New Zealand Football are pleased to confirm that Natalie Lawrence has been appointed women’s U-17 head coach and talent pathway manager to oversee women’s football development for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2024 cycle. 

Lawrence rejoins New Zealand Football from Wellington Phoenix where she was head coach for the 2022/23 A-League Women Season. 

Prior to that role she held the assistant coach role at Wellington Phoenix and for the New Zealand U-20 women’s side. 

The creation of the talent pathway manager role means New Zealand Football now have a dedicated resource to oversee youth development on both the women’s and men’s side of the game. 

Keir Hansen, General Manager of High Performance at New Zealand Football said:

“It is great to bring Nat back to New Zealand Football full-time in this exciting new role for the organisation. 

“We know she will do a fantastic job creating opportunities for our best young players to thrive and progress to the elite level of the game.”

Natalie Lawrence said:

“I’m delighted to be back at New Zealand Football and can’t wait to start working with the next generation of players. 

“With the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and of course the Phoenix, this is a hugely exciting time for women’s football and I look forward to getting involved in helping our best young talent establish themselves in the game.”

Lawrence will start the role immediately, starting with leading the U-17 team at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship. 

In addition to her role, Lawrence will also be part of the Ford Football Ferns staff for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. 

Article added: Thursday 29 June 2023