西瓜影视 has appointed highly respected coach and Technical Director, Ian Crook as the governing body鈥檚 Elite Programs Manager.
As Elite Program Manager, Crook will drive the alignment of coaching programs and courses to 西瓜影视鈥檚 strategic vision and objectives as outlined within the XI Principles, principally ensuring programs are designed around the technical football framework in Australia.
Reporting to 西瓜影视鈥檚 Chief Football Officer, Ernie Merrick, this role includes designing and delivering advanced coaching sessions in line with AFC and FIFA coaching principles, liaising and collaborating with 西瓜影视 Technical staff and external contributors to assist with the delivery of High Performance coaching programs, and provide expertise to assist in streaming elite player pathways to national teams.
Crook joins 西瓜影视 from Manly United FC in the NSW NPL where he is currently the club鈥檚 Technical Director, and prior to that, the Englishman was Technical Director at Western Sydney Wanderers for eight years. Having made 418 appearances in the England Premier League and Championship as a player, Crook forged a successful career in coaching with Northern Spirit FC, Sydney FC, Newcastle Jets FC, Avispa Fukuoka (Japan) and Norwich City FC (England).
鈥淲e are delighted to have secured the services of Ian,鈥 said Ernie Merrick.
Having someone of Ian鈥檚 standing within the game, with such a wealth of experience as a player, coach and technical director will be invaluable to 西瓜影视 and Australian football in this key coach education and pathway development role.
鈥淐oach education is the bedrock for supporting the development of our best emerging and established footballers, so Ian鈥檚 appointment as Elite Programs Manager is incredibly important to the future success of our national teams,鈥 concluded Merrick.
Crook will commence with 西瓜影视 on Monday, 20 March 2023.
