Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) has announced the appointment of Angela Wallbank as the head coach of the Cook Islands national women’s team.

In a statement, CIFA said Wallbank has firmly established herself as a key figure in Cook Islands football, shaping the next generation of players through mentorship, strategic coaching and grassroots development.

Her coaching journey began in New Zealand, where she spent years coaching at club level, refining her skills and gaining invaluable experience in player and team development.

Beyond coaching, Wallbank has also played a pivotal role in football administration and development programmes. Her professional background includes various leadership roles that have contributed to the growth of women’s football, particularly in the areas of competition management, technical development and game strategy.

She holds a Bachelor of Sport/Coaching, a testament to her technical expertise and commitment to continuous learning in the field of sports management and coaching. According to CIFA, her approach to coaching is player-centred, focusing on unlocking individual and team potential through discipline, teamwork and tactical awareness.

Wallbank is no stranger to the Cook Islands national football scene, having previously been involved with multiple teams over the years. Her past coaching roles include:

• Assistant Coach – Cook Islands Women’s National Team (2010 and 2011 South Pacific Games) – where she played a crucial role in leading the squad to a third-place finish.
• Head Coach – Cook Islands U17 National Team (2012) – Guided the team to another third-place finish at the regional level.

In addition to her work with the national teams, Wallbank has also been a major contributor to club football in the Cook Islands. She is currently the head coach for the senior women’s team at Nikao Sokattak FC, where she has been instrumental in developing local talent and strengthening the team’s competitive edge.

She is also actively leading Tupapa-Maraerenga FC in their preparations for the upcoming 2025 OFC Women’s Club Champions League in Tahiti this May.

“Her guidance and expertise are proving invaluable as the team gears up to compete at the highest club level in the region.”

With Wallbank now at the helm, the Cook Islands women’s national team is set to embark on an exciting new chapter. She will lead the squad into the OFC Women’s Nations Cup in Fiji this July, where her experience and strategic vision will be crucial in enhancing the team’s competitiveness on the regional stage.

CIFA’s technical director Matt Campbell has expressed immense gratitude for Wallbank’s contributions, emphasising that her wealth of experience and leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of women’s football in the Cook Islands.

“Angela’s dedication to the sport, her deep understanding of the game, and her ability to inspire and develop players make her the ideal leader for the national team. Under her guidance, the future of women’s football in the Cook Islands has never been brighter,” CIFA said.

“We look forward to seeing Angela Wallbank lead our national women’s team with passion and determination.”
- CIFA Media