Michael Curcija Recommits as Royals Technical Director
The Essendon Royals are elated to announce the return of Michael Curcija as our Technical Director for the upcoming season. A stalwart of the club, Michael’s name has become synonymous with the Royals’ ethos and values since he first stepped onto the pitch as a senior coach in 2012.
While he made significant strides as a senior coach, he always had one firm eye on the next generation of Royals talent and his transition from senior football to focusing on our Community Football program was a natural evolution of his passion.
Under his guidance, the program has not only grown in numbers but has fostered space for players of a wide range of abilities despite challenges for green space.
“Being a part of the Royals’ journey for nearly a decade has been a fantastic experience,” Michael expressed. “Seeing our young players evolve, not just as players but as people, is a testament to the positive environment we’ve cultivated here.”
Michael has been instrumental in fostering a nurturing and positive environment within our junior programs. His hands-on approach means he works closely with the coaches of our junior teams, enhancing their skills, offering invaluable advice, and ensuring that every junior player’s experience is both enjoyable and enriching.
A driving force behind our coaching clinics, Michael continues to emphasise the importance of continuous learning and development. By spearheading coach education in the junior ranks, he ensures that our coaches are equipped with the latest techniques and knowledge, which in turn benefits our young players.
“Education is the cornerstone of development,” Michael noted. “By empowering our coaches with the right tools and knowledge, we’re ensuring that our juniors receive the best possible training and guidance.”
The Royals community is truly fortunate to have Michael Curcija on board for another year. His dedication, expertise, and genuine love for the game have been pivotal in shaping the club’s trajectory. As we gear up for the new season, we’re confident that under Michael’s leadership, our Junior program will continue to thrive and set new benchmarks.
Here’s to another successful year with ‘Michael at the helm’Cij’!