Claudio Hermenjat returns as U17 Head Coach and Assistant Technical Director

Alamein FC has confirmed Claudio Hermenjat will return as U17 GVYPL1 Head Coach and Assistant Technical Director for the 2027 season.

Hermenjat will enter his third season with Alamein next year, working across the club's junior football program while again leading the U17s at the final stage of the GVYPL1 pathway.

As Assistant Technical Director, Hermenjat will oversee Alamein's Academy teams and work alongside the Technical Director across the club's GVYPL1 program, helping build consistency in player development and football standards across the coaching group.

His U17 role puts that work into practice at a particularly important stage of the pathway, preparing players for the transition from junior football towards U20 and Senior NPLW competition.

Experience across Victorian football

Hermenjat joined Alamein ahead of the 2025 season, bringing coaching experience from across Victorian football, including previous roles with South Melbourne FC, Monash Villarreal FC and Bayside United FC (now Bentleigh Greens SC).

Originally from Switzerland, Hermenjat has lived in Australia for more than 20 years and brings a strong knowledge of both the local and international game.

Away from coaching, he is also a regular contributor to SBS's football coverage, working as an expert on the broadcaster's coverage of the 2024 UEFA European Championship and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Continuing the work in 2027

Hermenjat's return provides continuity across two important areas of Alamein's football program.

At U17 level, the focus remains on developing players capable of taking the next step towards senior football while building a team ready to compete at a high level. His Assistant Technical Director role allows him to contribute to the development of players and coaches across the broader junior pathway.

"I'm really pleased to be continuing with the 17s in 2027,” Hermenjat says. “The players have made real progress over the last few seasons, on and off the pitch.

“I want the next group to leave the program as footballers who read the game for themselves, are comfortable on the ball, compete hard and work for each other. That's what carries them into senior football.

“Across the club, and with our Academy teams in particular, I'd like to help coaches and players share that same way of thinking about the game."