Ilan Mastrocola-Simon is a 20 year old Australian footballer & coach with professional experience across Australia, North America, Europe, and New Zealand. Having grown up in a regional area with limited access to elite environments, Ilan understands firsthand the challenges young players face when trying to reach the next level.

As a player, Ilan progressed through Australian Championship side South Hobart, Victorian NPL side Oakleigh Cannons as a scholar, was apart of A-League club Brisbane Roar’s academy in 2023 while also being at NPL club Logan Lightning, then starting NPL Mens at Kingborough Lions at 17 years old before being scouted by MLS Clubs which led to a short stay at Vancouver Whitecaps where he experienced a high-performance academy environment focused on individual development and X-factor growth. He then spent time in Europe before training at Perth Glory & Central Coast Mariners before later moving to Nelson Suburbs in 2025 where he helped the club reach the Chatham Cup Semi-Finals.

In late 2025, Ilan was diagnosed with myocarditis, a heart infection that forced him to step away from playing at a critical stage of his career, Ilan will return to the pitch in 2026 but while continuing his recovery, he shifted his full focus into coaching and player development, an area he is deeply passionate about.

Ilan is currently:

• A-League Intern Analyst & Residential Assistant at Wellington Phoenix FC

• U20/Development Team Head Coach at Petone FC while also assisting the First Team

• Founder of IMS Performance Football

As a coach, Ilan has worked across academy & grassroots environments, including coaching U16 & U18 NPL squads leading them to a championship at 18, assisting in technical roles, working for the Australian Football Federation, creative director & youth coach at Nelson Suburbs. His coaching philosophy prioritises individual development, character, work rate, resilience, and creativity, while also preparing players for tactical & physical demands of senior football.

Having experienced both success and setbacks at a young age, Ilan is committed to being the coach he wishes he had growing up, someone who sees players for who they are, builds a relationship, and helps them develop the tools they need to succeed.

Articles:

• https://nelsonapp.co.nz/news/articles/67b66b7823fe6002c2d1ca8e

• https://www.themercury.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=TMWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.themercury.com.au%2Fsport%2Fkingborough-npl-player-ilan-mastrocolasimon-set-for-mls-trials-in-america-and-canada%2Fnews-story%2Fc986a2687ea14428bc89019ff6c94e6c&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium

• https://nelsonapp.co.nz/news/articles/68dc9a752b7137038bf84228

• https://nelsonapp.co.nz/news/articles/69264a78a811a1fe1815d06a

• https://www.facebook.com/61557097702897/videos/two-weeks-in-a-row-a-nelson-suburbs-football-club-player-takes-out-goal-of-the-w/2116500115450064/