Sydney FC has appointed Brian Dene as National Youth Team Coach for the 2012/13 season.
Sydney FC has appointed Brian Dene as National Youth Team Coach for the 2012/13 season.
Brian was the Assistant Coach of the National Youth Team under Ian Crook last year and is promoted following Crook-s appointment as Head Coach of the Sydney FC Hyundai A-League team.
“It-s a fantastic opportunity for me to work with some of the best kids in football,” said Dene, who has three degrees in Sport and Education.
“We-re looking to continue to build on what we-ve already done with the likes of Terry Antonis, Mitch Mallia, Joel Chianese, Nathan Sherlock, Daniel Petkovski and Hagi Gligor and develop players who can go on to become part of the first team.
“It-s important that the philosophy of the youth team will be exactly the same as with the first team. We-re looking for technically good boys who are mobile and can fit straight into the senior squad when required.”
Dene-s appointment underlines the importance of continuity in the development of young players and represents Sydney FC-s desire to build a footballing philosophy running right through the club, as seen at world football giants like Ajax and Barcelona.
“Brian has been instrumental in helping to bring young talent through to the first team,” said Football Director Gary Cole.
“He understands how we want to progress and have the youth team play a similar brand of football to first team.
“If a young player gets promoted, then they should already be aware of the culture within the senior team and be comfortable in that environment. That-s the aim.”
A-League Head Coach Ian Crook added: “I-ve had a very productive relationship with Brian at National Youth Team level and I-m delighted he has come on board again.
“He is an excellent coach and I look forward to continuing to produce results with him on the field.”
Brian has an impressive CV that includes two years as Head Coach at the Parramatta Eagles in the NSW Premier League and four years as an Assistant Coach at the New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS).
He holds the FFA A-Licence and has three degrees having completed a Master of Education (Coach Education), a Bachelor of Physical Health Education and a Bachelor of Sports Studies, majoring in Coaching.
Dene is also currently Director of Football at Newington College where he-ll continue to oversee the development of young players.
“Education forms a big part of a footballer and I want to keep myself right on top of that,” said Dene.
“Being in a school environment allows me to understand more easily what these young athletes go through and give up, and how they manage that.”
Brian Dene will work closely with Sydney FC Head Coach Ian Crook, and first team coaches Steve Corica and Zeljko Kalac. His Assistant Coach in the National Youth League will be Miro Vlastelica.
