Abrams, 57, has an extensive background in youth development, and played a key role in developing the current generation of Belgium's much-lauded national team, who made a big impact at the recent World Cup in Brazil.

"Eric has an impressive background in elite youth development in Belgium and has played an integral role in producing what the technical experts believe is one of the strongest groups of international players in world football," said FFA chief executive David Gallop.

"Eric has all the skills and attributes we were looking for when we set out on a world-wide recruitment process.

"Eric will head all of our elite pathway and youth development structures in line with the National Curriculum that has been in place since 2009."

Abrams, who has spent much of his time specifically focusing on developing players in the 14-18 age bracket, says he's excited by the challenge of replicating his success with Belgium.

"I'm excited to be starting work with the youth structures in Australia," Abrams said. "I have heard a lot about Australian football and I look forward to working with the players and coaches to help develop young players for the local leagues and national teams."

ERIC ABRAMS – BIOGRAPHY

Professional experience

2013-2014     

Head Coach Al Ahli U15 – Winner of King's Cup in Saudi Arabia
Co-ordinator Al Ahli U15-U14

2002-2013    

National Team Head Coach Belgium U15-U17

2011-2013  

Coordinator Topsport schools(5) for the Flanders Football Federation

1993-2013    

Lecturer Federal Coach Education KBVB (Belgian FA) for Uefa B, Uefa A and Uefa A Youth Elite, Uefa A Pro License courses

1998-2011     

Coach/coordinator Topsport Foot-Elite, Highschool Genk

Players coached as National Team Head Coach during the period 2002-2013

Vincent Kompany (Belgium A-international-Manchester City)
Eden Hazard (Belgium A-international-Chelsea)
Romulu Lukaku (Belgium A-international-Everton)
Kevin Debruyne (Belgium A-international-Wolfsburg)
Thibaut Courtois (Belgium A-international-Atletico Madrid)
Jan Verthongen (Belgium A-international-Tottenham Hotspur)
Dries Mertens (Belgium A-international-Napoli)
Steven Defour (Belgium A-international-Porto FC)
Simon Mignolet (Belgium A-international-Liverpool)
Anthony Vandenborre (Belgium A-international-RSC Anderlecht)
Kevin Mirallas (Belgium A-international-Everton)
Axel Witsel (Belgium A-international-Zenith St Petersburg)
Jelle Vossen (Belgium A-international-KRC Genk)
Mehdi Carcela (Morocco A-international-Standard Liege)
Koen Casteels (Belgium A-international-Hoffenheim)
Toby Alderweireld (Belgium A-international-Atletico Madrid)
Paolo Mpoku (Belgium U21-international-Standard Liege)
Maxim Lestienne (Belgium U21-international-Club Brugge)
Thorgan Hazard (Belgium U21-international-Chelsea)
Dennis Praet (U21-international-RSC Anderlecht)
Malanda Junior(U21-international-Wolfsburg)

Football experience

2013 - 2014 Head Coach Al Ahli U15 – Winner of King's Cup in Saudi Arabia
2002 – 2013 National Team Head Coach Belgium U15-U17
2001 – 2002 SK Tongeren (3rd Division, Belgium) - Head coach
1998 – 1999 KRC Genk (Premier League, Belgium) - Academy Director
1987 – 1988 Wellen VV (4th Division, Belgium) - Player Central Defender
1985 – 1987 Hoeselt VV (3rd Division, Belgium) - Player
1984 – 1985 Verbroedering Meerhout (4th Division, Belgium) - Player
1979 – 1984 Sporting Alken (4th Division, Belgium) - Player
1975 – 1979 KFC Winterslag (Premier League and 2nd Division, Belgium)- Player

Education

Bachelor Physical Education
UEFA B
UEFA A/Elite Youth
UEFA Pro License