About the Founder & Head Coach - Josh Ackland

The 247 Football Soccer Academy is led by Founder and Head Coach, Josh Ackland, whose unique background combines elite football experience, professional leadership, and firsthand insight as a parent of a young, passionate footballer.

Josh has been involved in football at an elite level for over 30+ years - as a player, coach, academy founder, and parent - giving him a well-rounded understanding of the training environments young players both enjoy and need to reach their potential.

As a junior, Josh progressed through Football NSW elite and representative programs, training under some of the country’s best coaches, including a current A-League Men’s Head Coach and a former Matildas Head Coach. These programs instilled strong discipline, accountability, and character, alongside advanced technical development. Players were expected to complete structured home training programs, reinforcing responsibility, consistency, and self-driven improvement - values that continue to underpin the 247 Football philosophy today.

A highlight of Josh’s playing career was representing Australia in futsal, including a tour of South America, further shaping his technical approach and understanding of the global game.

During and following his playing career, Josh coached elite development squads at Football NSW before founding his own football academy (now known as the 247 Football Soccer Academy). The academy has since delivered elite development programs, term-based training to players of varying abilities, and holiday camps. Graduates of the academy have gone on to play professionally in the A-League and overseas, a legacy Josh is extremely proud to have played a big role in their success.

Professional Background

Josh brings 16 years of professional experience as a lawyer, including roles as Special Counsel at a prominent city law firm and Senior Lawyer at a major insurer and bank. This background adds structure, professionalism, and strong governance to every aspect of the academy.

Football Experience

• Over 30 years as a player and coach at elite and representative level

• Coach: Football NSW elite programs

• Academy founder, elite coach, and parent perspective

• Australian representative for futsal

247 Football App

Josh is also the founder and creator of the 247 Football App, now used in over 100 countries worldwide & available on the App Store, supporting player development beyond the training ground.