New Zealand Football is pleased to confirm Sam Wilkinson as the second assistant coach of the New Zealand Men’s U-17 team.

Wilkinson, who is joint Head Coach of Melville United, returned home to the Waikato recently after six years working as a youth coach with West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City in the UK.

New Zealand U-17 Head Coach José Manuel Figueira was pleased to have a coach of Wilkinson’s quality join his team as a second assistant coach for the OFC U-16 Championship and beyond.

“I am delighted to welcome Sam as part of the U-17 men’s national team technical staff, as we build towards the OFC U-16 Championship,” said Figueira. “Alongside Paul Temple and Chris Marsh [Goalkeeping Coach], Sam makes for a dynamic and quality technical team to support me.” 

Figueira said that Wilkinson has a fantastic coaching pedigree.

“Sam’s experience working with elite youth players both here in New Zealand and abroad with professional clubs bring a huge amount of value to the environment. His skill sets on grass, attention to detail and enthusiasm to teach is a real asset to have in the group and share with the future stars of New Zealand Football.”

Melville United are flying this year under Wilkinson and co-coach Michael Mayne. They are undefeated in Division One of the NRFL with 14 wins and a draw to be clear favourites to earn promotion to the NRFL Premier league.

They were beaten 3-1 by Onehunga Sports last weekend in round four of the ISPS Handa Chatham Cup. 

The New Zealand U-17 Men will compete at the Oceania Football Confederation U-16 Championship in the Solomon Islands from 9–22 September. The top two teams of the tournament will qualify for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru as the OFC representatives

Article added: Thursday 19 July 2018