Championship coach is set to leave the capital | TWG Championship coach is set to leave the capital | TWG

Canberra United championship coach Jitka Klimkova has been appointed the Head Coach of the New Zealand U17 Women's National Team.

Klimkova, who will be looking to take the Young Football Ferns to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Costa Rica, was also announced as the assistant coach of the U20s in a release from NZ Football and later confirmed by Canberra United.

The news is a blow to the 2011/12 W-League Champions with the former Czech international re-affirming her commitment to United just a number of months ago.

When appointed in 2011, Klimkova became only the second female coach in the W-League.  An exceptional first season saw Canberra United break several records on their way to claiming their first championship in an undefeated season.

“We understand the angst and difficulties that she faced in making the decision to reach for her dream of leading a team in an international competition and we wish her all the best over the next year,” said Canberra United CEO Heather Reid.

Klimkova and Canberra United will be parting on good terms with the former set to assist the team in their preparations for Season 6 of the W-League including pre-season training, trials and final squad selection.

“Whilst it’s disappointing for Canberra United and Australian football fans that we’ve lost such a terrific coach to the Kiwi’s, we support Jitka and her desire to lead a team to a FIFA World Cup.”

Thoughts now turn to Klimkova's replacement with Reid indicating that the club is well advanced in the appointment of her successor with strong word that another female coach will join the ranks of the W-League.