"Talent is a Gift. Hard work is a choice. Work harder than the rest and watch your dreams unfold."
HEAD COACH // NICOLAS ROUCO
"I want players to reach their full potential. With belief and the proper guidance, players will achieve greatness."
HEAD COACH // NICOLAS ROUCO
Introducing our Head Coach
A message from Nico.
“Thank you for visiting our page. Join us in changing the football landscape here in the Illawarra. Our priority is to guide our young footballers towards their best selves by building their football foundations, building their confidence and providing the best opportunities for them to be successful. Our programs will continue to evolve in the coming years and I look forward to including parents and players in the process.“
Nicolas has created a world class program for young aspiring footballers where he combines his professional experience with his desire to create something special.
Nicolas’ football network extends all over Australia and abroad and he hopes to use these relationships to create opportunities for ATTFA’s young players from across the Illawarra.
Nicolas spent the majority of his junior and senior football in the NSW Premier League (NPL) where he made his 1st Grade debut at the tender age of 17. He played for; Blacktown City Demons, Parramatta Eagles, Penrith and Northern Spirit FC to name a few of his clubs.
He also travelled to and played abroad both in Brazil (Gremio) and the Uk. His experience in brazil is the one that shaped him the most and has influenced his coaching the most, having been amongst world class players, coaches and club staff.
His Uruguayan background influenced his love for the game from a young age, and had him looking up to fellow south american hero’s; Maradona, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Messi of course.
Growing up he was known for his skill and composure playing as an attacking midfielder always wearing the #10.
Nico says that playing in the #10 role has seen him appreciate coaching a whole lot more. His role would typically require him to read the game, allowing him to be instrumental in attack with a good understanding of the oppositions defence.
Since moving to the Illawarra, he has most recently represented Shellharbour FC as their #10, typically playing in the 10 role and or the 9 role. 2023 season saw him net 19 goals across league and cup games combined. Shellharbour Fc were crowned Minor Premiers for the 2023 Season seeing them gain promotion into the Illawarra Premier League.
From the age of 24, Nicolas has owned and operated a successful Gym in Sydney, which has not only seen him help members achieve their fitness goals, but also successfully mentored trainers into business ownership.
With over 15 years in the health and fitness industry Nicolas looks to combine his knowledge in nutrition, goal setting and coaching to encourage our young footballers to take their game to the next level.
Since becoming a business owner Nico has engaged in additional studies including life coaching as well as sports psychology. His interest in these fields stems from his time in brazil where he experienced support from the club in all areas as an athlete. Physical, Mental and Emotional. There he learned that players were able to excel with the support they needed inside and outside the field.
A lot of the attributes that are linked to Nico having a successful business career were due to his learnings as a young footballer. He wishes to provide these teachings to his academy kids so they too become successful inside and outside the field.
When Nico is not coaching, playing or working he is spending as much time as he can with; his beautiful two kids, Mila who is 3 and Luca who is 2 and of course his wonderful wife Ashleigh. Becoming a parent has allowed Nico to see business and coaching from a different lens. Nico has used this personal experience to help tailor his Academy sessions considering whats best for all ATTFA players.