The 32-year-old Figueira, who has worked previously with a national age-group team as an assistant coach of the New Zealand U-17 Women’s side, takes control of the U-17 Men’s side for the preparation cycle towards the age-group showcase event in Chile in October 2015.
New Zealand Football High Performance Manager Fred de Jong said Figueira is an excellent fit for what is a key role in the New Zealand Football player pathway.
“The U-17 coach is one of the most important roles in our structure,” de Jong said.
“They are responsible for connecting our national player development programme and pathway with the first stage of international football,” de Jong said.
“José’s experience in both strands – within the domestic game and our National Talent Centre programme, coupled with previous international age-group experience with the Young Football Ferns in 2008 – means he is ideally suited for this particular role.”
Figueira will begin his new role immediately, co-ordinating the programme for the team ahead of the Oceania Football U-17 Championship to be held in January.
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