From the Big Blue to the international stage — Holly Furphy is quickly becoming one of the brightest young stars in Australian football. ⚡

In this episode, we unpack Holly’s whirlwind 9 months:

• Scoring her debut goal in the A-League Women’s Big Blue
• Playing in the 2025 A-League Grand Final
• Representing Australia U23s and winning MVP at the ASEAN Women’s Championship
• We discuss the step up from train-on player to a Melbourne Victory professional
• Life at Santa Clara University in the US and why she came home
• And Growing up in a powerhouse sporting family alongside her NBA and AFL brothers

This conversation is all about growth, mindset, and what it takes to seize big moments when they come. If you want insight into the next generation of Matildas talent — Holly’s story is a must-listen.

🔔 Subscribe for more episodes featuring athletes, coaches, and game changers in sport.

#HollyFurphy #MelbourneVictory #YoungMatildas #U23Matildas #FootballPodcast #AustralianFootball #ALeagueWomen #ASEANChampionship #MVP

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Get your copy of Ange Ball here - https://amzn.to/41x4VNR

Career coach Mark Torcaso joins us today on STRIVE 365.

Having spent over 20 years working in the development of football within Melbourne, Mark earnt a reputation as a winner, throughout his time with powerhouse club Calder United in the NPLW.

In 2022, Mark became the inaugural head coach of new A league women’s club Western United, where he guided the team to the grand final in their first season. This earnt him a role with the Philippines WNT where for 12 months he juggled both international and professional club football.

Now focusing solely on the Philippines, Mark is striving to qualify for the 2027 FIFA women’s world cup.

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Coach:

• Melbourne Victory – A league Women’s (2013 – 2015)
  • GK Coach
• Australian Youth National Teams
  • GK Support Coach
• Calder United – Victorian NPL (2016 – 2021)
  • Numerous local titles
• Western United – A league Women’s (2021 – 2023)
  • Inaugural head coach
  • Grand final 2021/22
  • ALW Coach of the Year 2021/22
• Philippines Women’s National Team (2023 – present)
  • 2022 Asian Games
  • 2024 Olympic qualifying
    • Vs Australia in front of 60,000 in Perth
• St Monica College – 24+ years
  • Director of Football

Education:

· AFC Pro Licence 2024

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Tony Readings is one of New Zealand football’s most accomplished coaches. He led the Football Ferns to multiple FIFA Women’s World Cups and Olympic Games, achieving historic milestones — including the team’s first-ever progression past a group stage at a senior FIFA tournament. Today, he serves as the New Zealand All Whites assistant coach, helping prepare the team for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.

In this episode of Strive 365, Tony shares:
🇳🇿 Insights into the NZ All whites Environment as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

🎓 Lessons from his time as a coach educator with OFC and High Performance Sport NZ
🌍 & explains What it takes to build a high-performance environment and develop winning cultures

⚽ His journey from to coaching at the highest level
🏆 What it was like to guide the Football Ferns to World Cups, Olympics, and historic wins
🧠 Insights into player development during the critical teenage years

Whether you’re a coach, player, or football fan, this episode is full of practical wisdom about development, leadership, and what it takes to succeed on the world stage.

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Check out Tonys book recommendation here - https://amzn.to/4prC4p7

#TonyReadings #AllWhites #FootballFerns #NZFootball #FIFAWorldCup #FootballPodcast #FIFAWorldCup2026 #SoccerPodcast #CoachDevelopment #PlayerDevelopment #OFC #HighPerformanceSport #Strive365 #FootballCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #CoachEducation #HighPerformanceFootball

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Support the show

Become a member - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2380305/support

#STRIVE365

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LinkedIn: @garethturnbullstrive365
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Twitter: @gturnbull12