Paul Gothard, known to many across football in Aotearoa New Zealand as Goffy, has been appointed High Performance Goalkeeper Development Lead to oversee the men’s, women’s and age group programmes. 

The former Wellington Phoenix men’s goalkeeping coach brings a wealth of knowledge to the role, with over 10 years’ experience working across domestic and international football in New Zealand, including with the All Whites and age group sides. 

Most recently he was the goalkeeping coach for the Philippines women’s national team. 

The new role is designed to lead long-term planning of goalkeeper development across New Zealand Football’s high performance programmes, as well as build an alignment between age group and senior sides. 

Gothard will work closely with the goalkeeping coaches for each of the national teams, as well as with clubs and federations to aid goalkeeper development. 

In addition to the role, he will work with the All Whites as the goalkeeping coach for the FIFA World Cup 2026 cycle. 

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

“It is great to bring Goffy back to New Zealand Football as part of a real focus to develop what we do in the goalkeeping space.  

“We have a lot of talented goalkeepers across football in Aotearoa New Zealand and this role will help to ensure that they are supported to reach their optimum potential.”

Paul Gothard, High Performance Goalkeeper Development Lead, said:

“I’m very happy to be back at New Zealand Football at an exciting time for the game. 

“I’m fortunate to have worked with a number of players across our high performance programmes and look forward to continuing to build those relationships and connections.

“Football is going from strength to strength and I’m excited about playing a role in continuing that growth.”

Article added: Wednesday 24 April 2024