Interim head coach Michael Mayne has appointed an all-new coaching staff ahead of the Ford Football Ferns’ first tour of the year next month against Costa Rica, including former Ferns goalkeeper Jenny Bindon as assistant coach. 

Bindon earned 77 caps for the Ferns, appearing at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games, as well as the 2007 and 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cups. 

Currently at Reading FC, Bindon has previously held coaching roles with London City Lionesses, Arsenal Academy, and NCAA WSL sides LMU and UCLA, as well as lead scouting positions with US Soccer. 

Joining Bindon will be goalkeeping coach Will Britt and assistant coach Sam Wilkinson. 

Britt, a former professional goalkeeper, is the goalkeeping coach at English WSL Championship side Southampton. 

Wilkinson has previously held technical roles with FIFA and academy coach and player development positions at Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion, in addition to having been assistant coach for the New Zealand men’s U-17 and U-23 teams. 

Interim Ford Football Ferns head coach Michael Mayne said:

“As this is the start of a new cycle it is a great opportunity for us to try some new things and I’m really pleased with the coaching team we have been able to assemble.

“Jenny is someone who I have crossed paths with in the New Zealand Football system for years and is a well-respected former Fern with experience of the game from around the world. 

“I know she will bring a wealth of knowledge of what it takes to succeed in a high performance environments, as well as be a great support to me and this team.

“Sam is someone I know well and have worked with in various roles in the past. 

“His eye for detail and his ability as a technician on the pitch is absolutely top class, he knows the players of this country well, and is someone I believe can help me shift our playing model immediately. 

“Will is a dedicated goalkeeping coach who has a lot of knowledge that this team can learn from. 

“His experience of working with goalkeepers who have gone on to perform at the top of the game is something that can really benefit our system.  

“I’m really looking forward to getting to work with this new staff and the team in Costa Rica to kick off this new cycle.” 

The Ford Football Ferns play Costa Rica (FIFA rank 43) on Sunday 23 February at 1pm NZT (Saturday 22 February at 6pm local time) and Wednesday 26 February at 11am NZT (Tuesday 25 February at 4pm local time). 

Both games will be played at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto in Alajuela, Costa Rica. 

Article added: Friday 31 January 2025