Central Football held their 20th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday 7 June 2020 at the Sport and Rugby Institute in Palmerston North. The AGM was deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic with the delay enabling a face to face meeting to be held. The meeting was notable for the bestowment of Life Membership on Dr Johanna Wood, Honorary Membership for Whanganui’s Jason King and retirement from the Central Football Board of Manawatu’s Kevin Palfreyman. 

Former Central Football Board Chair, and now New Zealand Football President and FIFA Council member, Dr Wood was nominated for Life Membership by Takaro AFC, with Takaro Chair and retiring Central Football Board member Kevin Palfreyman speaking to the nomination and praising Dr Wood for her outstanding contribution to Central Football and the game over many years. Mr Palfreyman went on to acknowledge Dr Wood’s mentorship of many current and former Board members and her connection to the community level of football. 

In receiving the Life Membership pin from current Board Chair, Jamie Hall, Dr Wood acknowledged her family, in particular her late father who was a stalwart of Petone FC in Wellington and instrumental in helping install the love of football in her. Dr Wood commented that it was only in later years that she uncovered both of her parents link to Petone FC as committee members but remembered fondly the many days of watching football and the community comradery of the clubrooms as a youngster. Dr Wood also acknowledged the Red Sox Club in Manawatu who she has been a member of for many years and with whom her four children had all played at some level for. Dr Wood reflected that 2019 was a memorable year for her as she completed her Doctorate via Massey University, was elected to the role of President at the New Zealand Football Congress in May of the same year and then also elected to the FIFA Council, one of only 37 people throughout the world to sit on this group. Chairman Mr Hall added that Central Football would not be in the sound position it is in now had it not been for the outstanding leadership, astute governance and management skills and genuine passion for both the game and the Federation of Dr Wood. 

In addition, Whanganui Football Incorporated Chair and long-standing club volunteer Jason King was awarded Honorary Membership to Central Football. Nominated for the honour by Durie Hill Football Club, Mr King has been involved in nearly every way possible in developing and shaping football in the Whanganui Region. Mr King has had significant involvement in governance, playing and junior coaching where he has been instrumental in creating and supporting coaching programs and pathways for junior and youth players. Current Central Board Deputy Chair, Gary Mackenzie spoke to Mr Kings’ nomination and praised his efforts of many years in ensuring that the Whanganui region had good junior programs and pathways and acknowledged Mr King’s contribution as a volunteer across many facets of the community game in the Region. 

The other significant piece of business at the AGM was the retirement of long-standing Board Member Kevin Palfreyman after eight years of service. Mr Palfreyman was thanked by the Chair and his significant contribution to the organisation, his thoughtful and considered approach to his work on the Board and his support of him as Chair. Mr Hall further acknowledged Mr Palfreyman’s contribution with a small gift of thanks.  

Mr Hall was able to confirm that the two Elected Board Member vacancies had been filled after an Election with the two new Board Members being Mr Rori Moore of Manawatu, nominated by Palmerston North Marist, and Mr Garrett Blair of Gisborne, nominated by Gisborne Thistle FC. Both begin their tenure effective immediately. 

Newly appointed Central Football Honorary Member Jason King with his Honorary Membership pin.

Article added: Monday 08 June 2020