Eltham Redbacks are pleased to announce the Junior Girls National Premier League (JGNPL) coaching team for the 2026 season – a highly experienced and passionate group of coaches committed to developing the next generation of female footballers under the guidance of Technical Director Sam Coupland.
The JGNPL program continues to strengthen each year, providing a clear and supportive pathway for young players to progress into the club’s Senior Women’s VPLW environment.
The 2026 coaching team features:
- U13s – Gabriel Phillips
- U15s – Jimmy Christou
- U17s – Tom Lovric
Gabriel Phillips leads the U13s, bringing decades of experience as both a player and coach, with a career spanning Trinidad & Tobago, Canada, and Australia. Since 1995, he has coached women’s and junior teams to consistent success, achieving multiple premierships and promotions. At Eltham Redbacks, Gabriel is known for his structured, positive approach that focuses on technical growth, game intelligence, and creating long-term player pathways.
Jimmy Christou takes charge of the U15s, adding significant coaching pedigree and recent success to the program. In 2025 alone, he guided teams to victory in the CPL League, Polonia Cup, Altona City Cup, and Doreen Cup. The year prior, his U12 team were crowned both league winners and state champions. Jimmy brings a development-focused philosophy, balancing high performance standards with a nurturing environment that helps players reach their full potential.
Tom Lovric steps into the U17s role, continuing his long-standing commitment to developing young female players. With over 30 years of coaching experience, Tom began his journey with the Carrinbush Senior Women’s team and most recently worked with the Boroondara Eagles, focusing on skill development and team culture. In recent seasons, he led teams to consecutive second-place finishes in the CPL U13s (2023) and U15s (2024), before joining Eltham in 2025 to assist with the U15 JGNPL squad.
Guided by Technical Director Sam Coupland, the 2026 JGNPL coaching group brings together a diverse mix of experience, dedication, and passion for women’s football. Together, they will continue to build on the Redbacks’ strong reputation for nurturing talent and providing a clear pathway from junior to senior football.
The Redbacks have very limited places remaning in their 2026 JGNPL program. Be quick to Express Your Interest to receive notifications around upcoming trials.