Herbert’s expertise to help FIFA study group at U-17 World Cup in India

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New Zealand football coach Ricki Herbert will again help international coaches analyse and understand playing trends with a role at this year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup in India.

The tournament, which runs from October 6-28 involves 24 nations, including New Zealand, and 52 competition matches.

Herbert has been appointed to FIFA’s Technical Study Group for the tournament, the third time he’s been used in such a role.

He was a member of the TSG established for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, a group led by French coach and former Liverpool manager Gerard Houillier.

Earlier this year, he helped FIFA’s TSG study trends at the U-20 World Cup in the Korea Republic.

Ricki Herbert (third left, middle row) with the rest of FIFA’s Technical Study Group at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Photo courtesy of FIFA.com.

FIFA have put together technical study groups for every major world tournament since the 1966 World Cup Finals in England.

Their aim is to provide insight into tactical and technical trends, to help continue the development of football worldwide.

Since leaving the Wellington Phoenix and his role as All Whites coach in 2013, Herbert has combined his football and business skills.

He founded the Ricki Herbert Football Academy which has centres throughout the North Island of New Zealand.

After a stint as the national coach of the Maldives, Herbert returned to live in New Zealand in January 2017 and he is Director of Football at St Peter’s, Cambridge.

He has also been working as a guest presenter on a top-rating football show on Indian television.

Meanwhile, four players who have been part of RHFA are members of the New Zealand team heading to India for the U-17 World Cup tournament.


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