Adelaide United’s newest football appointment, Mitch van Gellekom, sits down with United Media to introduce himself to United family, from his journey in the Netherlands, to his work at PSV Eindhoven building a global coaching network, and the experiences he’s bringing to the Club.
In this chat, Mitch speaks about:
🔴 What shaped him at PSV and why academy development matters
🔴 His biggest strength as a “connector” across people, departments, and continents
🔴 Lessons learned from mentor Ernest Faber
🔴 Collaborating day-to-day with our coaching staff and youth program
🔴 The Club’s short and long-term football vision, balancing competing now with developing talent for the next level
🔴 Why Coopers Stadium feels like home — and what makes Adelaide United special
Timestamps
00:01 Welcome
00:22 Mitch’s journey: Netherlands → Adelaide
01:27 Mitch’s role at PSV & what he brings to Adelaide United
03:17 Biggest strength: being a “connector”
04:09 Mentor impact: Ernest Faber & key lessons
05:23 Working with the coaching staff & Head of Youth Football
07:08 Alignment with the Club owner & football vision (short + long term)
08:57 Philosophy in action: leadership + emerging talent (recent signings)
10:25 When Adelaide felt like home & biggest adjustment
11:15 Matchday atmosphere at Coopers Stadium
12:27 Message to the fans