Mackenzie and Matt Bass have spent years helping footballers develop on the pitch. Now, they are helping ensure every player has the opportunity to find their place in the game.
The husband and wife team are well known across the Newcastle region through their work with Zone Football League club University of Newcastle FC but their coaching reaches well beyond.
Mackenzie and Matt have been involved with Northern NSW Football’s squads at the Football Australia National Para Football Championships, with Mackenzie serving as head coach for the last two years.
They now lead the fortnightly NNSWF Para Football Program, which caters to athletes living with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury and/or symptoms of stroke.
Coaching has always been about giving back to the game for Mackenzie.
“Coaching has always been a way for me to give back into the game,” Mackenzie said.
“From a young age, it meant spending more time with my sibling, taking on his team when I was in my early teens and later in life it meant staying involved through tough injuries.”
Her coaching journey has taken her through all levels of the game, from the NPL Women’s NNSW competition to a Para Matildas camp in 2025.
Her passion for Para Football began almost a decade ago when she worked alongside Pararoo Ben Sutton.
“Para football specifically came from having the pleasure of working alongside Pararoo Ben Sutton for a few seasons, almost 10 years ago,” Mackenzie said.
“From there, I was inspired to see how he accessed and excelled in the sport we both loved so much.”
At around the same time, she was working casually in all-abilities sports programs at schools and helping deliver sessions to athletes with complex needs.
“From there, my love for helping every athlete get what they want out of football grew into what it is today,” Mackenzie said.
Matt’s coaching journey comes from a lifelong love of football and a curiosity about what goes into helping players and teams improve.
“Honestly, any chance to coach is something that I jump at. I have loved football since I was a kid,” Matt said.
“I grew up watching my sister play at a high level and was always fascinated with what goes on behind the scenes to make players and teams better.
“When Mackenzie and I were given the opportunity to get involved in a program at Northern NSW Football, it was a no-brainer.”
That passion has carried into his work with Para Football, where Matt believes every player deserves the opportunity to be part of the game.
“Football is for everyone and nobody should be denied the opportunity to play,” Matt said.
“It is the responsibility of everyone in the community to create a space where players feel they are in a safe and comfortable environment where they can thrive.”
That philosophy sits at the heart of the NNSWF Para Football Program.
Mackenzie said such programs can give players opportunities that may otherwise be unavailable to them.
“Everybody, at all levels and abilities, deserves a space to thrive in what they love, and for so many in our communities, this is football,” Mackenzie said.
“Without programs like this, players often stay sidelined from participation or miss out on having the opportunity to work with coaches who have the time dedicated to bringing the most out of them.”
The program allows coaches to build sessions around the individual needs of each athlete while creating an environment where players can challenge themselves, develop their skills and connect with others.
“This enables programs to be designed with the athletes in mind and grow with them as they do,” Mackenzie said.
“Hopefully keeping them challenged and safe at the same time, while giving them the space to compete and be exposed to other athletes living with the same conditions, sometimes for the first time.”
For Mackenzie and Matt some of the greatest rewards come from watching those connections develop.
“It’s incredible to watch the friendships and competitive nature grow and everyone becoming more comfortable with stepping out of their shell,” Mackenzie said.
“As the players relax into their environment, we can develop their skills both on and off the pitch and we are watching them grow into the most fantastic athletes and teammates.”
Matt said seeing players overcome barriers through football was equally rewarding.
“It is rewarding to see players enjoy themselves and improve as they gradually become more comfortable with the intricacies of para football,” Matt said.
“When I can see any worries or barriers that kids may experience in life disappear through their love of football, that is amazing to experience.”
The program’s impact extends beyond the pitch, with participants going on to establish Para Football programs and support younger players, while members of the federation have represented their country at the national level.
“We have had participants start their own para programs, we have had members of our federation play for the national team and we have had participants help out at gala days, coaching and helping younger kids,” Matt said.
“There are numerous other examples of our program empowering footballers to take what they’ve learned and do good in their community, whether that be with football or elsewhere.”
Mackenzie has seen the same growth away from the pitch, with players gaining confidence and embracing opportunities outside football.
“Beyond football, the confidence, friendships and opportunities that have come to these players beyond match day have been inspiring,” Mackenzie said.
“From facing their fears and stepping out onto McDonald Jones Stadium for a Matildas match to letting us know how they’re kicking goals at school and in their own environments.”
Mackenzie hopes the pathway will continue to grow and attract more athletes at every stage of their football journey.
“We have been so thrilled to see our program adapt to cater for both juniors and seniors, providing a pathway as players grow developmentally,” Mackenzie said.
“As we look ahead toward national teams and beyond, I would love to see more participants at all skill levels, so we can really hone in on offering the environment that each player needs, from entry level to elite.
“But we can’t do that if nobody knows we are here, so if you know of anyone who would benefit from the program, please pass it on.
“Additionally, if you’re curious about what accessible elite sport can look like, we are always around for a chat.”
The goal extends beyond developing footballers for Mackenzie and Matt. It is about creating a place where every player can belong, compete, build friendships and discover just how far the game can take them.
Learn more about NNSWF’s Para Football Program HERE.