Vidmar, Edwards to mentor gen-next

Vidmar was appointed coach of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Program with Edwards the new Australia U-17 coach, in addition to his current position as FFA Assistant Technical Director.

Edwards will be in charge for the 2012 AFC U-16 Asian Cup to be held in October, and for the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup a year later.

Vidmar will also assist Edwards at Joeys matches.

The new look team succeeds Jan Versleijen. The Dutchman was previously at the helm of the U-17 and U-20 national teams before his contract expired last December.

"Alistair and Tony have shown themselves, both as players and more recently as coaches, to be of the highest calibre and to have the right attitude, experience and personalities to be in charge of these two vital development program," National Technical Director Han Berger said.

“Whilst the AIS program aims to provide the majority of players for the Qantas Joeys squads, the task of providing the daily training environment for the players and that of managing a team at international tournaments are slightly different.

“To recruit two former Socceroos and well-credentialld coaches for the separate roles really enhances the support and development that these players will receive.

“Tony will work as Assistant Coach for the Qantas Joeys and accompany Alistair on the bench at their matches.

“Alistair will retain his role as the FFA Assistant Technical Director and continue to perform the duties that he has in the past as well.

“We are also in the process of appointing an Assistant Coach for the AIS program which we will announce in the near future,” Berger added.

Furthermore, the AIS and FFA appointed Peter de Roo, the Technical Director of Football Queensland to the newly created position of Technical Manager of the AIS Football Program.