As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen football across the region and support its Member Associations in reaching new heights, the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) is proud to support New Zealand Football’s coaching and staff development as they work towards various campaigns including the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.
In a focused effort to build knowledge, challenge current practices, and connect with elite performance environments, a select group of NZF staff will travel to Melbourne for a three-day high-performance study visit (July 21–23). Staff include All Whites Head Coach and Assistant Coach, Darren Bazeley and Tony Readings, Football Ferns Head Coach, Michael Mayne as well as both Men’s and Women’s U17 Head Coaches, Martin Bullock and Alana Gunn. OFC High Performance Consultant, Dave Wright will be leading the trip and facilitating on behalf of OFC.
The programme will provide an invaluable opportunity to learn from three of Australia’s most successful professional sporting organisations across rugby league and Australian rules football. The group will gain access to the inner workings of the Melbourne Storm (NRL), Essendon Bombers and Richmond Tigers. (AFL)
With deep Kiwi connections and a reputation for high standards, the Storm provide a valuable environment for learning about sustained excellence, leadership, and cultural alignment.
One of the AFL’s most historic clubs, Essendon offers a contrasting context where innovation and tradition intersect. NZF staff will engage with David Rath, Coaching Innovation & Game Day Strategy Manager, to explore strategic planning, coaching innovation, and cross-code perspectives on performance.
Richmond remains one of the most successful AFL clubs of the past decade, with premiership titles in 2017, 2019, and 2020. Men’s Assistant Coach, Ben Rutten will be hosting the NZF staff. The visit will provide valuable insight into coaching practice, team culture, athlete development pathways, and internal coaching systems.
All of the host clubs have expressed interest in knowledge sharing, where both parties will exchange insights on campaign planning, coaching philosophies, and team environments.
OFC recognises that excellence in coaching and leadership is critical to the region’s development on the world stage. By supporting this initiative, OFC is investing in the people behind the game, ensuring they are exposed to world-class thinking and challenged in their own environments.