Finlay Cullen - Assistant Director of Development & Operations

About Finlay Cullen

Finlay Cullen is a soccer coach and soccer director with a strong track record in building and delivering high-quality soccer environments across community and academy pathways. With extensive experience in youth development and women’s & girls’ soccer, Finlay has worked across multiple age groups in academy environments, with a clear focus on long-term player development, strong culture, and sustainable pathways.

Finlay has played a key leadership role at Newtown AFC in Wales, becoming the youngest member of the club’s leadership team while serving as Community Outreach Director. In this role, he has led large-scale initiatives to grow youth participation, including directing the club’s 150th Anniversary Community Day and Newtown Christmas Together Project. Alongside this, he has delivered school and community programs designed to make soccer more accessible, engaging, and inclusive.

As Assistant Director of Women’s & Girls’ Soccer at Newtown AFC, Finlay has been instrumental in building the Girls’ & Women’s Development Centre, achieving over 80% program growth in three years. He founded and led the U19 Ladies team to establish a clear pathway into senior soccer, while also recruiting, mentoring, and managing coaching staff to ensure consistent standards, curriculum delivery, and player-centered environments.

Why you are excited to be part of the new Rush program?

I’m excited to join NC Rush Central because of the club’s clear commitment to player development, strong values, and long-term pathways. The opportunity to work within an environment that prioritizes both high-quality coaching and positive culture really aligns with my own philosophy. I’m looking forward to contributing to the growth of the club and helping build an environment where players can develop on and off the field