"Alistair will assist Han Berger [FFA National Technical Director] in implementing all elements of the National Football Development Plan," said FFA CEO Ben Buckley. "This includes the roll out of the new national curriculum and assisting with talent identification of elite players."

Buckley said FFA has an objective of encouraging and developing former players in key technical roles.

"Alistair's appointment comes on top of Gary van Egmond's recent appointment as senior coach at the Australian Institute of Sport."

Edwards holds an MBA, a Graduate Diploma in Sport Management, has an 'A' coaching license and is currently undertaking the Pro Diploma (coaching) course.

Buckley said that Edwards will also be assistant coach of the 'Next Generation' Young Socceroos under head coach, Jan Versleijen, who will be aiming to qualify for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup starting with an AFC qualifying tournament in Jakarta later this year.

"Alistair is one of many former players who have put in the effort to obtain appropriate skills, coaching qualifications and experience, with an aspiration to work at the highest level possible.

'We are delighted to have another 'home grown' appointment to such an important role, under Han Berger's and Jan Versleijen's combined expertise and tutelage," Buckley said. 

As a player, Alistair made 19 'A'-International appearances for the Socceroos scoring three goals between 1990 and 1997 and also represented the Young Socceroos at the FIFA World Youth Cup in Chile in 1987.

At club level, Edwards played for Rangers (Scotland), Millwall (England), as well as Johor, Selangor, Sarawak and Singapore Armed Forces in the Malaysian League, and Sydney Olympic and Perth Glory in the former Australian National Soccer League.

His coaching career includes positions such as the head coach of the Westfield Young Matildas taking them through to the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Russia in 2006, and as assistant coach of the Westfield Matildas.

Alistair also held the position as head coach at the WA National Training Centre in Perth from 2002-2007.

As Edwards takes up his role, Buckley also announced that FFA Legal Counsel (regulatory), John Didiluca,  has departed the organisation  with immediate effect  to take up the position of Football Manager at the new Melbourne A-League club, currently known as 'Melbourne Heart'.   

Buckley said that Didiluca had been responsible for many achievements during his short time at FFA.  

He added: "John worked at FFA for 16 months and was responsible for the management of the Hyundai A-League player contract system, the establishment of the match review panel and the Licensing of Player Agents.

"He was also instrumental in seeking clearance from FIFA to allow Kofi Danning and Alex Cisak to represent the Qantas Young Socceroos at the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

 "We wish him all the best for his new challenge and look forward to working with him in his new capacity in the future," said Buckley.