Wellington Phoenix have confirmed Lee Padmore as the new Head Coach of the U15 Wellington Phoenix Academy team.
Padmore comes to Wellington with a wealth of coaching experience, qualifications and a history as a successful coach that has developed young players abroad and in the New Zealand system.
Wellington Phoenix Academy Director, Paul Temple, said it was a great addition to have a quality local coach on board.
“Lee is experienced at a good level within New Zealand and yet he is still a young coach with potential and hunger to learn.”
Temple said it was Padmore’s time at Selwyn United that impressed him and his ability to develop young talent.
“Lee was very successful at Selwyn United where he coached that team into the Mainland Premier League in 2018.
“He also developed the Talent Program, producing players for both National League and National Youth League level.
“We are very happy to have him in our Academy providing that experience and guidance to our younger players.”
Padmore said he was looking forward to a new challenge.
“I can’t wait to begin working with Paul and the Academy staff.
“Paul has got a great reputation for developing talent and I want to be a big part of that.
“There is some real quality across the whole Academy so to be able to develop future All Whites is a real pleasure and a highlight of my career so far.
“I’ve always wanted to test myself at the highest level and being at the only professional club in New Zealand made complete sense for my next step.”
Padmore’s appointment makes him the third A Licensed coach at the Phoenix Academy.
Padmore will assist Steve Coleman with the National Youth League this summer and lead the U15 programme.
