Men's Football Coach

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and energetic Men’s Football Coach to deliver a high‑quality training and performance programme for the University of Auckland Men’s Football team, supporting preparation for national representative competition held September–October 2026.

2026 is a qualification year for the 2027 FISU Football World Cup.

If the successful coach leads the team through qualification, the coach maybe extended by an additional year to support preparation for and participation in the World Cup.

The Men’s Football programme has a strong international history, having competed in the 2023 and 2025 FISU Football World Cups, and remaining undefeated in all qualifying matches. In 2025, the team achieved an 8th‑place finish at the World Cup.

This engagement offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a globally recognised programme, while empowering student‑athletes within a high‑performance, values‑led university environment.

Based at Hiwa, Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland’s state‑of‑the‑art recreation centre in the heart of the city campus, you’ll have access to premium facilities and a vibrant community dedicated to athletic and personal excellence.

As the coach, you will be expected to lead:

• A fair and transparent trials process and final squad selection.
• A structured training plan and campaign environment that empowers student leadership, prepares the squad for national competition, and builds strong team culture that aligns with an overarching vision and philosophy specific to our representative teams.
• Coaching oversight that provides clear direction while encouraging athlete ownership, responsibility, and contribution to team standards.
• Innovative, engaging training sessions that reflect passion, creativity, and high performance.
• A supportive environment that prioritises student wellbeing alongside performance.
• Effective collaboration with the team manager, strength & conditioning support, and Sport & Recreation staff.
• A tournament‑ready team prepared for a successful championship performance.

This role seeks candidates with experience in:

• High‑performance Football coaching (minimum three years at school, club, or higher level).
• Athlete development, performance planning, and implementing innovative coaching methods.
• Creating inclusive, supportive, and high‑functioning team environments that foster leadership and accountability.
• Supporting athlete welfare and working effectively with diverse student‑athletes.
• Clear communication and collaborative engagement within a multi‑stakeholder environment.

Contracting Details:

This is a contract‑for‑service arrangement.
The successful contractor will operate as an independent contractor, not an employee, and will invoice for services provided.

• Time commitment: Approximately 4 hours per week
• Contract period: February 2026 until December 2026, with the possibility of extension
• Tournament: Tertiary Football Cup (September - October 2026) TBC
• Rate: Minimum $50 per hour, negotiable depending on experience
• Further information: Please view the attached Position Description for Contractors