The road to the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada begins with the Oceania qualifiers early next year and will be McFarland’s second stint in the lead coaching role although it will be the first time he will be at helm from the start of campaign.
“I’m delighted to be reappointed to the role, and it will be nice to plan and implement a programme from start to finish,” McFarland said.
McFarland inherited the Junior Football Ferns from Tony Readings in January last year, three months before the OFC U-20 Women’s Championship. Readings relinquished the role to focus on the Football Ferns’ successful Olympic campaign.
McFarland guided the side to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan where they defeated Switzerland 2-1, drew 2-2 with hosts Japan, but were beaten in the race to qualify for the knockout stages when Mexico defeated them 4-0 in the final group match.
Prior to Japan, McFarland steered the Young All Whites to the second round of the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico with his side posting a win over eventual quarterfinalists Uzbekistan and a draw against the USA along the way.
At least 10 players from the 2012 campaign will be eligible to compete again and McFarland will be able to add the core of the last Young Football Ferns group.
“The last 17s had got some really good potential coming through and they showed that at their World Cup in Azerbaijan,” McFarland said.
The former Auckland City director of football had the opportunity to cast a close eye over some of those players when he took the reins of the Northern-based U17s in the recently completed ASB Women’s League season.
“Hopefully we can produce players for the Football Ferns but alongside that we’re aiming to develop individuals and a team capable of performing against the best teams in the world.”
McFarland will also assist Football Ferns coach Tony Readings at senior international level.
“The integration between the three women’s national teams has been vital with the number of players graduating into the Football Ferns in recent years,” McFarland said.
“At age group level my role will be develop players capable of representing, and winning games for, New Zealand at senior level.”
Story courtesy of New Zealand Football.
For more on New Zealand Football visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

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