Head Coach: Nick Chandar

Education:

• Bachelors of Sports & Exercise Science (AUT)

• Australian Strength & Conditioning Accreditation (ASCA) - In Progress

Experience:

• North Shore United AFC Head of Sports Science

• Birkenhead United AFC Head Strength & Conditioning Coach - National League 2024

• Auckland FC Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach/Sports Scientist (Intern)

• Ex Les Mills Personal Trainer

Coaches Note:

My name is Nick Chandar, and I have played football at all different levels, ranging from amateur social leagues to professional academy. With more than 10 years of experience in the game, I understand the game very well and I’d like to think I’ve learned a few tricks along the way.

As a Professional Strength & Conditioning Coach, I have utilized my knowledge of the game into the health and fitness aspect of football, and with my experience in both the practical and analytical aspect of football, I have the capability to prepare anyone to perform at their optimal level, all while enjoying the journey and the game.

With Project: Future Ballers, my goal is to show aspiring footballers of all ages what it takes to become a professional footballer, as well as showing how being fitter, faster, and stronger can elevate the enjoyment that football can bring to people. As a footballer myself, I have learned that health and fitness is the most important aspect of football, plus this carries over to a more quality lifestyle in general.

For me, performance is key, and to optimize performance through strength, recovery, injury prevention, mechanics, fitness, and efficiency are the keys to a successful and long-lasting footballing career and journey, all while the enjoyment levels do not drop off.

The deeper underlying message for Project: Future Ballers is that we want footballers to feel like the best version of themselves. Whether they want to pursue a career in football or whether they want to just have fun, our priority is to see as many young New Zealanders outside running around, getting fitter, faster, and stronger, being active, all working towards removing the negative stigma away from fitness in the youth space and transforming that into a fun and productive session for anyone & everyone.