OUR STORY
At KickStart Football, we specialize in developing young footballers through personalized 1-on-1 coaching, dynamic small group sessions, tailored goalkeeper training, and focused physical development. With a strong emphasis on technical ability, game intelligence, and mental toughness, we cater to players of all ages and skill levels.
Our holistic approach not only sharpens players' performance on the field—technically, physically, and mentally—but also builds their character off the field. Through our community-driven Project KickStart initiative, we're transforming the way youth engage with football, providing opportunities for every player to succeed and thrive
Meet The Team
Director
Troy Thomas
As the founder of KickStart Football, I bring over 20 years of playing experience, having competed at high levels in both South Africa and New Zealand. My journey has not been without challenges, including injuries and mental hurdles, but these experiences have fueled my passion for coaching and helping players overcome similar obstacles. I’m committed to developing not only technical football skills but also mental resilience and life skills. My goal is to inspire young athletes to improve on the field while growing as individuals, equipping them with the mindset and character to succeed in any path they choose.
Coach
Sam Lonergan
Sam is an experienced academy football coach with a passion for developing young athletes. With a strong background in coaching players aged 8-17, he combines technical expertise, tactical knowledge, and a focus on mental resilience to help players reach their full potential. Sam’s international playing experience, including football tours abroad, gives him a well-rounded perspective as a coach. Having coached at Auckland United, Auckland FC, and Saint Kentigern College, he’s excited to bring his energy, leadership, and commitment to player development to KickStart Football.
Coach
Moh Reynolds
Moh began his football journey at Fencibles at age 8 and has played for Onehunga Sports, Melville, and returned to Fencibles’ first team. With international experience from tours in America, China, South Korea, Indonesia, and Australia, he is currently pursuing his OFC C License. Moh actively coaches at Fencibles, Macleans College, Howick College, and Auckland FC. He’s passionate about sharing his love for football and helping players grow, both on and off the field. Outside of football, he enjoys pilates, watching sports, and coffee catch-ups.
Coach
Tom Harford
With over five years of coaching experience and a background in top-level club football, Tom brings a well-rounded perspective to coaching. His passion for coaching grew during the final years of his playing career, and his interest in neuroscience and mental resilience led him to adopt a holistic approach to player development. Tom believes that who a player is off the field is just as important as who they are on it. His focus is on developing well-rounded individuals, instilling both technical skills and strong character to create athletes who are as good on the field as they are off. Favourite quote: "Competence is confidence."
Coach
Fynn Hall
Fynn fell in love with football at just four years old and has played at a high level across New Zealand, representing both Fencibles and Bucklands Beach AFC. His journey hasn’t always been easy—facing injuries and personal challenges along the way—but those experiences have shaped his character and fuelled a deep passion for helping others overcome obstacles both on and off the pitch. Fynn currently coaches at Saint Kentigern and has spent the last three years developing young players through school and club programs. His goal is to not only help athletes improve technically, but also equip them with the mindset, resilience, and confidence to thrive in football and in life
Goalkeeper
Nicholas Burke
Nick Burke brings a wealth of international goalkeeper experience to KickStart Football. He's represented New Zealand at the U17 level and played for elite youth programs like Auckland City and Wellington Phoenix under renowned coach Eric Steele (former Manchester United & England). Nick went on to play NCAA Division 1 in the US for Niagara and Bradley Universities, followed by full-time training at the NIGK Goalkeeper Academy in Northern Ireland. He then signed with St George City in Sydney, returning home to become first-team keeper at Fencibles United AFC—where he continues to lead with skill and passion each week. Nick believes goalkeeping is built on a strong mental foundation—resilience, gratitude, and the ability to handle pressure and bounce back from mistakes. He focuses on these core principles in his coaching, helping players not just improve their technical game, but develop the mental toughness needed to excel
Physical And Development
Robert Scott
Robbie is a qualified Personal Trainer and Biomechanics Coach with a strong focus on long-term athletic development. With a background in bodybuilding, powerlifting, sprint mechanics, and mobility, he brings a well-rounded, evidence-based approach to improving performance and reducing injury risk in young footballers. Having overcome chronic pain, fatigue, and movement limitations himself, Robbie has a deep, personal understanding of how the body responds to physical stress. He uses this experience to help athletes build strong, functional foundations in strength, speed, coordination, and confidence. His sessions are carefully tailored to suit the age and stage of each player—promoting physical literacy, resilience, and a genuine love for movement that supports success both on and off the pitch
