Mark Atkinson | Head of Senior Phase
Mark Atkinson is a highly experienced coach and former professional player. He began coaching at the academy in 2018, after relocating from Auckland with his family. He currently coaches within the senior academy and primarily works with the G2 training group. Mark holds an AFC/AFF B-License and boasts an impressive resume, having played against the likes of Ronaldinho and represented New Zealand at the international level.
Before joining Olé, Mark spent 8 years playing at the highest level in Singapore and Australia, and even played for New Zealand’s first professional club, Football Kings FC, in the Australian National Soccer League. He represented New Zealand at age-group level and went on to become an All White, earning 36 A-International caps.
In 2013, Mark co-founded the South Auckland Elite Academy (SAE) with the goal of offering football opportunities to young players in the area. Through his work with SAE, Mark has been able to expose young players to different training methods and philosophies, and has brought groups of players to visit Olé in the past. This experience ultimately led to Mark joining the Olé coaching staff and his two children becoming players at the academy.
Mark’s coaching philosophy is centred on “supporting the learner,” with a focus on process over outcomes. He encourages players to play, struggle, and be better than yesterday while embracing failure.
