Robinson, who will also take charge of the development programme for the New Zealand U-17 and U-20 women’s goalkeepers, previously filled the Football Ferns role on a part-time basis.
The move to the full-time role comes after the Football Ferns reached several performance goals in the last year set by High Performance Sport New Zealand, triggering additional funding which has been reinvested in the team’s programme – moving the goalkeeper coach role to a full-time position.
New Zealand High Performance Manager Fred de Jong says it’s fitting the development of the side coached by Tony Readings – who have reached their highest ever FIFA ranking of 16th in the world – has directly helped its own push to continue their rise towards the top of women’s football.
“The rapid development of the Football Ferns has been in line with planned targets and, because of that excellent work, we’re now able to provide the team with more resources to continue their forward progress,” de Jong says.
“The goalkeeper position is a key role within our international teams and, with the recent retirement of Jenny Bindon, it’s great that we have been able to secure this role so we can develop the next wave of goalkeepers to their full potential.”
The 31-year-old Robinson – who is also a New Zealand Football Senior Level 3 licensed coach – comes into the position after making the move from his previous role working as a Football Development Officer for Northern Football, something he says wasn’t easy to give up.
“I really enjoy my work at Northern Football,” Robinson says, “the relationships I’ve built with our clubs and coaches while delivering the Whole of Football Plan has been rewarding and this was a difficult decision to make.”
“But, the chance to work full-time with the Ferns is a tremendous opportunity. We have the World Cup next year and will be looking ahead to the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.”
Earlier in February, Robinson was named as the ASB Premiership Goalkeeper of the Decade by a panel of media.
For more on New Zealand football go to www.nzfootball.co.nz

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