Essendon Royals re-sign Michael Curcija as Technical Director of the club’s Community Boys program

Essendon Royals are pleased to announce that Michael Curcija has been appointed Technical Director of the club’s Community Boys program for 2025.

This will continue Curcija’s long-standing relationship with the Royals, having been part of the club’s fabric for well over a decade.

Curcija will work closely with Head of Football Vaughan Coveny to formulate the club’s community program, mentor coaches, and assist with grading and trials.

This will be Curcija’s sixth full year in the role after taking on the position at the end of the 2019 season.

“I’m excited to be back for another year,” Curcija said.

“I’ve been at the club for plenty of years now, but look—it’s about continual improvement and growth of the program.

“Numbers are never a problem with us, but we strive to improve in areas such as developing our coaches, enhancing the structure of our teams, and ensuring that players with similar abilities are grouped together. It’s always about the continual improvement and growth of our junior teams.

“Probably the biggest strength of our program is that we treat everyone equally, whether they’re boys or girls, Under 7 or Under 21, playing for the first time or an NPL player. Everyone feels that we treat them the same way, and that’s part of improving our environment and the culture of the club.

“Everyone feels a part of the club, no matter their level or age. It’s been a big focus for me since becoming the technical director because you see the happiness and joy that the kids and their parents have about being around the club.”

Curcija – who boasts a resume that includes two caps for the Socceroos and over 100 National Soccer League appearances – initially joined the club in 2004 as a senior men’s player before returning in 2013.

He went on to coach the club’s senior men’s player until 2019 before stepping aside during the season.

Trial dates for our Community Boys program are available on our website.