Paul Temple has been appointed head coach of the Phoenix women’s team for the next two seasons after six years as the academy’s technical director.
Temple started working at the academy in 2016 and has established and overseen the development pathways for the next generation of Kiwi footballers.
Here are five things to know about women’s head coach Paul Temple.
Temple is the youngest ever head coach at a FIFA World Cup tournament
At just 26 years old, Paul coached New Zealand at the inaugural 2008 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The New Zealand team featured future Football Ferns Annalie Longo, Rosie White, Katie Bowen and Vic Esson.
He moved to New Zealand to play for University-Mt Wellington AFC
Paul joined Uni-Mount in 2001 and played as a winger for the national league club for three seasons.
Temple has won the Chatham Cup twice
He was part of the Uni-Mount side that lifted the Chatham Cup in 2001 and 2003. Renowned goalkeeper coach Simon Eaddy, former All White Graham Pearce and past New Zealand age group representatives Andy Brown, Leigh Kenyon, Heath McCormack, Theary Thou, Kara Waetford and Craig Ashton were amongst his team-mates.
His family is important to him
Paul’s wider family live in the UK, but he’s started his own whanau in New Zealand. He’s married to Hannah, and they have two daughters, Isabella (13) & Millie (11).
Temple’s interests outside of football
Outside of football, he lives a busy and active lifestyle. Paul likes to go mountain biking in the hills around Brooklyn and plays golf when he has the time. He’s also a big F1 fan.
