This State League 1 club has a Johnny Warren Medal winner as Football Director - their new coach has an A-League resume

Adelaide Atletico have made an intriguing move ahead of the 2027 State League 1 season, appointing Adam Holmes as head coach.

Holmes arrives with extensive experience across professional, international and NPL football, having previously worked within the football departments at Melbourne Victory, Central Coast Mariners and Perth Glory.

His resume also includes three years with Australia’s Joeys setup as a sports scientist, along with roles at Sydney United and Brisbane Roar.

Since arriving at MetroStars in 2023, Holmes has worked as a senior assistant coach while also taking on a technical director role within the club’s junior program. His remit included developing coaches and strengthening MetroStars’ youth player pathway.

The appointment adds another fascinating element to an ambitious Atletico project overseen by Football Director Marcos Flores, the former Adelaide United star who won the Johnny Warren Medal in 2011.

Atletico’s senior side finished sixth in State League 1 in 2026, having only earned promotion from State League 2 the previous year. The club’s broader growth has been significant too, with more than 40 teams now competing across Football South Australia and SAASL competitions.

“I’m very excited to welcome Adam Holmes and to work alongside him to extend development beyond the senior set-up and across the entire club,” Flores said.