Chris Greenacre will continue his longstanding association with the Wellington Phoenix after re-signing as the academy’s head of pro development.
Greenacre’s time with the Nix began as a player in 2009, and he first took charge of the men’s reserves side in 2017, while also adding the New Zealand U-20 job in 2024.
“We’re really happy to have secured Chris Greenacre for another season,” academy director Emma Humphries said.
“Greeny has such a strong history in producing players within the Wellington Phoenix system.
“He knows what it takes to play professional football and does an incredible job in instilling those behaviours and skillsets to help our best players progress.”
Three new faces are also joining the academy staff in 2026.
Cameron Grieves will take over as boys’ U-16 head coach, coming from his previous role as head of academy at FC Tauranga Moana.
Mingi So is another addition, joining as the U-15 boys’ head coach.
His experience includes being Rangitoto College’s director of football, and football development officer with East Coast Bays.
Alistair Yates rounds out the new appointments for the academy and will work part time as the boys’ U-14 head coach.
He has arrived from Lower Hutt City, where he was director of junior and youth football, having previously worked for Stop Out, including as first team head coach.
Alex Richardson has also moved into a new role, as the full time head of performance analysis.
“Really excited to bring in Cameron Grieves, Mingi So and Alistair Yates into the coaching team,” Humphries said.
“All three come with strong development backgrounds and will add valuable experience to our boys coaching team.”
The academy is also farewelling three staff members.
Head of player pathways Brad Bicknell, performance analyst Sam Casey-Popovich, and physiotherapist Stanley Muru are all departing from their roles.
All have been valuable members of the setup and leave with the best wishes of the Phoenix academy.
2026 Wellington Phoenix academy staff
Academy Technical Director | Emma Humphries
Head of Pro Development | Chris Greenacre
Women’s Reserves Head Coach | Tory Schiltgen
Assistant Academy Director | Joshua Neff
Operations Manager | Eilish Graves
Head of Academy Performance Analysis | Alex Richardson
Female Talent Development Lead | Jessica Fuller
Head of Player Pathways | Cameron Grieve
Camps and Skills Centre Lead | Mingi So
Boys’ U-14 Head Coach | Alistair Yates
Academy Performance Analyst and Data Lead | Johnny Thompson
Head of Junior Youth Development | Blake Chandler
Head of Goalkeeping | Ed Harding
Academy Goalkeeper Coach | Nick Stanton
Head of Male Academy PPS | Ben Maunsell
Academy Senior Youth Male PPS | Raff Moro
Academy Youth Female PPS | Ella McMIllan
Head of Academy Physio | Sam Wilkins
Academy Physio | Kasey Leary
Academy Physio | Dhvanil Gandhi
Fraser Park Venue Manager | Laurel Makowem
