Internationally respected Coaching Educator, Rob Sherman has been appointed by Football Federation Australia (FFA) to the newly created position of Advanced Coaching Manager.
Sherman, who has been working with FFA as a technical consultant since 2008, will be predominately responsible for the delivery of the B & C Coaching License Courses and Instructor training as well as providing support for the Pro-Diploma & A-License Coaching Courses.
FFA Technical Director, Han Berger, believes that Sherman's appointment will strengthen FFA's Coach Education program.
"To have someone of Rob's standing in the international football community within our organization is a major coup for football in Australia," said Berger.
"Our FFA Strategic Plan outlines a commitment to developing a larger number of professional Australian coaches by means of a world-class Advanced Education Department and Rob will be a key figure in that process.
"We look forward to working closely with Rob as we enter the next stage of coach education in Australia," concluded Berger.
Sherman was equally excited about joining FFA on a full-time basis.
"I'm proud to have been involved with the upgrading of FFA's Advanced Coaching Courses, and I believe they are now as good as any I have seen or worked on.
"I'm really excited to come on-board as we take Advanced Coach Education to an even higher level."
Born in Wales, Sherman played professionally for Cardiff City, Swansea City and Hull City. His movement into the coaching profession saw Sherman hold appointments as the Wales National U-16 Coach, working with players such as Gareth Bale and Technical Programs Manager of the Football Association of Wales. More recently, Sherman held the position of High Performance Manager with Football New Zealand.
Over the past four years, Sherman has presented and co-presented on FFA's A and B License courses, and the Professional Diploma.
Sherman's appointment is part of a re-structure of the Coach Education program within FFA's Technical Department. Current National Coach Education Manager Kelly Cross will now adopt the new title of Head of Coach Education, and will oversee Rob Sherman, as the Advanced Coaching Manager and Norm Boardman who is the Community Coaching Manager.
Cross, who has been with FFA since early 2006, is focused on progress.
"Coach Education in Australia has been totally transformed in the last 5 years," said Cross.
"The introduction of the two-pathway system and the recognition by AFC of our Advanced Coaching Courses, have led to a quantum leap forward. I am really pleased to see the quality and enthusiasm of the coaches graduating from these courses."
"Rob's appointment will allow us to give greater support to advanced coaches and course instructors, and extend our reach across the country more effectively," concluded Cross.
As Head of Coach Education, Cross will report directly to FFA National Technical Director, Han Berger.
