#37 Coach Alana Gunn - Evolution from the Assistant

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Intro:

This week, I’m excited to bring on my of my best mates to the show, current International age group coach, Alana Gunn.

Gunnie and I have been close friends for over 20 years and have shared a lot of time and coaching environments together but I’m so proud to see her forging her own career on the international stage over these past few years.

Having spent the last 10 years coaching in not only some of the best female environments in NZ, but also collecting trophies along her journey, Gunnie now leads the talent development & ID whilst bossing the U16 & U17 national football teams.

OK, Lets go!

Player:

• Mainland Pride (3 years)
• ACL injury ended the playing career

Coach:

• Coastal Sprit
  • Assistant then Head Coach
  • League & Cup titles
• Mainland Youth teams
• St Andrews Head Coach
• Mainland Pride
  • Assistant then Head Coach
  • National titles as Assistant and Head Coach
• NZ Secondary Schools Girls
  • Assistant Coach (2016 – 2018)
  • Head Coach (2019 – 2024)
• NZ Football U20 
  • Assistant Coach (FIFA World Cup 2022)
• NZ Football U16 & U17
  • Head Coach (2024 – present)
  • FIFA World Cup Dominican Republic (2024)
• NZ Football
  • Women’s Talent Development Manager (2023 – present)
  • FIFA Coach Mentorship Programme

Chapters

• 0:30 Gareth & Alana’s’ connection story
• 1:45 Alana’s transition from player to coach
• 6:00 Beginning as Gareth’s assistant
• 11:00 Moving from the ASSITANT to the HEAD coach
• 12:45 Outgrowing a small town as a coach?
• 27:30 Coaching club (weekly) and international (tour) based coaching
• 38:00 What do the players need to demonstrate to gain selection?
• 44:10 Positive advice for parents
• 53:20 Quick Fire Questions
• 55:00 Alana’s role & objectives as NZF Female Talent Development Manager