Former national U-20 women’s coach Gemma Lewis is returning to New Zealand from Wales to take up a role with Northern Region Football.
Lewis, who was the head coach of the inaugural Wellington Phoenix women’s A-League team, will become NRF’s Federation Development Manager.
In its announcement, NRF said: “Gemma worked with us for Auckland Football Federation (AFF), forming a strong connection with the Auckland region, living here for several years before taking up her current role with the Welsh Football Association.”
Lewis left New Zealand in September 2022 to return to her native Wales after nine years away, taking up a role with the Welsh FA as their senior pathway manager for women’s football. The move also gave Lewis, who holds an A-Licence, the chance to study for her UEFA Pro Licence.
Of her new role, former Wales international Lewis told NRF: “Football in New Zealand is in an exciting place right now, especially following the most recent FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“The Northern Region is a diverse region and I’m excited to use my experiences over the years to help support the work already taken place within the region.”
NRF Operations and Development Manager Korouch Monsef said: “It’s great to have someone of Gemma’s calibre contributing to NRF’s strategic direction as our new FDM.
“Having been based in Auckland throughout her early coaching and developmental career, Gemma has significant knowledge of the football landscape in both Northland and the Auckland regions, which will enable her to connect with clubs quickly and support various junior and youth framework initiatives planned in the coming years.”
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