The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) football program will begin the search for a new senior coach following the decision of Gary van Egmond to take up the head coaching position with Australian A-League club the Newcastle Jets.

Van Egmond joined the AIS in 2009 as a well known and respected figure in football circles having coached the Jets to A-League success in 2008.

As a player he represented Australia at both U17 and U20 levels and was invited to train with the Socceroos.

Over the past three years Van Egmond has been responsible for the development of some of Australia’s finest young football players.

Acting AIS Director Phil Borgeaud paid tribute to the outstanding contribution that Van Egmond had made to the Institutes football program.

“Gary has done a wonderful job as senior coach of the program,” Borgeaud said.

“He is undoubtedly one of Australia’s top coaches whose tremendous knowledge and experience has helped our group of talented footballers reach their potential.”

“Gary has proven to be a coach of immeasurable talent and we wish him all the best in his new coaching appointment with the Newcastle Jets.”

Van Egmond said he would look back at his time at the AIS football program with fond memories.

“I believe I’ve become a better coach from my two years at the Institute and for that I will always be grateful,” Van Egmond said.

FFA Head of National Teams and Football Development, John Boultbee praised Van Egmond for his outstanding contribution to both the Joey’s and Institutes football program.

“Gary has been an excellent coach for the AIS and the National U17 Team (the Joeys) along with Jan Versleijen, the Head Coach of the AIS and Joeys,” Boultbee said.  

“Together they qualified the Joeys for the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup, and took them to the knock out stage of that tournament, and now have qualified the next generation of Joeys for the 2012 AFC U-16 Championships.”  

“Under the tutelage of both Jan and Gary the AIS continues to be the most important provider of talented players for our national teams – not only the Joeys, but also the Young Socceroos (Under 20s), Under 23s and Socceroos. There will be Socceroos in the future who will pay tribute to the contribution Gary made to their development as world class footballers.”

“Gary also played an important role with Jan in the pastoral care and personal development of the players, and was significant in the development of the new home stay model for the AIS Football Program.

“We are confident that a coach of a similar quality to Gary will be recruited to replace him at the AIS.”

The AIS, through the partnership between the Australian Sports Commission and Football Federation Australia (FFA), continues to help strengthen Australian football through the development of talented young athletes.

Contact: David Packwood, AIS Media Officer Tel: 02 62141476 / 0408 417894.

The AIS is a major division of the Australian Sports Commission.