Melbourne City FC is excited to announce the coaching structure for the Club’s inaugural Girls Academy, headlined by the appointment of Jorge Gero as NPLW Head Coach.
The role marks a return to City for Gero, who previously worked across the Club’s Boys Academy and broader player development programs.
Gero brings extensive experience in the youth development space, having worked closely with Football Victoria and Western United in recent years, while also contributing to the development of elite emerging talent through his involvement with the Junior Matildas.
He will be joined by Luke Johnson, who has been appointed Head Coach of City’s NPLW U20 squad. Johnson has played a key role in strengthening the Club’s girls’ pathway, having pioneered the City Football Schools Girls Select Squad program, while also spending three years working within City’s Boys Academy.
Gero and Johnson will be supported by Assistant Coaches Tessa Sernio, Calvin Nolan and Francesca Brand, who will work across both squads. Jamie Walker will also transition into the new role of Girls Academy Goalkeeper Coach, moving across from his position as Boys Youth Development Phase Academy Goalkeeper Coach.
City’s NPLW program will be based entirely at the City Football Academy, Melbourne – ctrl:cyber Campus, providing the next generation of female talent with access to elite facilities and the same high-performance resources that have underpinned the success of the Club’s Boys Academy.
The introduction of the NPLW program further strengthens City’s player pathway, creating a clear progression from the Melbourne City Football School through to the Ninja A-League Women’s program – an approach that has long been a hallmark of the Club’s Men’s development model.
It will also provide valuable opportunities for A-League Women’s players to gain consistent match minutes when not selected at first-team level, supporting their ongoing development while remaining aligned with City’s playing philosophy.
City is set to commence its inaugural NPLW and NPLW U20 campaigns with a home double-header against Boroondara Eagles on Saturday 14 February.
Squad announcements will follow in the coming days as preparations for City’s first Girls Academy season continue.
Melbourne City FC Director of Football, Michael Petrillo, said:
“The appointment of this coaching group is a really important moment for the Club as we launch our Girls Academy.
“We’ve been deliberate in building a team that combines deep development experience with a strong understanding of our football philosophy, ensuring a seamless pathway for players progressing through our system.
“This is about setting the standard from day one and continuing to evolve our Women’s program in the same way our Boys Academy has become a benchmark for player development in Australia.”
