History for coochiee

I'll put this here.
Crime really that Ricki never signed Clapham for the Nix.

His new role might help score him a trip to a 2nd WC looking on.

https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2026/05/12/national-body-appoints-former-all-white-aaron-clapham-as-technical-director/

Former All Whites midfielder Aaron Clapham has replaced former teammate Andy Boyens as New Zealand Football’s technical director.

Christchurch-born Clapham (39) most recently worked at Mainland Football where he was the federation’s technical director. He has already been involved with the national body through his work as the current national 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 ensures strong alignment from participation through to talent development pathways.

Boyens (42), who played 19 times for the All Whites, left the NZ Football role to relocate to Australia late last year.

Acknowledging Boyen’s contribution in the role since 2018, NZ Football chief executive Andrew Pragnell said: “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.”

Pragnell said Clapham’s experience in the game, from grassroots through to high performance, would allow a continuation of that foundational work from Boyens.

“It is pleasing to appoint someone who has come from both ends of the New Zealand Football system as a player and coach.

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

Clapham’s work in Canterbury began in 2010 when he took on the role of Mainland Federation talent centre coach. Since then, roles have included head coach at Canterbury United Academy, director of football at Cashmere Technical and player development manager at Mainland Football.

The 13-cap All White’s qualifications include an OFC advanced-level 2 coach educator and an OFC A licence. He’s delivered more than 50 national coach education courses and holds NZF youth and junior level 3 licences.

Clapham said he was proud to be responsible for the pathways for players, coaches and match officials, ater coming through the national system as a player and representing New Zealand at the highest level.

“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. He represented New Zealand at U-20 and senior level and was part of the All Whites’ 2010 FIFA World Cup squad which went undefeated in South Africa.