1952 - present

Hector Martinez was born in Argentina in 1952 and grew up poor on the streets of Empalme Graneros o Rosario, 300km northwest of capital Buenos Aires. As he could not afford a football, he used to make his own out of women’s stockings. Martinez was just 15 years old when he was first identified as a potential striker by an agent and signed a contract with the Buenos Aires River Plate club, where he developed his skills under Brazilian coach Di Di. Then he was transferred to Atlanta FC when he was 17. In the same year, he participated in the Misiones Cup, a major tournament for the region, and was the top scorer with five goals in victories over Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Martinez moved to Club Ferro Carril Oeste at 20 years of age before being recruited in 1974 by Pan-Hellenic, (now Sydney Olympic Football Club). Martinez later represented Australia in the Pacific Cup (Futsal), where they finished runners-up to Mexico. He also played for various Australian National League clubs before retiring in 1980 to play indoor football. Martinez was living on Hall Street in Bondi at the time, often running up and down the beach with a football, and children would often follow him wanting to kick a ball with him. By the late 1980s, Martinez was helping kids all the time, and their parents suggested he become a football coach.

In 1989, Martinez established the Bondi Football Academy (BFA), which is fully endorsed by the Argentinian FAA (Futbolistas Argentinos Agremiados). Martinez is registered at Level 5 with the FAA - the highest level attainable only by internationals - and therefore can coach anywhere in the world at any level. Martinez develops his players in the park before bringing them to Bondi Beach for a day or two. Training on the soft sand is good for building fitness and gives children confidence in learning how to fall.

BFA produced over 28 international players including Massimo Luongo , Chris Economides, Anthony Doumanis, Tim Cahill and Craig Foster. A highlight of Hector’s time in Bondi was having Australian international player Johnny Warren, meet him at the South end of Bondi to discuss training strategies, the pair became great friends. Hector Martinez has always looked after Argentinian players when they visit Australia. He coordinated Maradonna’s time in Sydney in 1994. When Pelle visited in 2005, he also sought Hectors company and advice.

International scouts from English Premier League teams such as Chelsea and Liverpool, as well as from Italian sides, visit BFA to unearth potential superstars of the future. For Martinez, however, it is not just about talented youngsters who aspire to become a professional football player. He welcomes children from all different backgrounds and promotes a healthy and active lifestyle by playing sport.

Hector believes that Australia can be one of the top five football teams in the world and aspires to do this before he retires.

Courtesy Hector Martinez.