After 9 years leading Mainland Football, CEO Mike Coggan has resigned from his position to pursue a new role as Chief Executive of Otago Cricket.
Mainland Football Chairman Craig Rhodes reflects back over the past decade with a fondness for what Football across the Federation has achieved during Mike's leadership period. "During Mike's term he has overseen the amalgamation of 26 entities and has led the changes in New Zealand's Whole of Football delivery. Financially he has delivered results year after year that provide much comfort to all stakeholders. I have personally enjoyed working with Mike as he continually works for improvement and growth. He leaves the game in excellent shape and has been the driving force behind getting our Federation in to the benchmark status it is to this day. Mike is highly regarded in our Industry and is often sought after for advice and guidance by other codes. Football loses one of the top CEO's in NZ sport today. We wish him all the best for his new role and now seek a new leader to carry the game forward".
Coggan himself reflects on what has been exciting and expansive growth over the past nine years. "The game of football in structure and delivery has changed immensely since the day I started. I doubt there is another sport in NZ quite so aligned in terms of national planning, programme delivery and growth outputs. Football now has its act together in all aspects; NZF funding, financial sustainability, sport credibility, national team's improvements, coach education, referee development, club delivery and support for NZF and Federation plans, women's game growth and development and Futsal growth. Together we have all achieved so much and I am extremely proud to have played a part".
Coggan heaps praise on the national Whole of Football plan. "It's here to stay and clubs across the Federation deserve much, if not all the credit for embedding it. At the same time that Whole of Football was introduced, clubs and facilities were hit hard as a result of the major earthquakes. Yet today the sport is stronger than ever. Clubs have embraced a new national approach to delivering football opportunities and the sport will be better for it in the long term".
Rhodes says it is a great time for a new CEO to come into the role; someone with fresh ideas to take Mainland Football through a new chapter. "Our next CEO will have an exciting entry into football with the FIFA U-20 World Cup just months away".
Coggan's last day before he heads south will be Thursday 2 April however a suitable handover to the incoming CEO will be supported in the coming months.
For further contact details please contact Craig Rhodes 0272 040 970