Rylan Sandford-Bell

Rylan Sandford-Bell is a passionate coach and athlete who brings a strong mix of experience, energy and professionalism to the team. He currently plays for the Brisbane Strikers first team and has spent more than a decade immersed in football as a player, referee and coach. His time in the UK with the Steven Gerrard Academy in 2023–2024 gave him valuable exposure to elite training environments, international coaching styles and a deeper understanding of athlete development.

Now based in Brisbane and training six days a week, Rylan balances his own competitive goals with his commitment to helping others grow. He thrives in youth development, small-group coaching and sport-specific training, and he has a genuine talent for building confidence and enjoyment in the athletes he works with. Whether he’s coaching a young player through their first technical drills or guiding adults through strength-focused sessions, Rylan’s approach is structured, motivating and always grounded in improving fundamentals.

Rylan’s coaching career has already included roles with Brisbane Strikers, Noosa Lions and St Andrews Football Academy, as well as personal training experience at Jetts Noosa. Across every role, he has shown consistency, professionalism and a natural ability to connect with his athletes. He is driven to continue developing his craft as he works towards his long-term goal of playing professional football in Europe by 2028.

Experience & Coaching Background:

Rylan has coached across multiple age groups and competitive levels, including NPL youth sides and senior women’s programs. His role with Brisbane Strikers includes leading the U12 NPL squad and supporting the U14 NPL team, giving him hands-on experience within a high-performance club environment. Prior to this, he coached across boys’ and women’s teams at Noosa Lions and worked closely with developing players at the St Andrews Football Academy.

His personal training experience at Jetts Noosa strengthened his ability to deliver tailored programs for individuals and small groups. He developed a keen interest in athletic performance, speed, agility and strength work for younger athletes — skills he continues to refine today.

Rylan also spent several years as a football referee, officiating matches from U12 through to first-team level. This experience gave him a thorough understanding of game management, discipline and the importance of clarity in communication.

Personal Focus:

Rylan has been part of the football world since childhood and brings that same enthusiasm into every coaching session. He cares deeply about helping young people enjoy the game, build meaningful friendships and find confidence in their abilities. As both a coach and an athlete, he sets high standards for himself and aims to create an environment where athletes feel supported, challenged and inspired.