Meet Our team
The People Behind MEKA
MEKA is shaped by two individuals who bring a shared passion for football and a commitment to creating a meaningful environment for young players. Together, they combine experience, teaching and care to support every child’s development on and off the pitch.
Head of Football
Erick Anabalon
Football Background
Erick has lived and breathed football from a young age, surrounded by a family deeply involved in the sport. His journey through youth, senior and futsal pathways has shaped a broad understanding of how the game works and what young players need at each stage of development.
Coaching Approach
Erick coaches with patience, clarity and intention. He focuses on helping players understand the game, not just perform drills. Children respond well to his calm style, feeling comfortable to ask questions, try new things and learn at their own pace.
What Erick Brings to MEKA
Erick sets the football direction for MEKA, shaping the structure of sessions and the long-term development pathway. He is thoughtful, observant and committed to building confident young footballers who enjoy learning and growing each week.
HEAD OF Operations
Keith Azzopardi
Football Background
Keith’s football journey began in Malta, continued through Scotland and settled in Australia, where he has played, coached and supported community football for many years. His involvement in futsal and local clubs has deepened his understanding of how players learn and what families value.
Coaching & Teaching Strengths
With a professional background in education, training and community-focused work, Keith brings strong communication and teaching skills to MEKA. He has a natural ability to break down concepts, support young players and help families feel informed and connected to the program.
What Keith Brings to MEKA
Keith oversees the operational side of the academy and supports coaching with a people-centred, detail-oriented approach. He ensures MEKA delivers sessions that are organised, purposeful and aligned with the academy’s values.
Erick and Keith
Together at MEKA
Erick and Keith bring different strengths, but their focus is the same, creating a football environment where children feel supported, encouraged and excited to grow. Their combined experience shapes MEKA’s identity and ensures every player receives care, clarity and meaningful development.
Parent Feedback
What Families Are Saying
Fantastic Experience at MEKA Football
We’ve had such a fantastic experience with MEKA. Since joining, both of my sons have improved immensely, not just in their technical skills, but also in their overall confidence on and off the field. They really look forward to their sessions each week; the enthusiasm they have for training really speaks volumes about the environment that has been created.
The training is incredibly well structured, with a strong focus on skill development and game awareness. What stands out most is how clearly the drills and exercises translate into their club soccer games. We’ve noticed a real difference in their decision-making, positioning, and overall performance during matches.
A special thank you to Keith for his ongoing support and encouragement. His positive approach and genuine investment in the kids’ development make such a difference. We are so grateful to be part of the MEKA community and couldn’t recommend the academy more highly - Jess Newman
My Sons Favourite Night of the Week
My son has been at MEKA Football Academy from day 1 and we couldn’t not be happier with the program!
Keith and Erick truly want to help all the kids improve their soccer skills while at the same time providing a fun, friendly environment for all the kids (and parents).
It’s easy to sign up, great communication and two of the most genuine coaches you will find! My sons favourite night of the week is Wednesday Night training at MEKA! Thank you team! - Steve Beluga Finance
Our experience with MEKA has been fantastic.
The coaches Keith and Erick are patient, encouraging, and truly understand how to work with young kids.
They focus not just on skills, but also on teamwork, confidence, and having fun, which makes a huge difference at this age. The training sessions are also well-organised. - Antonio Brancato
As a Coach & Parent: MEKA is a Great Place for Young Players to Grow
As both a coach and a parent, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand the incredible impact MEKA Football Academy has on young players and I can’t speak highly enough of the environment they’ve created. From a coaching perspective, the structure, attention to detail, and genuine focus on player development are outstanding.
Every session is purposeful, well-organised, and designed to challenge players at the right level while still keeping the love of the game front and centre. It’s clear the coaches are not only knowledgeable, but also deeply invested in each child’s growth, both technically and mentally. As a parent, it’s even more rewarding to watch my own son thrive in this environment.
His confidence, skill level, and understanding of the game have improved since joining. More importantly, he genuinely looks forward to every session—something that speaks volumes about the positive culture MEKA has built. What really sets MEKA apart is the balance they strike between high standards and genuine care for the players. They develop not just better footballers, but well-rounded, disciplined, and motivated young people. I would wholeheartedly recommend MEKA Football Academy to any family looking for a professional, supportive, and inspiring place for their child to grow in the game. - Michael Abas
A Coach Who Truly Cares
My son has trained with Erick for three years and the improvement has been remarkable. Erick is more than a coach, he’s a mentor. His ability to develop both technical skills and real confidence sets him apart. My son's ball control, positioning, and game awareness are on another level, and most importantly, he believes in himself now. Couldn’t recommend Erick more - Tino Cavasinni
Professional, Positive Coaching
Erick played a key role in preparing my two sons for the transition from community football into NPL youth football. Over two seasons, he created a unique coaching environment built on passion, care, and a genuine love for the game.
He has a strong ability to teach game-realistic drills and football intelligence, while also showing how the lessons of football apply to life. Erick helped my sons build confidence, express themselves, and strive to be the best they can be on and off the field - John Pierobon
Confidence and Care in Every Session
My son loves training with MEKA. He has developed so much and improved in leaps and bounds. Each session is fantastic, and the coaches treat every player with care while building their confidence.
I highly recommend it - Peter Mittiga
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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Common Questions About MEKA
1. What ages can join MEKA Football Academy?
We welcome players aged 6 to 14. Our programs are designed around age-appropriate development phases so children learn at the right pace for their stage.
2. What should my child bring to training?
Players need football boots, shin pads, a water bottle and comfortable sportswear. Once enrolled, MEKA training kits will be provided for training sessions.
3. How do I enrol my child?
You can enrol directly through our website. Submit your details on the Expression of interest page, and we will be in touch to confirm availability, session details and the next steps.
4. Where does MEKA run training sessions?
Training is held in the Macarthur and South West Sydney region. Exact fields are confirmed through council allocation and shared with families before each term begins.
5. What can my child expect at a MEKA training session?
Sessions are well planned, structured and purpose-driven. Players learn technique, movement, decision-making and mindset through enjoyable activities and small-sided games.
6. Do parents receive updates about their child’s progress?
Yes. We maintain open communication with families so you understand what your child is learning and how they are developing over time. Parents are welcome to connect and request feedback.
7. How do I enrol in a program or holiday clinic?
Submit your details using the BOOK A FREE TRIAL or ENROL TODAY buttons found in the top sections of each of the website pages, and our team will guide you through the next steps for the relevant program.
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