CRAIG MITCHELL ‘MITCH’

         SEMI-PRO PLAYING CAREER

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​​Craig Mitchell, known as Mitch, has enjoyed a distinguished semi-professional football career spanning many years, marked by dedication, exceptional skill, and significant achievements. His deep understanding of the game, gained through sustained involvement at competitive levels, has left a lasting impact on the sport and the teams he represented. Coaching is his passion now, call to have a chat and see how he can help you.  

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Mitch’s Journey

From the early age of five, Mitch was destined for football greatness. Rising through junior ranks, he represented numerous teams at the representative level. At just 15, he scored the most amount of goals for the Northern NSW team at state titles—a year that also saw his first television appearance. He was also the yougest ever player to score in the Senior Mens 1st Divison competition on the Mid North Coast.

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One of Mitch’s standout career moments was scoring against the legendary Mark Schwarzer, complemented by a memorable hat-trick against Newcastle Croatia while representing Lake Macquarie Football Club.

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Mitch proudly became the first player ever scouted from the Mid North Coast to join Austral Football Club (now known as the Newcastle Jets). Signed at age 17, he was accommodated in discounted housing and employed as a barman (once he turned 18) at the club’s licensed venue. The combination of match payments and income from his bar job enabled him to pursue his dream of studying teaching at Newcastle University.

Following this, Mitch signed with Lake Macquarie Football Club, fulfilling a childhood aspiration inspired by his hero, Craig Johnston. He later transferred to Newcastle Croatia under a record transfer deal, a club where he experienced arguably the finest season of his football career under the mentorship of Newcastle football legend Michael Boogaard.

In his final Newcastle year, Mitch joined Wallsend Football Club, a historic team in 2nd division, and played a pivotal role in elevating the squad to 1st division status.

After completing four years at university, Mitch relocated to Sydney where he commenced his teaching career at Balgowlah Boys High School as a PD/H/PE teacher—marking the beginning of a distinguished 30-year tenure within the NSW Department of Education.

Concurrently, Mitch signed with Brookvale FC, concluding his semi-professional playing career. Although he received a contract offer from Blacktown City FC, he chose to prioritise his teaching career over football.

Throughout his career, Mitch enjoyed numerous grand final triumphs, including victories with the Champions of Champions squads. With over 200 first-grade goals in 1st Division Premier League competitions, Mitch retired from playing in 2024.

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Memorable Moments on the Field

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Reflecting on his career, Mitch recalls many highlights: “Scoring against Mark Schwarzer was epic, but scoring a hat trick at Lake Macquarie, in front of our home crowd was fantastic! I have to say though, my best goal ever was from the halfway line in 2005, playing for North Sydney Premier League club. Coach Claude quote said, " Mitchell took the ball on his chest and volleyed it from half way, over the keepers head. It' the best goal I have ever seen!" ( Coach Nth Syd Bears 1st Div)

Another standout memory was him being awarded MVP in 2015 during  final Sydney season with Belrose Terry Hills.”

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His most cherished moment, however, came in 2024 playing over-45s football for Kincumber Roos. “I scored a goal as a goalkeeper—something extraordinary! I had never played a season in goals before, I was always was a striker or CAM. Even at the age of 45, I was teaching myself how to play another position, even better, my son was there to witness it. It’s a memory we both will never forget.”

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Mitch has been lucky enough to be coached by some world renowned coaches, Graham Arnold ( 56 caps for Socceroos) & John Kosmina (60 caps) to name a few. 

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Current Role

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With a remarkable and distinguished career behind him, Mitch has seamlessly transitioned into his current role as Head Coach at Personal Football Coaching Training. His extensive experience, deep knowledge of football pathways, and strong network of contacts across the football community uniquely position him to guide aspiring players. He understands firsthand the hard work and dedication the sport demands, and remains committed to fostering talent and passion for football.

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Mitch is currently a selector with the combined Central Coast teams of Brisbane Waters & Southern Central Coast PSSA. He is also the Senior Coach at Central Coast Lightning Academy.