UWA Nedlands appoint Tom Glavovic as NPL Women’s First Team Head Coach for 2027

UWA Nedlands FC is delighted to announce the appointment of Tom Glavovic as Head Coach of the club’s NPL Women’s First Team for the 2027 season.

Glavovic arrives at UWA Nedlands with an extensive background across junior, senior and elite football. A former high-level player who is also a current NPL referee, he brings more than 25 years of coaching experience and has spent over a decade working predominantly in women’s football across academy, youth and senior NPL environments.

Most recently, Glavovic coached at Perth Azzurri during a highly successful two-and-a-half-year period. The team secured back-to-back championships, including the club’s first-ever women’s championship. While proud of those results, he also places equal value on the development of players and the culture created around them.

“What I enjoy most about coaching is seeing players develop their confidence, understand the game better and realise what they are capable of,” Glavovic said. “For me, coaching is about much more than simply teaching players how to play football. It is about helping them become better footballers, better teammates and better people.”

Glavovic holds an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) B Diploma and is currently enrolled in the AFC A Diploma, continuing his development as a coach. He has also worked with players who have progressed to professional environments in the A-League, Europe, the United Kingdom, Norway and the United States.

His coaching philosophy is centred on development, courage, understanding and continuous improvement. He wants players to be able to read the game, recognise space, make decisions independently and play with confidence. His sessions will be structured, purposeful and demanding, while remaining enjoyable and supportive.

“I want players to enjoy coming to training, but I also expect them to work hard and bring their best attitude every time they step onto the pitch,” Glavovic said. “My sessions are designed to challenge players physically, technically, tactically and mentally, while creating an environment where they feel comfortable making mistakes and learning from them.”

UWA Nedlands President Mark Reid said Glavovic’s record and approach made him an excellent fit for the club’s vision.

“We’re delighted to have Tom joining UWA. He’s won the NPL Women’s League for the past two seasons, so to bring someone with his experience and track record to the club is fantastic for us and shows the ambition we have for our women’s program. We want to build something really special at UWA, not just at NPL level but right through the club. For me, it’s about creating a pathway where a young girl can start playing football at UWA and genuinely believe that one day she can pull on the shirt for our NPL First Team. Tom really understands what we’re trying to build here, and I’m excited to see where we can take it together.”

Glavovic said the club’s ambition and commitment to the women’s game were central to his decision to join UWA Nedlands.

“From the conversations I’ve had, it’s clear there’s a lot of ambition at the club and a real desire to build something special in the women’s game. That really appealed to me,” he said. Of course, I want to win games and be successful. I’m competitive and that won’t change. But I also want to help build something that has a future and gives young players at the club something to aim for.  I’m looking forward to meeting the players, getting out on the pitch and getting to work. I’m really excited about what we can build together.”

The club looks forward to welcoming Tom, and to working with him as UWA Nedlands continues to strengthen its women’s program and pathways for players across the club.

Welcome to UWA, Tom.

One club. One pathway. One future.