U-17 men’s coach Martin Bullock has become the first coach in Oceania to complete the OFC Pro Licence, part of the first group of coaches from the region to undertake the programme. 

The Pro Licence is the global standard for top tier football coaching, with the diploma offered in the OFC region for the first time in 2023.
 

Following completing the programme, we caught up with Martin Bullock to discuss the achievement.

Congratulations on being the first participant to complete the OFC Pro Licence. Can you describe what the last year or so has been like undertaking the course? 

It’s been challenging, inspiring and very thought provoking. The course wasn’t altogether football focused which took us out of our comfort zone even more I suppose. We had some fantastic, knowledgeable educators who shared their experiences from many different sports, and also public services with us which broadened our knowledge and made us think about how different ideas and practices could be used in football.

What do you feel the Pro Licence has taught you that has already influenced how you coach a team? 

The course influenced the environment which I lead right from module 1 back in February 2023. I hope the players that have been in the environment have benefited from that and will be much better prepared if and when they enter the All Whites group. Having multiple national coaches from NZF on the same course can only help with our alignment and coaching methodology.

The Pro Licence is the international standard for top level football coaches, how important is it that this is now something offered in the OFC region for the first time? 

I think it’s essential for New Zealand and OFC coaches to have an opportunity to attain the highest coaching qualification possible. It’s very difficult to get on coaching courses in other confederations, who rightly favour their own coaches, so coaches from our part of the world were at a distinct disadvantage when competing for coaching roles. It’s probably even more important now New Zealand has a second A Leagues team and OFC plan to launch their own professional league.  

You took the Pro Licence with a number of other coaches, when they have qualified, what will it mean for football in New Zealand to have a number of coaches qualified at this level? 

I hope it will raise the level of all coaching across New Zealand. I’m sure the other Pro License candidates have already been able to pass on their knowledge and influence other coaches that they may come into contact with which in turn will benefit the players in New Zealand.

Article added: Friday 20 December 2024