NZ FOOTBALL FOUNDATION APPOINTS CEO

“The appointment of a CEO is a new chapter for the Foundation,” said the Football Foundation Chairman Mark Stewart. “It signals our intent to grow our current capital base so that the Foundation can continue to provide financial support towards developing the game of football in New Zealand. Noel’s appointment will enable a focus on acquiring funds and engaging benefactors so that we can distribute funds into the priority areas as determined by New Zealand Football, which are currently grassroots, education and youth.”

Barkley, a former All White, said: “I’m excited by the opportunity, as the game continues to go from strength to strength. With football now one of New Zealand’s most popular sports in terms of participation numbers, the Foundation plays a pivotal role in making financial assistance available where it is needed most. A great example of this is the grant provided in March to the Football Ferns who are expected to perform well in the Olympics later this year.”

Stewart added: “Noel brings tremendous know-how to the Football Foundation. As a former All White he has a great understanding of the code and the business we are in. He has extensive commercial experience having been involved in the FIFA U-20 World Cup and more recently with the New Zealand Golf Open. This made him an obvious choice and so we are delighted to bring someone of this calibre on board.”

The Football Foundation was established in 2010 to manage $4 million of funds obtained as part of New Zealand’s 2010 Football World Cup qualification. The foundation has since approved grants of over $1.3 million.

See www.footballfoundation.org.nz for more details on the foundation and on how to become a Football Foundation supporter or donor.