FMR Technical Director
In an effort to continually develop the Club and look to the future, at the start of 2019, the FMR Executive Committee unanimously voted to appoint a Technical Director of Football. This position is designed to help oversee the Coaching and development of all our Junior, Youth and Senior teams. This has ensured the FMR philosophy and approach to football is consistently delivered across all teams. Here’s a profile and Q&A with our TD of Football, 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.
Q. Luke, tell us a little about your experience and why you’re excited to be taking on this new role at FMR?
A. With my experience playing professional football with Dundee United at the highest level in Scotland and previous to that, here at Perth Glory, along with also having coached through FFSW and Football West, I am excited to bring this professional background to Football Margaret Rivers coaches, players and volunteers.
Q. What are you looking forward to the most about the role?
A. I’m looking forward to working with the dedicated coaches and players to ensure the best possible experience for everyone on and off the football pitch.
Q. What do you hope to achieve over the coming season and what is your main focus over the weeks and months ahead?
A. Over the coming season what I’m hoping will be my main achievement is to provide leadership and support for all coaches and players and to ensure our club has the same training and experience as the rest of Australia.