Congratulations to Sam Wilkinson, who has been appointed assistant coach of the Ford Football Ferns from 1 October, working with head coach Michael Mayne.

Wilkinson was with the squad in February for the Costa Rica tour. 

Hamilton-raised and UEFA A-licensed, he played midfield for Waikato FC and Auckland City before moving into coaching.

He and Mayne were Waikato FC teammates from 2004 to 2006 in the New Zealand Football Championship, the National League of it’s time. 

He retired as a player in 2010 and moved to the UK, where he took FA youth-coaching courses, and began youth coaching with West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City. 

Returning to the Waikato in 2017, Wilkinson teamed up with Mayne again at Melville United.

They co-coached the first team, and launched the Melville United Academy, then guided the club through NZF’s Talent Development Programme accreditation. 

Wayne Bates, Melville United Chair, says "Sam is one of the most talented coaches i’ve had the privilege of knowing. His knowledge of the game, work ethic and dedication to the craft is what makes him special. He’s put a huge amount of effort developing his skills through time overseas in youth academies in England, as well as at several clubs here in New Zealand.

"We were very lucky to have him at Melville United, and we wish him the best of luck with the Football Ferns.

"Part of what makes Sam so special is his dedication not only to help create better players but a huge focus on making better people too, something we feel is the most important part of the process"

In 2018, he served as assistant coach to the New Zealand men’s under 17 team.

At the conclusion of the 2019 season co-coach he was contracted to a full-time coaching role with the Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand’s only professional club.

The effects of Covid-19 meant that the Phoenix was unable to renew the contracts of many staff, including Wilkinson, and he returned to Hamilton and Melville United as Head Coach from 2020-2022. 

In 2025 he took on the Director of Football role at Hamilton Boys’ High School, working with Aaron Scott, ex All White and longtime Melville United player.. 

He is the son of Roger Wilkinson, a long-time New Zealand coach.

Mayne was confirmed as Ford Football Ferns head coach in May, after serving in the role on an interim basis through late 2024 and early 2025.  

Article added: Saturday 18 October 2025