Auckland FC has reached another major milestone in the development of the club, with the announcement of Luke Casserly as Reserve Team Head Coach.
Casserly will be responsible for leading the Black Knight’s reserve team as they embark on the club’s debut season in the Northern League.
He will also come onboard as an assistant coach to the first team, helping knit together the two teams and support the club and players as they progress through the development pathway.
“Luke is going to become a vital part of the club and support with our ambitions to provide clear player pathways for New Zealand’s best young talent. We’re pleased to have him as part of Auckland FC” says Auckland FC CEO, Nick Becker.
“We started with just a men’s team. Built on that success we’re now rolling with our expansion into all areas of the game from grassroots up. The Auckland FC reserves team will provide a stepping stone that allows young players a platform to achieve their dreams, right here in Auckland.”
Working closely with first team Head Coach Steve Corica, Casserly will ensure an alignment of playing style between the first and reserve team. This will mean the club’s attacking philosophy runs through both teams and players can progress through the Talent Development Pathway.
This pathway starts with TDP partnership clubs before progressing onto the development centre, then through to the reserves and, potentially, onto the first team.
His announcement as Head Coach of Auckland FC Reserves follows six years spent as Head of Football and then Senior Men’s Head Coach at Hills United FC in New South Wales, Australia. In the six years before that, Casserly was Head of National Performance at Football Federation Australia, working with both the men’s and women’s team during their respective world cup campaigns.
He spent most of his playing career with AIK Solana in Sweden, making more than 100 appearances for the club, including three cup finals. He also made eight appearances for the Australian national team.
Casserly said he was delighted to be part of the club and make the move to Auckland.
“I can’t wait to get started. Auckland is a club with so much ambition, such passionate fans and a real desire to have a beneficial impact at all levels of the game. There is also some real talent here that perhaps hasn’t had the chance to shine previously. I’m here to change that,’ says Casserly.
“Steve and I also go way back, playing and living together aged 17 at Marconi Stallions. We linked up and played together in the Socceroos. It is great to be working with him once again.
Auckland FC will play its first reserve team game against Fencibles United on Saturday, 22 March.
