Turnbull, who has led Mainland Pride to back-to-back ASB Women’s League titles, takes control of the U-17 Women’s team for the preparation cycle towards the age-group showcase event in Jordan in September 2016.
New Zealand Football High Performance Director Fred de Jong said Turnbull’s appointment reflects a desire to develop and grow local talent; coaches as well as players.
“We want to create a pathway for New Zealand-based players and coaches and Gareth’s appointment is the personification that approach,” de Jong said.
“He has developed a strong programme within the Mainland federation and his work with that group has given a number of players an opportunity at international level,” de Jong said.
“That same opportunity also applies to our coaches and he has earned this chance to move into the international age-group set-up.”
The 32-year-old Turnbull, also a coach on the National Talent Centre programme which develops players towards the U-17 international squads, said he can’t wait to begin work in the role.
“I’m excited and humbled to be making the step up to the Women’s U-17 side,” Turnbull said.
“It’s been an aspiration of mine since I began working in the women’s space several years ago and I’m looking forward to the challenge of the international arena.
“The commitment and support of a large number of people within New Zealand Football and the Mainland federation has helped me get to this point and I’m looking forward to continuing that work at international level.”
Courtesy NZF Media. For more on New Zealand football visit www.nzfootball.co.nz.

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