Rainbow Roos is brought to life by a team of coaches who share one thing in common: we care far more about the person in front of us than how good they are at soccer.
Our team brings different personalities, experiences and strengths, but everyone coaches with the same approach. Sessions should be welcoming, adaptable and full of opportunities to build confidence, connect with others and have fun.
Different coaches. One Rainbow Roos approach.
Meet The Team
BRAD – Director & Head Coach
Brad founded Rainbow Roos in Lismore in 2024 with a belief that sport could be done differently. He leads the development of our programs, partnerships and continued growth while remaining actively involved in coaching. His passion for inclusion drives Rainbow Roos forward, creating welcoming, enjoyable opportunities where everyone can participate, build confidence, feel supported and enjoy being part of the game.
ELLIE – Coach & Allied Health Assistant
Ellie combines extensive experience in disability support and child development with a lifelong passion for soccer. As a Therapy Assistant supporting children accessing NDIS funding, she brings valuable expertise in adapting activities and helping every child feel confident, included and supported. Her calm, encouraging approach creates a welcoming environment where children can build skills, independence and enjoy participating at their own pace.
Ryan – Coach & High-Level Player
Ryan is a 16-year-old coach with extensive playing experience across representative football and futsal, including internationally. He combines his passion for the game with a natural enthusiasm for helping younger players build confidence, develop their skills and, most importantly, enjoy playing soccer. His positive energy and ability to connect with young players make him a fantastic role model.
Magda – Coach & Support Mentor
Soccer has been a part of Magda’s life for as long as she can remember. What began as a lifelong love of the game has grown into a passion for inspiring the next generation. Through coaching, she has discovered the joy of encouraging children to build confidence, develop new skills and, most importantly, have fun, feel included and fall in love with the game themselves.
Tamara – Coach & Inclusion Leader
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Jamie T – Coach & Support Worker
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Lily – Coach & Educator
Lily combines a background in teaching, yoga and tutoring with more than 25 years of experience playing soccer competitively and socially. With experience supporting neurodivergent children and children from diverse cultural and language backgrounds, she is passionate about creating an environment where every child feels welcome, confident and able to participate. Lilian believes soccer is about more than the game, giving children opportunities to connect, belong, learn and grow together.
Em – Coach & Allied Health Assistant
Em brings a lifelong love of soccer to Rainbow Roos, having played for 17 years, including overseas, as well as playing futsal and coaching at the School Futsal Nationals each year. She is passionate about creating fun, inclusive environments where children feel comfortable to participate, build confidence and develop their skills. Through her work as an Allied Health Assistant, Em also brings experience in child development and play-based support, adapting activities to each child’s individual strengths and needs.
Jamie M – Coach & Teacher
Passionate about sport and helping young players thrive, Jamie brings together his background in primary teaching, sports media and communications with experience coaching MiniRoos. Enthusiastic and encouraging, he loves helping young players build confidence, develop their skills and discover the fun of being active. A passionate Aston Villa supporter, Jamie believes sport should be an enjoyable, inclusive experience where every child feels welcome and has the chance to shine.
Rosie – Roos Therapy Assistant Dog
Rosie is Rainbow Roos’ resident sausage dog, registered assistance dog and arguably our most popular team member. A regular at our Lismore sessions, she loves spending time with the kids, offering gentle support, plenty of cuddles and an endless supply of smiles. Rosie is always happy to provide a calming presence when someone needs a quiet moment, although she takes her responsibilities very seriously and expects payment accordingly. Her preferred currency? Treats, of course!
More Than Coaches
Our coaches aren’t expected to stand on the sidelines with a clipboard. We get involved, demonstrate, encourage, adapt and occasionally make complete fools of ourselves if it helps someone feel comfortable enough to join in.
Soccer knowledge matters, but so does patience, empathy, creativity and the ability to connect with people. Our coaches are supported to understand the Rainbow Roos approach and create environments where different personalities, abilities and support needs are welcomed.
Great coaching starts with understanding the person, not just the game.
Our Directors
Rainbow Roos is supported by a volunteer Board of Directors responsible for the governance and strategic direction of the charity.
Our directors help ensure that as Rainbow Roos continues to grow, we remain responsible, sustainable and focused on the charitable purpose and communities at the heart of everything we do.
Brad Ambridge
Brad brings direct experience of Rainbow Roos from its creation through to its growth as a registered charity, with a strong understanding of the families and communities it supports. His experience in program development, community partnerships and inclusive sport helps guide the organisation’s direction and future growth, while ensuring its purpose, values and commitment to creating opportunities for every child remain at the heart of every decision.
Jess Ambridge
Jess brings extensive customer service and small business experience alongside a strong connection to the Northern Rivers and a genuine passion for disability support and inclusion. Her organisation, empathy and understanding of day-to-day operations provide valuable insight into supporting children and families, while her commitment to creating inclusive opportunities helps Rainbow Roos grow responsibly and sustainably without losing sight of the people and communities at its heart.
Steve Hoffman
Steve brings extensive leadership and community experience from his career with NSW Police, alongside a lifelong passion for football as a qualified coach and referee. A well-respected member of the Northern Rivers community and dedicated family man, his experience in leadership, communication and supporting others brings valuable perspective to Rainbow Roos and its commitment to creating safe, inclusive opportunities for children and families.
Want To Join Our Team?
Rainbow Roos continues to grow, we’re always interested in hearing from people who share our approach.
You don’t need to have coached at the highest level. We’re much more interested in people who can connect, encourage, adapt and make participation fun.