The New England Nomads are pleased to announce their coaches for the 2026 season. Ash Arkit will continue as Men's Coach following his outstanding work in 2025, while Xavier Walsh, a member of the 2022 Premiership team and a long-time New England resident, has been appointed Women's Coach.
The pair are preparing for the start of pre-season, which begins on January 27 at Bellevue Oval, with training commencing at 6:00 pm sharp.
Ash, who hails from South Australia and has strong ties to the Port Adelaide Football Club, laid the foundations in 2025 and is looking forward to a second season at the helm. His dedication to the Nomads over the past 12 months has been instrumental in getting the club back on the field, and his enthusiasm has inspired everyone involved.
Xavier is a born and bred Nomad who has been part of the senior program since 2000. After graduating through Armidale Auskick, he worked for the NSWAFL as a Regional Development Officer, delivering football programs in schools across the region. He was also a half-back flanker in the Nomads' 2022 Premiership-winning side.
The club is excited for the season ahead and looks forward to seeing both coaches lead the Nomads into 2026.