In 2002, Peter Nikolakopoulos assembled a team of amateur and retired state and national soccer players to compete in the Hyundai World Football Championship. The Soccer Stars, as the team was called, went on to take out the title in a thrilling penalty shootout against the USA. It was Australia’s first soccer world title win.

Reflecting on the win and the journey since, Peter is so grateful for the experience that ignited his passion for coaching and development.

“After the win at the Hyundai World Football Championship in Korea, I came home and started coaching one kid,” he recalls. “One kid turned into two and there are now Football Star Academies in every state in Australia. Now under the umbrella of The AllStars Academy (TAA), we’re helping more Aussie kids… and growing.”