Moreton Bay United (MBU) has further strengthen its coaching staff with the appointment of Mackenzie Smith as our Head of Junior Development.
Mac, who has been technical director at Caloundra for three years, will run the boys’ and girls’ SAP program, our Talent Support Program and our new Mini Jets program.
The 26-year-old, originally from New Zealand, hopes to take up his new role within a few weeks after completing his duties at Caloundra.
“I felt launching the club’s academy and having a chance to grow the SAP and youth programs would be a good opportunity for me,” he said.
“I’ve known (MBU Technical Director) Matt Poole for a while and there are good foundations already at this club … foundations I think we can build on.”
Matt Poole said it was “great news to be able to add someone of Macca’s quality to the program”.
“He comes with a great reputation as a developer of young players and has a passion for skill acquisition,” Matt said.
“I’ve known Macca for a number of years through our relationship with Caloundra’s SAP program and have always been impressed by the quality of players Rui Spinola and Macca have been able to produce.
“The Caloundra player development philosophy strongly aligns with ours and the players that come into our program at Under 13 have always been well prepared for the challenges of NPL football.”
Matt said having a technical staff member driving all programs from Under 12 and below, who aligns with our philosophy, would really “enhance the development of junior players at the club”.
“The addition of the Mini Jets program for six-to-eight-year-old players will be a game-changer and hopefully mean players who enter our SAP program at Under 9 will better prepared technically,” Matt said.
“The goal is to ensure as many MBU SAP players as possible are ready to move into our Under 13 NPL program or the Brisbane Roar Academy.
“Macca’s appointment is an important step in achieving this.”
Mac is currently captain of Caloundra in the Sunshine Coast Premier Men’s Division and he hopes to keep playing if time allows after his MBU coaching duties.