Canterbury coach Alana Gunn will lead New Zealand’s campaign to next year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Gunn (40) will be head coach for the New Zealand team that has qualified for the U-17 World Cup to be held in the Dominican Republic from October 16 – November 3, 2024.
Main photo: Alana Gunn … to lead FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign.
The team qualified for the tournament by winning the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship in Tahiti in September.
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The OFC title-winning side was coached by Leon Birnie, who replaced Natalie Lawrence after her departure to the United Kingdom.
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Birnie will coach the national U-20 women’s side at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia next September.
READ MORE: Focus turns to 2024 U-20 World Cup as New Zealand celebrates qualification >>>>
Gunn: ‘Never been a better time for talented young female players’
Gunn has been appointed as NZ Football’s Women’s Talent Manager and U-17 head coach, with the role due to start in January 2024.
Gunn spent six seasons with Canterbury United Pride, winning the league title on three occasions, where she worked with players such as Wellington Phoenix’s Kate Taylor and Arizona State University’s Gabi Rennie who have gone on to become regulars for the Ford Football Ferns.
Gunn said: “I’m delighted to take on this role and can’t wait to get started.
“I have seen first-hand the talent that is emerging, and it will be a privilege to help to guide those players to further their careers.
“With Wellington Phoenix already established and a second A-League women’s team coming in the next few years, there has never been a better time to be a talented young female player, and it’s really exciting to play a role in their development.”
About the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
The eighth edition of the tournament will be held from October 16 – November 3, 2024, in the Dominican Republic.
The competition will consist of 16 teams, including the host nation, New Zealand, and teams yet to qualify from Asia (3), Africa (3), North, Central America and the Caribbean (2), South America (3) and Europe (3).
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