Kilkenny’s football journey began at Arsenal, where he was one of the most highly rated midfield prospects in the early 2000s.

Known for his sharp passing, composure, and tactical awareness, he developed under the guidance of Arsène Wenger, whose dedication to youth development was central to the club’s identity at the time.

Although he never broke into the first team—largely due to the intense competition from midfielders such as Patrick Vieira, Gilberto Silva, and the arrival of the teenage Cesc Fàbregas—Kilkenny’s time at Arsenal laid the foundation for a respectable professional career.

Born in London to Irish grandparents, Kilkenny moved to Australia at the age of four, which later allowed him to claim Australian citizenship. He represented Ireland at Under-19 level and England at Under-20 before eventually choosing to play for the Australian national team ahead of the 2006 World Cup.

This diverse international experience, combined with his upbringing in Arsenal’s academy, has made Kilkenny well-equipped for his latest challenge.

The Football Australia Academy in Perth, launched last month, will focus on developing players aged 12 to 15 for boys and 12 to 18 for girls, playing a crucial role in shaping the future of Australian football.

As a UEFA A-licensed coach, Kilkenny will oversee the coaching and development of these young players, applying the experience he gained during his career at clubs such as Birmingham City, Leeds United, and Melbourne City, among others.

Speaking about his new role, Kilkenny said, “I’m very excited about my role at the Academy and looking forward to the challenge of overseeing the coaching and development of the young players coming into the program. I began doing my coaching badges when I was playing, as I knew this would be a natural progression for me. I know what it takes to be a professional footballer, and it’s now my job to pass on that experience to all the youngsters coming into the Academy and help Western Australia produce players for the national teams.”