Football Federation Australia (FFA) today confirmed that Head of ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Performance Luke Casserly would depart the organisation in the coming weeks.
The departure is part of an internal realignment in anticipation of the separation of the professional leagues from FFA and a review of FFA’s internal operational structure.
Following a decorated playing career at club and international level, Casserly joined FFA six years ago as Head of ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Performance, overseeing all aspects of national team operations including team management, security, scouting, medical and sports science.
During his time at FFA, Casserly delivered a number of important outcomes that improved the overall performance levels of all national teams, including:
- Increased performance standards around the Westfields Matildas, replicating sports science, medical, scouting and analysis support that had previously only been a feature of the Caltex Socceroos set-up;
- Establishing a fundraising stream in conjunction with the Australian Sports Foundation to support the Pararoos following the removal of funding in 2015;
- Established an extensive High Performance Athlete Welfare & Engagement Program across all national teams
- Vertical integration of sports science, scouting and analysis across all national teams – men and women, senior and youth;
- Oversaw the national team structures which saw the first Socceroos team qualify for the FIFA World Cup with a 100 per cent Australian coaching staff ; and
- Oversaw the logistical and operational delivery of four senior FIFA World Cups, four senior AFC Asian Cups, an Olympic Games and numerous youth-age tournaments at FIFA, AFC and AFF level
Casserly expressed his gratitude at the opportunity to be part of the national team set-up.
“As a player, I had almost ten years in the national teams through the Young Socceroos, to the Olyroos and finally the Socceroos. Combined with my time at FFA, I’ve been involved in the national team set-up for 16 years. It has been a huge part of my life and a true privilege. The whole experience has been made even more special by the incredible people I’ve been fortunate to work with during my time,” Casserly said.
FFA CEO David Gallop AM praised Casserly for his service to Australian football.
“Luke has helped numerous Australian national football teams attain the highest platform in the most competitive of international sports. He has demonstrated a great passion and commitment to coaches, support staff and players alike. His legacy will be a significant one and I personally thank Luke for his contribution to Australia’s national football teams over many years.”
