to see our strong tradition of promoting from within continue, while at the same time being able to provide opportunities for not only players, but staff to progress their careers overseas.”
