The Northern Rivers Football Academy has confirmed the appointment of Gavin Whitney as the Academy’s new Technical Director.

Gavin has enjoyed a long and successful coaching career throughout the Northern Rivers.

He has coached club and elite level youth, Premier League teams and has taken Representative squads from the Far North Coast through to the National titles.

Some of Gavin’s proteges have gone on to sign for National Premier League, A-League and international teams.

Gavin holds a FFA/AFC B Licence and has been a Lead Coach at the Academy since its inception in 2017.

He has acted in the Head Coach role and led the coaching team’s development and education, overseen the Pre-Academy programs, coached 12s, 13s and 14s boys and girls and was instrumental in keeping the Academy alive through the challenges of 2020 and 2021.

The Liverpool connections will remain integral parts of the Academy team. James Gow will continue as the Technical Consultant, bringing his expertise to the coach and player development, while James Rowe will provide invaluable support in the Player Engagement and Female Program roles.

"This is a wonderful step for The Academy. Gavin is a highly knowledgeable coach and epitomises everything that is good about the Academy. Moving into a full time academy director role will give him the time he needs to drive the Academy forward." Gow said.

James Rowe added "Gav is a true leader. A bit of a hero to me really! Knowledgable, experienced and enthusiastic. His love for this Academy and these players knows no bounds."