Central Football are delighted to advise the appointment of Lee Smith to the role of Regional Community Manager – Tairawhiti/Gisborne.

In an unusual turn of events, Lee fills a vacancy created by his resignation earlier in 2024 and ends a long process that the Federation has undertaken to find the right person for this new role. The Regional Community Manager position is a ramped-up role for the region with a focus on club development and support, working in our more diverse communities, providing development opportunities for players and coaches and supporting the Federations work to ensure that our competition pathway is fit for purpose and provides the level of experience our stakeholder’s demand.

Central Football Federation Community Manager, Leon Birnie, expressed his enthusiasm for Lee's appointment, stating, “Lee is well known to us, and we believe he will excel in this new role. After he left earlier this year, we undertook an extensive process to identify the right candidate for this new position. Although we made progress at times, things didn’t work out for various reasons. When Lee showed interest in discussing the role, we were eager to consider him, and we’re delighted with his appointment.”

Lee is looking forward to getting into the new role saying, “I really enjoyed the time I had at Central Football, and it will be great to be back and into this new role. I am really grateful to Gisborne Thistle for the opportunity they provided me at the start of the year and to work for the club was a great experience. I really do appreciate their support and understanding as I move into this role back at Central Football”

Lee Smith with start in the Regional Community Manager role on Tuesday 29^th October 2024 and we will be back in touch with his contact details closer to that time.

Article added: Friday 11 October 2024