Coach education vital for international success, says FA Chief Football Officer Ernie Merrick during Perth visit

Football Australia Chief Football Officer Ernie Merrick says increased coach education and clearer player pathways are key if the Socceroos and Matildas are to deliver consistently on the world stage.

Merrick has been in Perth this week, speaking with Football West Chairman Sherif Andrawes, CEO Jamie Harnwell and Football Development Officer Gareth Naven.

The two-time A-League Coach of the Year is charged with developing the next generation of elite Australian players. And on the back of the Socceroos’ run to the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup and with Australia co-hosting the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Merrick is encouraged about the future of the sport.

“It’s a great time for football and it’s an opportunity we have to grasp with both hands,” he said.

“(Socceroos head coach) Graham Arnold did a wonderful job in Doha; it was quite spectacular to get two wins. We’ve now got to provide him with the players to kick on from there and become a top 10 nation in the world. And the Matildas recently knocked off the second top team in the FIFA world rankings, Sweden. With Australia hosting the Women’s World Cup with New Zealand, it’s a great opportunity for the growth of the game.

“We need to use this period to gain more publicity, as well as grow the number of kids playing the game. We’re already ahead of every other team sport in participation numbers, now we’ve got to develop the skills to a high level.”

Merrick added: “My role specifically is coach education and player development, which includes pathways and academies. Girls and boys, top to bottom.

“I’m looking at the pathways through Member Feds, through club level, and the opportunity for a youngster to go all the way through to representing Australia. To streamline that and make it a very efficient process is very important.

“At the moment I think there’s an inconsistency and a lack of clarity in providing the best possible pathways, and I think there are a few reasons for that. Lack of finance, expertise … we want everyone to have a clear picture and be on the same page, which we’re trying to do with One Football.  I feel Football Australia has got to provide that clarity and that’s my job.

“Coach education is part of that because if you don’t have good coaches then you’re not going to develop good players. It’s bringing more and more coaches into courses and making it enjoyable for them,  providing good quality information and getting them to love the game. Not everyone is going to be an A-League coach or a national coach, but coaching is crucial for educating players.

“It’s been really worthwhile visiting Western Australia and all the other Member Feds and looking at the issues they have. We have to have a consistent approach which is updated and upgraded and innovative, but consistently delivered throughout the country.”

An issue no longer under Football Australia’s control, but which Merrick would like to see addressed, is the number of visa spots A-League clubs are allowed to offer overseas players.

He said: “I was fortunate enough to catch up with a couple of important people at the World Cup, one being (FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development) Arsene Wenger who said the crucial age group was between 13 and 16 to educate players, and before the age of 23 they should have the opportunity of playing at the top club level of their country.

“If you have five outfield spots (taken up by visa players), you are left with just five other spots in the team. And I think goalkeepers should never be visa players because it’s such a crucial position.”