My Story

Luke Johnston

I have been actively involved in soccer since the tender age of 4, if not earlier. It has remained the focal point of my life, occupying my thoughts and activities day and night.

My soccer journey commenced with Glasgow Rangers during my childhood, followed by a relocation to Perth, Australia with my family. This relocation led me to join Perth Glory before eventually returning to the UK to play professional soccer in the Scottish Premier League for Dundee United. At the age of 19, I experienced the exhilaration of making my professional debut, feeling like I was on top of the world. Life couldn't have been any better at that moment.

However, my euphoria was short-lived as adversity struck in the form of injuries. I underwent numerous operations and faced complications, which ultimately forced me into early retirement at the age of merely 20. My entire world was turned upside down. Seeking solace, I returned to Australia to be with my family and start anew. With no contingency plan in place, football was all I knew, and my injuries rendered me unable to work for a duration of two years.

After reluctantly accepting that my professional football career had come to an end, I had to move forward and rebuild my life from scratch. I took up a position at a local recreation center, working in the cafe. Transitioning from playing football in front of thousands of spectators to making coffee felt like a significant setback initially. However, it turned out to be one of the most transformative periods of my life. I managed to regain my confidence and find purpose again. Going to work each day brought me happiness and a sense of belonging.

Although I had vowed to never return to the football industry, an opportunity arose to work as a children's soccer coach at the recreation center. Initially, I was reluctant due to my lingering resentment towards football. Nevertheless, with the encouragement of friends and family, I decided to apply. It proved to be a pivotal turning point in my life, and today, I am immensely grateful for that decision.

Coaching children has rekindled my passion for football and reminded me why I fell in love with the game in the first place. I feel as though I am back on the path I was meant to follow. Football, for me, encompasses much more than a mere sport. It unites people, keeps us present in the moment, and nurtures both our physical and mental well-being.

After a hiatus of six years without football, I am now back on the field, playing for my local club, Football Margaret River. This return has brought me immeasurable joy. I engage in the game for the sheer pleasure it brings and to serve as a role model for other aspiring young players, inspiring them to pursue their dreams or simply revel in the game's beauty.

My Coaching Philosophy

As a coach, my philosophy is rooted in instilling the values of passion, resilience, creativity, respect, hard work, and honesty in my players. Success, to me, is defined by fostering a deep love for the sport in my players and witnessing their continual development each week.

I am committed to developing well-rounded players who possess the technical, tactical, physical, and mental skills needed to excel in the game. My approach balances development with competitiveness, especially during the foundational and youth phases. I emphasise player development without neglecting the winning mentality essential for the performance phase.

Communication is key in my coaching style. I adopt a mix of authoritative, democratic, and laissez-faire approaches, adjusting based on the age and level of the players I am working with. I motivate my players by encouraging them to strive for excellence every day.

My training sessions are designed to optimise both development and engagement. For players in the foundational and youth development phases, we prioritise honing technical skills, ensuring they get as many touches of the ball as possible. I firmly believe in maximising ball contact during practice to enhance skill acquisition. As players progress into the performance phase, we place greater emphasis on tactical drills and situational practices to prepare them for competitive play.

Regarding the style of football, I prefer a possession-based approach, focusing on maintaining control of the game through precise passing, intelligent movement, and strategic positioning. While possession is important, I also encourage fluidity in attacking play, with an emphasis on creativity and quick transitions between defense and attack.

During matches, I encourage players to be adaptable and make in-game decisions independently. Mistakes and setbacks are seen as valuable learning opportunities, and I guide players to put them behind and grow stronger from them.

Creating and maintaining a positive team culture is crucial. I ensure that every player feels included and valued, fostering an open and supportive environment where everyone has a strong sense of belonging. Clear communication is maintained to ensure each player understands their role and contributions to the team.

My coaching philosophy has been shaped by my experiences as a professional footballer, a coach, and a business owner. It continues to evolve, influenced by previous coaches, professional coaches, teams that I admire, my own personal upbringing, and ongoing education, as well as the latest advancements in sports science and coaching methodologies. I am dedicated to lifelong learning and consistently seek out new strategies and techniques to better support my players' growth, both on and off the field. This commitment ensures that my coaching remains dynamic, responsive, and effective in fostering the development of well-rounded athletes.

In essence, my goal is to help players develop not just as athletes but as individuals, instilling in them a lifelong love for the game and the skills needed to succeed both on and off the field.