City announce key leader appointments

BENDIGO City FC has shored up its restructured football department with the reappointment of three club leaders.

Following a year of rapid expansion and unrivalled success, Bendigo City has announced the re-signings of technical director Nathan Claridge and head of female football Glen Springate.

The reappointments are complemented by the elevation of long-time coach Ben McDermid into the new role of head of male football.

In what the club is hailing as a new era, it’s hoped the restructure will ensure that its recent successes are just the beginning for the club.

A key figure at Bendigo City for nearly a decade, Claridge will enter a fifth year as the club’s technical director.

In a statement announcing the key appointments, the club credits Claridge with overseeing a remarkable era in which Bendigo City restabilised before embarking a period of growth and success.

A defining period in the club’s history was highlighted by the reintroduction of a senior men’s program in 2022, senior men’s promotion, introduction of pre-NPL academies, the first regional NPL division one boys team, introduction of a successful junior girls program and the introduction this year of a senior women’s program.

“Nathan returns to continue his leadership of our football program which has included the recruitment of key individuals such as Glen and Ben among others,” the club said.

Following an incredibly successful return to the club, which saw him lead the remarkable entry of Bendigo City’s inaugural female program into advanced football competitions, Springate will continue as head of female football.

“Two out of our three teams won championships and the third team finished second only by a single goal on goal difference,” the club said.

“Glen’s leadership, football acumen and coach education lens has transformed our club beyond the female football program and will continue to propel us forward in 2026.”

Back for a sixth year as a coach, McDermid will step into a new role as the head of male football.

“Ben has been one of the club’s greatest assets throughout recent years, in both a coaching capacity and as a strategic driver of our football department’s growth and success,” the club said.

“Ben’s coaching, leadership and process driven approach to delivery has set us up for our most successful era in boys football and also impacted the broader club beyond the junior boys program.”