Premiership-winning former Wanderer returns for Academy coaching role

He was the foundation of Western Sydney Wanderers’ inaugural Premiership triumph, and now Michael Beauchamp will have a hand in the Hyundai A-League club’s future success.

That’s because the Red and Black’s inaugural captain will join the Wanderers Academy as an U20s Assistant coach.

Beauchamp, 37, moves into the role just over six months after calling time on his storied playing career back.

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The veteran of 110 Hyundai A-League appearances will work alongside former team-mate and friend Dean Heffernan in the role, and said he can’t wait to help foster Western Sydney’s impressive youth prospects.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge, and sharing my experiences and on how to deal with certain situations,” said Beauchamp. 

“I just really hope I can help them not only along their path of being a better footballer but also a better person.

“I hope that I can instil in them what I live by, that once you get to training and you’re on that pitch that’s it. You can’t think about anything else than doing the best for yourself and for your club, and I hope I can put that across as best as I can in the assistant role.

“I’ve played with Dean Heffernan for most of my career and having the opportunity to now assist him on the coaching side of things is brilliant. 

“We’re just looking to develop these players so that they can step up into the Hyundai A-League squad.” 

Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas said the return of Beauchamp would help inspire the club’s next generation of budding talent.

“It’s fantastic to have Michael back with us at the Wanderers and it’s an exciting time for the next generation of Wanderers to learn from someone who has played such a vital role in Wanderers history,” said Tsatsimas.

“Michael enjoyed an incredible playing career, having had experience in Australia, Denmark, the UAE and Germany as well as appearing at two FIFA World Cups – he brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience that will no doubt benefit our Academy players. 

“Michael alongside Dean [Heffernan] will make a fantastic team and I’m looking forward to seeing what they can achieve this National Premier League season."