Bazeley has extensive experience coaching at this level. Currently U-17 Young All Whites Coach, preparing the side for the FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013, he has been involved as Assistant Coach at two U-17 FIFA World Cups for New Zealand. He has also been Assistant Coach for Waitakere United where he won three national leagues with Waitakere United.
“We are extremely pleased to have someone of Darren’s calibre to lead our team in what will be a milestone event for football in NZ in 2015,” said Fred de Jong, New Zealand Football High Performance Director.
“As well as his excellent coaching credentials he provides continuity having worked with many of the players through the previous two U-17 campaigns.”
Bazeley has been involved as assistant coach with two New Zealand sides that reached the knockout stages of FIFA U-17 World Cups in 2009 and 2011.
“I’m excited. It’s a real privilege to be named New Zealand U-20 Coach, especially moving towards the FIFA U-20 World Cup to be held here in New Zealand,” said Bazeley.
“We’ve got a two-year build up to identify and develop the best players in New Zealand in this age group. We have time to work with a core group of players and really start developing a team that’s capable of competing at the World Cup.”
“The U-17s and U-20s are about developing players for the All Whites. The World Cup is important because it’s a platform and a stage for the players to measure themselves against the best in the world, but it’s also another opportunity to build them towards the All Whites.”
Bazeley will have the opportunity to lead out the team at a FIFA World Cup on home soil. The FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015 will be held in New Zealand from May 30 to June 20, 2015. Host cities for the tournament were recently announced with Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Wellington and Whangerei chosen to host games during the tournament
“For the U-20 World Cup to be here in New Zealand is going to be very special for the players and the staff. It’s going to be an amazing event for the whole country,” said Bazeley.
“We’ll be able to see the best players in the world at this age group in New Zealand and it’s an opportunity to showcase New Zealand football and the talented players that we have. We need to make sure that the players in the team do well for themselves, and for the country. It’s a great opportunity for all of us.”
Profile: Darren Bazeley
Playing Career:
1989-1999 – Watford FC (283 Apps)
1999-2002 – Wolverhampton Wanderers FC (80 Apps)
2002-2005 – Walsall FC (100 Apps)
2005-2007 – New Zealand Knights (41 Apps)
Playing Honours:
1991 – England U-21 International
1997-1998 – League 1 Championship (Watford FC)
1998-1999 – Championship Play Off Winner (Watford AFC)
Coaching Career:
2008-2009 – Waitakere United Youth Team Head Coach
2009-2012 – Waitakere United Assistant Coach
2009-2011 – New Zealand U-17 Men’s Assistant Coach
2012-2013 – New Zealand U-17 Men’s Head Coach
Coaching Qualifications:
NZ National Academy License
NZ Senior Level 3 International Certificate
UEFA A-License (Part 1)
Story courstesy of New Zealand Football
For more on New Zealand Football visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

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