NNSWF in conjunction with FFA and the Newcastle Jets has appointed Gary van Egmond as the Academy Director for the Emerging Jets program.
Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) in conjunction with Football Federation Australia (FFA) and the Newcastle Jets has appointed Gary van Egmond as the Academy Director for the Emerging Jets program.
The program, which currently consists of 15 squads, is a ground-breaking initiative for the sport in Australia and is underpinned by a tri part agreement between FFA, NNSWF and the Newcastle Jets.
Van Egmond will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of a world class youth development program which will identify and develop players of an international standard.
He will also assume the responsibilities of the Head Coach of the Game Training Phase.
Van Egmond brings extensive experience to the role, holding positions as Head Coach of Hyundai A-League team the Newcastle United Jets from 2006-2009 and then again from 2011 until January of this year.
Previous to that van Egmond was with the Australian Institute of Sport as Senior Coach and Under 17 National Team Assistant Coach.
Northern NSW Football CEO David Eland said the parties implemented a transparent and thorough recruitment process, which attracted applications from Australia and abroad.
“NNSWF is delighted to announce the appointment of Gary van Egmond on behalf of the parties as the inaugural Academy Director of the Emerging Jets,” Eland said.
“Gary-s appointment will lift the program-s capacity to better identify and develop world class players and elite coaches.
‘The appointment of an Academy Director will empower NNSWF-s Technical Director, David Smith to focus on the implementation of the Member Zone Skill Acquisition and Game Training Programs, delivery of Elite Coach Accreditation Courses and the implementation of the technical components of the new National Premier Leagues.”
Van Egmond-s experience developing youth players through his time at the Australia Institute of Sport included the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico in 2011.
“We have a responsibility as a football organisation to continue developing our players, both boys and girls and coaches, ensuring that our proud region is well represented in the years to come,” van Egmond said.
“It is this I believe that can be significantly improved through the implementation and ongoing development of the Emerging Jets Program.”
FFA Assistant National Technical Director Kelly Cross said van Egmond-s experience made him an ideal candidate for the role.
“Gary has a wide range of experience that will help him perform this role to a very high level,” Cross said.
“The panel also felt that his passion for the Hunter Region and vision for the future development of young players in Northern NSW made him an ideal candidate.”
Newcastle Jets CEO Robbie Middleby continued to praise van Egmond-s passion for the Hunter Region.
“He is extremely passionate about junior development in the Hunter Region and we believe he is the right man to guide these young players along the Emerging Jets player pathway through to the elite level,” Middleby said.
“The Emerging Jets Academy Director role is not only crucial for the continued development of our region’s talented juniors, but also for the future of the Newcastle Jets A-League and W-League teams.
“Gary has a great track record when it comes to identifying and developing youth prospects, which is evident from the time he spent at the Australian Institute of Sport working with the nation’s best young players.”
Van Egmond will commence as Academy Director on Monday 24 February 2014.
