Who is New Zealand women’s national football team coach Jitka Klimková?

Jitka Klimková is a Czech soccer coach and former player. She was named head coach of the Football Ferns, New Zealand’s women’s national football team, in September 2021.

She is the first woman to be named full-time coach of the Football Ferns. Jitka Klimková was born on December 7, 1975, in the Czech Republic.

As a player, Klimková had a successful career, representing the Czech Republic women’s national team as a goalkeeper. She played in several international competitions, including UEFA Women’s Euro and FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

Following her playing career, Jitka Klimková transitioned into coaching. She has been involved in coaching various women’s teams including the United States women’s under-20 team, the United States women’s under-19 team, Canberra United in Australia’s W-League, and the United States women’s under-19 team.

She also coached 1.FC Slovácko, the Czech Republic women’s team and Internationals Soccer Club in Ohio, USA. In Australia, she was named Coach of the Year in the W-League in 2011-12.

Klimková’s coaching experience and knowledge of the game have earned her respect in women’s soccer circles. Her dedication to developing the women’s game and nurturing talent in her country have been instrumental in the growth of women’s soccer in the Czech Republic.