Hamilton's Max Tommy was recently appointed Goalkeeper Coach of the NZ Women's U17 team.

Being able to wear the Fern is a dream come true for him. "It's something every young Kiwi footballer aspires to. Having the opportunity to wear the fern as a coach is something very special to me," says Tommy.

Having the responsibility of working with our young New Zealand female goalkeepers preparing for the FIFA U17 World Cup in Uruguay in November is important to Tommy.

"I want to use all of my experience and knowledge as a goalkeeper and as a coach to make the girls the best they possibly can be. What I do at training is progress the session to replicate game situations. This speeds up their learning, which is then used once they join in with the team at training and on match days.

"Overall, creating a challenging and enjoyable training environment is a key responsibility for me."

Georgia Candy and Rylee Godbold, from the WaiBOP region, are both in the wider New Zealand Squad for the World Cup. "Georgia is doing really well. She's had experience at national league level and is currently performing at club level with Hamilton Wanderers," said Tommy. "As her coach, seeing aspects of what we have worked on together at training come out in her play on the field is very encouraging.

"Rylee's currently playing for St Peters School, Cambridge and Claudelands Rovers and has been showing a high level of leadership both on and off the field. She has a good technical base using her hands and with the ball at her feet. She's also available for the next cycle of U17's so for her to be involved already is valuable experience."

Tommy believes that both Georgia and Rylee are definitely two Goalkeepers to watch out for in the future, as well as being role models to young keepers coming through the age groups in the Waikato Bay of Plenty region.