ABOUT US
Who we are
Melbourne's Premier Youth Football Academy — Developing Players at Every Level.
AC Football Academy was built on one belief: every young footballer deserves access to elite-level coaching. Since 2010, we have been delivering high quality, structured training sessions across Melbourne's north — sessions that are challenging, engaging, and built around the individual needs of every player.
Whether your child is picking up a ball for the first time or pushing toward a higher level of competition, we create the environment for them to thrive.
THE FOUNDER
Alex Cobo founded AC Football Academy in 2010 with a vision that has never changed — to give Melbourne's young players genuine access to world-class football development.
Drawing on his career as a professional footballer in South America and his extensive experience coaching across Australia and internationally, Alex built a program that reflects what elite football development actually looks like. Today, he leads a team of 12 dedicated coaches, overseeing every aspect of the academy's operation and long-term direction. The strength of AC Football Academy lies in the depth of its people — experienced coaches, passionate players, and a shared commitment to raising the standard of junior football in Melbourne's north.
INTERNATIONAL
TRAINING
Alex's playing career took him to Boca Juniors Cali in South America, where he trained under two of the continent's most respected coaches — Ramiro Viafara, former Colombian National Team Coach, and Carlos 'La Gambeta' Estrada.
That foundation gave Alex an elite technical understanding of the game that he brings directly into every AC Football Academy session. He completed four years at The National School of Sports — one of South America's most prestigious sports science universities — gaining deep expertise across player development, sports science, and international football standards. In 2016, Alex earned his A Licence coaching accreditation through Football Federation Australia, qualifying him to coach at NPL level anywhere in the country. That is the pedigree behind every session we deliver.
INNOVATIVE FOOTBALL STRATEGIES
AC Football Academy is one of the leading football development programs in Melbourne's northern suburbs — and we work hard every day to keep it that way
Our coaching methodology is built on continuous improvement. We study the latest international trends, analyse the evolving demands of the modern game, and adapt our training programs accordingly. The result is a dynamic, forward-thinking approach that prepares players not just for football as it is played today, but for where the game is heading. Every drill, every session, and every program at AC Football Academy is designed with that standard in mind.
FUTURE PLANS
"The opportunities ahead for our players will be shaped by the work we do together now — technically, physically, and mentally. Our goal is to open real doors for every player who commits to this academy, both locally and internationally." — Alex Cobo, Managing Director, AC Football Academy
Let's start today
If you would like to learn more about the right AC program for your child, we would love to hear from you. Get in touch to discuss your child’s age, current level and goals, and we can help guide you towards the best development pathway.