Swift orientation for new team coach

Ted Ansell will take charge of the Matamata Swifts Northern Region Football League (NRFL) team for the 2013 season.

Ansell comes to Matamata after two years as the director of coaching at Auckland- based football club, Three Kings United.

Before that, he clocked up years of coaching with various clubs in and around Auckland, as well as in Brisbane, Australia.

Ansell’s record includes taking teams to multiple championships at Northern League and Swiss Maid League level.

He is also the New Zealand business manager for Premier Skills, a British football coaching company that is associated with English Premier League club, West Bromwich Albion.

‘‘I’m excited by the opportunity that Matamata Swifts gives me,’’ said Mr Ansell.

‘‘I hope we can build a fit, strong, vibrant young team here in Matamata that will grow into a winning combination. My philosophy is simple; if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.

‘‘I’m pleased with what I’ve seen so far here in Matamata and I welcome any player from outside the district to come and have a look at what we’re doing here at the Swifts.’’

Matamata Swifts AFC is looking for stability in their key positions, so Ansell has been contracted for three years.

‘‘By appointing Ted we’re hoping to put in place a more sustainable first-team model and build for a successful long-term stay in the NRFL,’’ said Matamata Swifts president Dwayne Barlow.

‘‘After the euphoria of our first season back in the NRFL in 2010, where we achieved more than we had hoped for, we’ve struggled during the last two years,’’ explained Barlow.

‘‘ Quite simply, our approach hasn’t worked. By bringing in someone with the experience, enthusiasm and network that Ted has we should be able to set ourselves up for the long haul.’’

Ansell’s work begins with an open day at Matamata Domain on Sunday, December 9.

‘‘The open day is for any current or potential player to come along and find out what our plans are for the 2013 season,’’ said Ansell.

‘‘After the open day we’ll have several pre-Christmas training sessions before hitting pre-season training in mid- January. I’m looking forward to it.’’

Along with his Matamata Swifts first- team duties, Ansell will also be a Director of Coaching for the Matamata Swifts AFC.

This role comes with a wide player and coach development brief for the club, as well as building a close working relationship with local schools. The director of coaching role is a fulltime appointment.