Sherman’s role will be to lead the technical programme to increase participant numbers and develop the ability of players and coaches in the domestic game. He will have responsibility and ownership for New Zealand Football’s player and coach development programmes, will build on the youth to elite pathways and lead the technical team.
Working alongside the All Whites and Football Ferns head coaches, forming the core of a new technical committee for the game in New Zealand, Sherman’s position will ensure there is a coordinated link between High Performance and Community Football.
Sherman – who holds the world’s highest coaching qualification in the UEFA Pro License – joins New Zealand Football from his current role of head of coach education at Football Federation Australia and New Zealand Football Community Football Director Cameron Mitchell says his appointment is a coup for the game in New Zealand.
“Rob’s experience in creating and delivering player and coach development pathways for several national associations around the world saw him as the ideal fit for this position,” Mitchell said.
“He has played a hands-on role in shaping the careers of some of the world’s best players and coaches and our ability to tap into that experience will be a key driver in our capability to move into the next phase of our delivery of the Whole of Football Plan.”
Sherman’s appointment follows on the back of the confirmation of Anthony Hudson to the All Whites coach role with Mitchell saying the technical infrastructure supporting the game is vital to the future of the sport.
“With Anthony and Rob now confirmed in their respective positions, along with Football Ferns coach Tony Readings, we have secured key roles in a structure linking the strong base of our pyramid with the top.
“Rob shares a similar football philosophy to both Anthony and Tony and they will all play an important part in creating a pathway connecting the grassroots to the elite game which gives everyone an opportunity to reach their full potential.”
Sherman will begin his role on September 22 in what will be his second stint at New Zealand Football after serving as the national body’s High Performance Manager in 2007-08.
Story courtesy of NZF Media.
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