When asked why he had taken a coaching position at a local high school, former Socceroo Jason Culina gave this surprise reply:

“I have no idea”.

“But I know that getting advice from someone at the highest level means a lot to these kids and I’m hoping I can give them that.”

Culina is the new Technical Director for the football program at Hunters Hill’s St Joseph’s College and the First XI side’s new head coach.

media_camera Culina hopes to cut his teeth with the school to gain some quality coaching experience. Photo: Adam Ward

Looking at Culina’s resume, there is no doubt that any A-League club, let alone a school, would be lucky to have him.

Culina made his top-flight football appearance at just 16 with Sydney United before a successful overseas career with Danish club PSV saw him gain 58 appearances with the Socceroos before retiring in 2013.

Although he can’t quite pinpoint the reasoning behind his decision to take up the role, he does know that he ultimately wants to be a coach and Joeys was the perfect place to ply his trade.

“It was the best position for me to give what I have to offer, where I can do things the way I know how to do them.”

media_camera Culina had 58 appearances with the Socceroos throughout his 17 year playing career. Here he is pictured playing for Australia against Paraguay in 2006. Pic Michael Ross

Culina outlined his plans for the school with one word, “professional”.

“We have to be professional in what we do. Academically, Joeys is very well set up and has lots of people involved with the football program who are very passionate about the game.

“We need to set up a program which gives kids the opportunity to become good human beings and, hopefully, professional football players,” Culina said.