From Player to Coach: Brock Birch Returns to Pacific FC in 2025

By Brock Birch

This week, we caught up with Under 13 coach Brock Birch - someone whose journey with Pacific FC has come full circle. After spending many years playing for the club as a junior, Brock is now back at age 22, this time on the sidelines as a coach. We sat down with him to chat about his time growing up with Pacific FC, what he’s been up to since, and what inspired his return to the club that helped shape his love for the game.

Q: Can you tell us about your time playing for the school soccer club as a junior?

I still remember moving to the Sunny Coast from Brisbane in Year 4. It was a nerve-wracking time, changing schools, settling into a new place, but Pacific FC and my team the Barracudas made it so much easier. It helped me form friendships that lasted all through my school years.

Q: Do you have a favourite memory or standout moment from those years?

Our team was incredible. I still laugh when I think about the talent we had, some amazing players. Winning a couple of premierships was pretty special, but so was representing the Sunshine Coast South rep squad for five years.

Q: How did playing at the club shape your love for the game?

Pacific FC gave me so many opportunities to grow as a player. I’m really thankful for the club’s connection with West Ham United. I was lucky to be invited to attend development camps, not just locally and around the state, but also with opportunities that reached the national and international level. These experiences helped me improve my game and introduced me to some great people.

Q: What have you been up to since finishing up at Pacific FC?

In my teen years, I played federation-level soccer at Caloundra and Kawana, which I loved. But at 16, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, which forced me to step away from the game. That was tough, I really lost a part of myself when I couldn’t play. After a few years learning to manage my condition, I’m back playing again. These days, I’m proud to play as striker for Baringa FC’s FQPL Under 23 and Premier Men’s teams.

Q: What inspired you to return to the club as a coach?

My little brothers! They recently moved back to the Sunny Coast after four years in Victoria and chose to play for Pacific, just like I did at their age, to have fun playing sport with their mates. I wanted to support their love of soccer, and I figured what better way than coaching one of their teams?

Q: How does it feel to now be on the other side, as a coach instead of a player?

Honestly, it’s a strange but awesome feeling. I still see a lot of my younger self in the kids I’m coaching, which makes it all the more rewarding.

Q: What are your goals or hopes for the team you’re working with?

More than anything, I want them to have fun and love coming to soccer each week. If I can help develop their skills and confidence along the way, even better. But the main goal is that they feel supported, included, and passionate about the game.

Q: What does it mean to you personally to be back where it all started?

It’s honestly a bit surreal. I never imagined I’d be back here in this way, but it feels like everything has come full circle.

Q: Have you had any “deja vu” moments seeing players walk the same path you did?

All the time, especially with my brother Harley. I’ve been telling Mum for years that we’re nothing alike, but then I watch him on the field, making plays,  it’s like I’m watching a younger version of myself. There’s also one of my players, Spence that often have Deja vu with… I won’t say too much, but he knows exactly what I mean!

Q: What advice would you give to current players coming through the program?

Listen to your coaches. Take every opportunity you’re given. Train hard and never take any of it for granted. These are the best years of your life.

Q: How important do you think community clubs like this are in a young person’s life?

They’re everything. Community clubs are the backbone of youth sport. They’re where you make lifelong friends, where mentors help shape you not just as a player but as a person. The volunteers who give up their time to support young people, they’re absolute legends, and we’re lucky to have them.

Favourite soccer team? Manchester City

Favourite player growing up? Ronaldinho

Coaching style in one word? Supportive

Thank you to U13 Sharks Manager Mel Evans and Coach Brock Birch