New Zealand Football is pleased to confirm Sam Wilkinson as the second assistant coach of the New Zealand Men’s U-17 team.

Wilkinson, who is the Head Coach of the Melville United Football Club, returned home to the Waikato recently after six years working as a youth coach with West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City in the UK.

New Zealand U-17 Head Coach José Manuel Figueira was pleased to have a coach of Wilkinson’s quality join his team as a second assistant coach for the OFC U-16 Championship and beyond.

“I am delighted to welcome Sam as part of the U-17 men’s national team technical staff, as we build towards the OFC U-16 Championship,” said Figueira. “Alongside Paul Temple and Chris Marsh [Goalkeeping Coach], Sam makes for a dynamic and quality technical team to support me.” 

Figueira said that Wilkinson has a fantastic coaching pedigree.

“Sam’s experience working with elite youth players both here in New Zealand and abroad with professional clubs bring a huge amount of value to the environment. His skill sets on grass, attention to detail and enthusiasm to teach is a real asset to have in the group and share with the future stars of New Zealand Football.”

Melville United AFC are flying this year under Wilkinson. They are undefeated in Division One of the NRFL with 14 wins and a draw to be clear favourites to earn promotion to the NRFL Premier league.

The New Zealand U-17 Men will compete at the Oceania Football Confederation U-16 Championship in the Solomon Islands from 9–22 September. The top two teams of the tournament will qualify for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru as the OFC representatives.