Eltham Redbacks FC is pleased to confirm the appointment of State League championship-winning coach Marcel ‘Sanchez’ Lee as our VPLW Reserves Coach for the 2026 season.
Marcel arrives from South Yarra, where he guided their State League One women’s side to an undefeated, title-winning season in 2025. That success followed several seasons coaching in State League One, during which he built competitive women’s programs, strengthened pathways, and established himself as a specialist coach in the women’s game.
Despite an outstanding campaign at South Yarra, Marcel hadn’t been seeking a move.
“I was really happy at South Yarra. We’d just won the State One Championship undefeated and I wasn’t looking for a job. Then JB called after the season and asked what my plans were. Around the same time, I found out South Yarra wouldn’t be taking promotion to VPL, and as a career coach, I want to go as high as possible. When a coach like JB comes knocking, it’s hard to say no.”
Marcel’s connection with Senior Women’s Head Coach JB stretches back to a pre-season match several years ago, when Marcel had recently taken Kings Domain into State One.
“We played JB’s team and they wiped the floor with us. I actually recorded that game and used it as a blueprint for how I wanted to coach over the next four years in State League One. To now work alongside him at VPL level is a great step for me.”
Marcel is stepping into the reserves role with a clear vision: to build a squad that mirrors the demands of senior football and acts as a genuine pathway to VPLW.
“The reserves role is a sweet spot. You’ve got the development side, where you nurture talent coming out of the NPL junior program, and you’ve got a senior team pushing for promotion. I don’t see it as a separate reserves team. I see it as a senior squad where anyone can step up at any moment.”
His expectations are straightforward: attitude, work rate, and a willingness to grow.
“We’re looking for talent, of course, but more than that we’re looking for players who are coachable, willing to listen and learn, and prepared to do the extra work between training sessions. If you prove yourself over time, it doesn’t matter if you start in the reserves or seniors – people will notice you.”
One of the biggest drawcards for Marcel was the club’s structure and shared direction.
“Eltham is the first club I’ve been at where every single team and staff member seems to be pushing towards the same vision. You’ve got NPL girls, NPL boys, men and women all targeting the highest possible level. That makes life easier as a coach and creates a real high-performance culture.”
He’s eager to work closely with the Junior Girls NPL staff, ensuring a steady pathway for the club’s emerging talent.
“I’m looking forward to speaking with Sam and the junior coaches, picking their brains and finding out who the next up-and-coming players are. We want to keep that talent in-house and give them a clear pathway into senior football.”
Marcel was immediately struck by the environment at Eltham.
“On Google Maps it looks a long way out, but when you drive in past the eucalypts and the river, it’s worth it. The pitch is second to none, the facilities are class, and I’ve heard the stories about the mist rolling in on a Friday night. It’s a special place to play. In my mind, Eltham stands for excellence – this is where you come to win.”
The Redbacks welcome Marcel to the VPLW program and look forward to the impact he will have on our women’s pathway in 2026.
Players aspiring to join the VPLW or VPLW Reserves squad for 2026 are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest via the club website. This applies to senior players and ambitious juniors seeking a clear step into senior football.