Former All Whites midfielder Aaron Clapham has been unveiled as New Zealand Football’s Technical Director.

Clapham will take the reins from former international teammate, Andy Boyens, who relocated to Australia late last year.

NZF’s new appointment most recently worked at Mainland Football where he was also Technical Director.

Clapham has already been involved with NZF through his work as the current U-17 Men’s Assistant Coach and his work within the Whole of Football Plan.

The Technical Director is responsible for the national technical direction for how the game is played, coached, and officiated, and ensuring strong alignment from participation through to talent development pathways.

NZF CEO Andrew Pragnell says:

“Firstly, I want to acknowledge the work Andy Boyens has done as Technical Director for New Zealand Football since 2018. His influence has undoubtedly helped shape the pathways that’s allowed many Kiwi coaches and players to forge careers from a community level to the international stage in the last decade. 

“Aaron’s experience in the game from grassroots through to high performance allows a continuation of that foundational work from Andy and it is pleasing to appoint someone who has come from both ends of the New Zealand Football system as a player and coach. It’s a testimony to the New Zealand Football system that we are producing quality individuals such as Aaron who is now assuming a key national leadership role.

“His understanding and relationships across Federations and clubs will help NZF in achieving its strategic goals and continue growing football across the country.”

Born and raised in Christchurch, Clapham’s work in the Canterbury region stretches back to 2010 when he took on the role of Mainland Federation Talent Centre coach. In that time his CV includes experience as Head Coach at Canterbury United Academy, Director of Football at Cashmere Technical and Player Development Manager at Mainland Football.

Clapham qualifications include OFC Advanced Level 2 Coach Educator and OFC A licences. He’s delivered more than 50 national coach education courses and holds NZF Youth and Junior Level 3 licences.

Clapham says he’s thrilled to take this next step and continue work in developing the game.

“Having come through the New Zealand Football system as a player and representing my nation at the highest level, to now be responsible for the pathways for players, coaches, and match officials is something I am really proud of.

“It is an exciting time to be involved in football as international and professional opportunities increase for our teams, showing the importance of having a well-structured pathways system that sets players and coaches up for success and allows them to compete at the highest level.

“I’m looking forward to building on the foundations laid by the Whole of Football 2.0, working with our federations, clubs and other stakeholders to continue the growth of football in New Zealand."

As a player, Clapham made 138 appearances for Canterbury United as a player across two stints. He represented New Zealand at U20 and senior level and was part of the All Whites’ 2010 FIFA World Cup squad which went undefeated in South Africa with 13 international caps. Clapham also participated at the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup for Team Wellington after the side had been crowned OFC Champions League winners. He was also included as part of the NZ National League Team of the Decade & All-Time Team.

Article added: Thursday 07 May 2026