Newcastle Jets have appointed Ken Schembri as General Manager of Football for their Isuzu UTE A-League setup.
Schembri will focus on managing Newcastle’s Isuzu UTE A-League roster as well as providing strategic direction to player performance and development, while recruitment will be another key responsibility across all football departments.
He makes the move from F3 rivals Central Coast Mariners – where he was Head of Football, following the arrival of the Jets’ new owners Maverick Sports Partners.
Schembri played a key role in Central Coast’s recent success and the establishment of the Mariners’ Academy in Gosford.
After three decades with Blacktown City, Schembri was lured to the Mariners in 2014 as Central Coast looked to create a youth academy. He helped established the Central Coast Mariners Football Academy and their Centre of Excellence.
On his watch, three players were selected in the Socceroos’ squad for the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup, including Mariners academy graduate Garang Kuol.
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Schembri also received the Chairman’s Award for his significant contribution to the Central Coast Mariners Academy in 2019.
The Jets also announced the arrival of Ben Hawes as General Manager of Commercial, Digital and Marketing.
“We are excited to have both Ken and Ben join the Newcastle Jets team. They will be integral to the strategy and direction of the Club’s New Era, providing expertise and support, on and off the pitch,” said Maverick Sports Partners director Maurice Bisetto.
The Jets are gearing up for an Australia Cup play-off against Western United in Darwin on July 24.
So far, Rob Stanton’s Newcastle have signed Ben van Dorssen (scholarship contract – 2025-26), Eli Adams (2026-27), Alex Nunes (scholarship contact – 2025-26), Zac Bowling (scholarship contract), Oscar Fryer, Aleksandar Šušnjar and Matthew Scarcella (on loan from Sydney FC).
Meanwhile, Jason Hoffman (retired), Lucas Mauragis, Brandon O’Neill, Trent Buhagiar, Reno Piscopo, Jason Berthomier, Daniel Stynes, Archie Goodwin, Michael Weier, Carl Jenkinson and Lucas Mauragis (Central Coast Mariners) have departed.
