Celebrated Football Fern Katie Duncan will be at the helm of the Eastern Suburbs women’s programme in 2024, taking over from Steven Hoyle as the club’s director of women’s football.
Duncan (35), who played 124 full internationals for New Zealand, was previously the girls and women’s co-ordinator at Auckland United.
Main photo: Katie Duncan … to lead Eastern Suburbs’ women’s programme in 2024. Photo: David Joseph / Phototek.
Hoyle (31) has left Suburbs for Central Football where he has joined the federation as Hawke’s Bay community development officer. He started in his new role in mid-January, with Central Football announcing: “We are thrilled to have Steve on board, and we know that his expertise will greatly benefit our community.”
Eastern Suburbs anticipated Hoyle’s departure, appointing Duncan as his replacement late last year.
Suburbs chairman Simon Hilton said on the club’s website: “Her wealth of experience, both on and off the field, and alignment with the club’s values ensures that our women’s football programme is poised for continued growth and success.”
Hoyle told the Suburbs website: “I’ve cherished every moment as Suburbs director of women’s football.
“The camaraderie, training sessions, games, and overall environment at Eastern Suburbs AFC is something profoundly special to me.
“Knowing Katie will be stepping into the women’s first team and overall girls and women’s programme post my departure is heartening. Our shared philosophies on football and nurturing talent make her the perfect successor. She’s a coach and individual I hold in high esteem, and Suburbs is truly fortunate to have her.”
Duncan was part of the league-winning Eastern Suburbs team in 2013.
Her career with the Football Ferns included three Olympic Games and four FIFA Women’s World Cups.
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