New Zealand Football are pleased to confirm the appointment of former Leicester City, Stoke City and Bristol City Academy Director, and current FIFA Head of Technical Leadership, Gareth Jennings, as the new General Manager of High Performance.

Jennings joins having worked as Academy Director during Leicester City’s 2015/16 Premier League winning season, where he oversaw the team become the number one side in the league for minutes by homegrown players.

Following The Foxes, Jennings became Academy Director for Stoke City where he saw 10 academy products make their debut and 12 players represent their country. 

Most recently, as Head of Technical Leadership for FIFA, he is responsible for the development of all Technical Directors, High Performance Directors and Coach Education Managers globally. 

As a coach, he holds the UEFA Pro and A Licence and previously worked as Coach Educator for The FA. Prior to moving into coaching, Jennings played professionally in England as well as spending a season living in the Whangaparoa Peninsular, Aotearoa New Zealand.  

New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell said:

“I’m delighted to welcome Gareth to New Zealand Football. He has an outstanding track record for developing talent at the highest level, working with globally recognised teams. He has the highest levels of football experience, is very well connected internationally and also knows Aotearoa, having played here, and that combination made him the stand-out candidate for this role.

“We know we can produce talented players but the addition of someone like Gareth means we can supercharge our High Performance programme, giving both individuals and our national teams the best chance of performing on the biggest stage.”

Incoming GM High Performance Gareth Jennings said: 

“I am very pleased to be joining NZ Football and returning to New Zealand. There is huge potential to grow and compete on the world football stage, and I am honoured to have been given this great opportunity.”

“Having spoken with Andrew Pragnell and a number of past and present staff at NZ Football, it’s clear that there is a desire and commitment to be at the forefront of player development across all domains of the elite game.”

“I look forward to working with the New Zealand football community and to contributing to the future success of the game.”

Jennings will start the role in September following him completing MIQ protocols.

Article added: Monday 12 July 2021