David played football from the age of six to 17. He showed potential but became disenchanted with the game in his late teens. Through limited quality experiences, over training and an unclear player pathway to the National Soccer League (NSL).  David’s performance and enjoyment of the game diminished and in 1997 he decided to move away from the game and pursue other physical activities.

During this time away from the game he found the Martial Arts and achieved a 3rd degree black belt and a “Renshi” teaching license in Koyru Uchinadi Kempo-Jutsu, studying directly under world renowned Hanshi Patrick McCarthy from 1999-2003 at the Australian College of Natural Medicine. David then moved into the physical education space where he studied at the University of Queensland completing a Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement Studies – Education Hon) and a Masters in Sports Coaching. David started to coach football at Marist College Ashgrove in 2005 to gain a more practical teaching experience and his passion for the game was reignited.

David has worked in a variety of sporting settings from 2005 - 2016 at differing levels of the game. Ranging from coaching four and five year old children to coaching elite senior players. These roles were within Football Queensland RSJPL & JPL elite junior boys programs for South East Queensland, Kelvin Grove School of Excellence Football program, St. Peter’s Lutheran College football program and The University of Queensland Football Club (UQFC).

In 2016 David obtained a 5th degree black belt in Modern Arnis Kombation (Presas Style) studying directly under Master Kurt Graham. This achievement has come through a set of unique experiences which has exposed David to a variety of perspectives within curriculum's development from a number of educational organisations. These varying experiences have shown him that the successful implementation of any curriculum needs to consider the learner and their specific context and how they wish to engage (or not) within the wider community.

David obtained his Asian A class license in 2018 while working as the head coach of the Brisbane Roar, NTC program. The squad went on a 17 game winning streak and took out the Football Queensland (FQ) National Premier League Women’s (NPLW) Grand Final. Out of this squad there are now six players who have represented the Senior Matildas Squad. An incredible achievement from one squad. Later that year David was also recognised by FQ with the coach of the year award.

In 2019 David assisted the transition of the program from the Brisbane Roar to the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS). Once this transition occurred he moved back into boys youth development football at Brisbane Strikers when Covid hit and shut down the sport.

Every person has a story of Covid, most are sad and sorry tales and others have been prosperous during this world event. Personally it was a difficult time for David as his family. The metaphors of football transferred into life, and it was during this time that values and beliefs have been challenged in many ways.

2021 saw David work as a Coach Educator with Football Queensland, Mentor Coach with the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS), and the Head Coach of Moreton Bay United Football Program (Women’s). A coach who embraces modern coaching techniques and relates well with junior and senior players, understanding their needs and motivation.

During the 2022 season David was recruited by Matt Smith to join Brisbane City Women’s program and became the head coach of the club. The goal was clear, the club wanted to be promoted into the NPLW competition. The 2023 season saw the team win all 23 fixtures and final series. They also won the FQ champion league competition, and were dubbed the invincible’s at the end of season club event.

In 2024 the team won the double with the FQ NPLW premiership and Championship, and David was announced as the head coach of the NPLW Queensland team who beat Victoria NPLW team in penalties. David went on to be awarded the Coach of the year. After the success at Brisbane City FC it was time to seek new challenges and in 2025 David has returned to the FQ QAS program to work with some of the most talented footballers in Queensland.

"I want to ensure we are creating environments focused on developing life long learners who are fundamentally competent in basic movement patterns and physically active for as long as possible, in other words competent well rounded people who are aware that they are capable of extraordinary things".

David brings a fantastic blend of international academic knowledge with real and practical expertise, and he has created this website to promote best practices within coaching. He wants to enhance the experience of all involved. A development frame work which focuses on the individual players development requires challenging each player appropriately, engaged and enjoying the game.

"To be better than you were yesterday"