Alex McMillan, ACE’s Junior Technical Director for the 2021 season, has described his new role as an “exciting opportunity”.
A coach of adults and juniors for 26 years, Alex (pictured above left) has taken over from Hugo Labaredas (above right), who has stepped down after two years in the role, for family reasons.
Alex is well known at ACE having been assistant to first-team coach Steve Glockner for the last three years – winning the Brisbane Premier League twice and Grand Final once – as well as coaching in the ACE Kindy program.
He previously coached Lions’ juniors, the Moggill senior men and was assistant coach for Easts’ top side. Alex played professionally, semi-professionally and at state level in Scotland and South Africa and has just finished playing Over 35s at Lions.
“I am looking forward to taking on the junior coaching role at ACE,” says Alex, who described coaching the club’s Kindy program as an “amazingly rewarding experience”.
“It will be wonderful working with all the great people who put so much time and energy into helping the young players become better footballers and have fun while doing it.
“It is going to be an exciting opportunity working in the ACE junior program, helping the players and coaches to be the best that they can.”
His predecessor Hugo Labaredas handed over the reins this week thanking everyone at ACE for their support. “It is with sadness that I leave ACE for family reasons,” he said.
“ACE has so many good people working together to provide the best opportunities for kids of all ages, so they enjoy and have fun playing a game we all love.
Jason Gilbert
“It was a pleasure to work with you all. I will miss you. I wish you all the best for the future …. and who knows our ways may cross again.”
ACE Junior Vice-President Jason Gilbert paid tribute to Hugo and welcomed Alex to his new position. “Hugo has been a great support to ACE over the last couple of years in the Junior TD role,” said Jason.
“Everyone at ACE would agree, Hugo has a passion for football, not only to see players develop and grow into their skills, but to see the game played for the joy that it brings to our community.
“We say thank you to Hugo’s family as they have sacrificed a great deal with him being away from them a lot, especially this last year with the restrictions in place – and wish them all the best for the future.
“Many will already know Alex who enjoys the interaction with players and coaches and much like Hugo, will bring his infectious passion to the role.
“It is great to know ACE will continue to have an experienced and passionate leader for its junior programs and we are glad to have it in safe hands going forward.”
