NICOLAS ROUCO | HEAD COACH
AFC C Diploma, Cert IV Fitness, Cert Life Coaching, Sports Psychology
Nicolas spent the majority of his Junior and Senior football in the NSW Premier League (NPL) where he made his 1st Grade debut at the tender age of 17 seeing him score his first senior goal. He played for; Blacktown City Demons, Parramatta Eagles, Penrith and Northern Spirit FC to name a few of his clubs.
He also travelled to and played abroad both in Brazil (Gremio) and the UK (WALES). His experience in Brazil is the one that shaped him the most and has influenced his coaching the most, having been amongst world class players, coaches and club staff. This opportunity came about when he was scouted during the Punta Cup in Punta Del Este, Uruguay at the age of 16. This tournament hosts clubs like Barcelona, Boca Juniors, Gremio & Nacional. Nico also shared the footballing stage with players like Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani and Anderson (pictured below).
PLAYED IN BRAZIL, WALES AND AUS
In 2025, Nico was appointed Technical Director of Shellharbour Junior Football Club — his latest project and an exciting new chapter in his coaching journey. With big goals for the club, Nico is committed to building on the incredible success they’ve already achieved. It’s another fantastic environment for his coaching philosophy and methodologies to shine through, as he works to elevate player development and club culture to the next level.
His Uruguayan background influenced his love for the game from a young age, and had him looking up to fellow south American hero’s; Maradona, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Messi of course.
Growing up he was known for his skill and composure playing as an attacking midfielder always wearing the #10. Nico says that playing in the #10 role has seen him appreciate coaching a whole lot more. His role would typically require him to read the game, allowing him to be instrumental in attack with a good understanding of the oppositions defence.
Since moving to the Illawarra, he has most recently represented Shellharbour FC as their #10, typically playing in the 10 role and or the 9 role. 2023 season saw him net 19 goals across league and cup games combined. Shellharbour Fc were crowned Minor Premiers for the 2023 Season seeing them gain promotion into the Illawarra Premier League. In 2024 he Captained Warilla Wanderers FC first team. Mid-season he was promoted to First Team Head Coach to assist in their efforts to remain in the District league after a shaky beginning to the season. After the season's end Nico completed the AFC C Diploma to further his skills and knowledge of the game to help align his ATTFA programs to the AFC Curriculum.
Nico was appointed as Shellharbour Junior Football Club's Technical Director in 2025 - his latest project. He has big goals for the club and wants to build on the incredible success they have already! Another great environment for his coaching methodologies to shine through.
Successful Business owner since 2012
From the age of 24, Nicolas owned and operated a successful Gym in Sydney, which has not only seen him help members achieve their fitness goals, but also successfully mentored trainers into business ownership. He was fortunate enough to work with 100's of high profile business people and highly regarded leaders like Tony Popovic during his time at the Wanders, which has given Nico a unique insight as to what true leadership is all about.
With over 15 years in the health and fitness industry Nicolas looks to combine his leadership experience, knowledge in nutrition, goal setting and coaching to encourage our young footballers to take their game to the next level.
Since becoming a business owner Nico has engaged in additional studies including life coaching as well as sports psychology. His interest in these fields stems from his time in Brazil where he experienced support from the club in all areas as an athlete. Physical, Mental and Emotional. There he learned that players were able to excel with the support they needed inside and outside the field.
A lot of the attributes that are linked to Nico having a successful business career were due to his learnings as a young footballer. He wishes to provide these teachings to his academy kids so they too become successful inside and outside the field.