Newcastle Jets are pleased to announce the appointment of Daniel McBreen as Head Coach of the Club’s Youth Team.

A Joe Marston Medalist and Hyundai A-League Championship winner in 2012/13, the former striker makes the move from the Club’s U/16s boys side he’s coached since 2015.

On top of those four years experience in the Jets Academy, McBreen has spent 12 months as assistant coach to the Guam national team – a role he will continue in.

Supplementing his time as a coach is a wealth of experience as a professional footballer, with a career spanning over 15 years throughout Australia, Europe, and Asia.

The appointment means that current Youth Team Head Coach and CEO, Lawrie McKinna, will step aside from his role as coach but will still be involved in an advisory capacity.

McBreen is looking forward to the opportunity to guide the next generation.

“I’ve been involved as a coach virtually since I finished playing professional football, and I see this as a big step up in my development as a coach,” McBreen said.

“To help guide boys from youth football to senior football will be a big challenge, but it’s one which I’m excited by.”

Lawrie McKinna said he believes McBreen, who doubles as the Club’s Community Liason Officer, is the right man for the job.

“For the second time in a year, I’ve sacked myself as head coach of the Youth Team,” McKinna said.

“Macca has done an outstanding job with the under 16 boys for a few years now, he’s put in the time as a coach and he’s earned this opportunity.”

The Youth Team squad has broken up following the conclusion of the NPL Northern NSW competition, where they finished in 8th place.

McBreen will assume the mantle once they return to training in two weeks time ahead of the upcoming Foxtel Youth League season.