Southern Football - Our Board

BOARD MEMBERS

Stephen Richards
Board Chair

Stephen Richards is the National Technical Director – Tax Advisory for Australasian financial advisory and accounting services firm Findex. He was appointed to the Football South Board in May 2019. Stephen has played football since primary school. He is currently a member of Roslyn Wakari AFC and plays for the Roslyn Wakari Moas in the Masters 45+ league. Stephen is a member of the Columba College Board of Trustees and has previous governance experience with other education sector organisations.

Amanda Dyer
Board Member

Amanda Dyer has over 30 years of experience in sport and recreation, spanning roles in program delivery, club development, and event management. Currently a Senior Parks Operations Officer at the Dunedin City Council, she oversees projects benefiting parks and sports fields. Amanda is deeply involved in hockey and football communities, contributing to clubs and serving in various roles. With extensive event experience, she has organized prestigious events like the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. Passionate about advancing women’s sport, Amanda is dedicated to promoting grassroots, elite performance, coaching, and leadership roles.

Neil MacKenzie
Board Member

Neil has had forty years in the NZ Secondary School system as a teacher of predominately Physical Education to Students aged 10 to 17 Years. He is currently Assistant Sport Coordinator at Kaikorai College.

He has spent approximately ten years as a professional and Semi Professional Football Coach between 1980 – 1994 in NZ and the United Kingdom. Plus 40 plus years football coaching spanning Youth International, National League, Regional League, Coach Education and Club Administration.

He also holds a Masters Degree in Sport Coaching and Sport Administration, a Bachelor of Arts, Diploma in Secondary Teaching. Level 3 coaching qualifications from Oceania Football and NZ Football and a Level 2 Coaching Qualification from the NZ Coaches Association.

Rachel Minton
Board Member

Rachel Minton-Smith is the Community Capability Manager at Hockey New Zealand and a Board member since July 2022. She is passionate about sports' role in enhancing New Zealanders' well-being and ensuring diverse participation. With a focus on inclusion and diversity, she prioritizes people and system development within the sports community. Rachel also enjoys governance and looks forward to contributing to the Southern Football community. Her favorite football memories include Ross County's promotion in 2018/19, Scotland vs. England clash in UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying, and Liverpool's victory in the 2001 UEFA Cup Final. Outside work, she enjoys occasional football kickabouts and looks forward to her toddler's involvement in the sport.

Assoc. Prof. Tania Cassidy
Board Member

Tania is the Associate Dean of External Engagement at the University of Otago's School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences. She specializes in sports coaching and athlete development, with notable contributions including authored texts and advisory roles for Hockey New Zealand and New Zealand Football. Tania is affiliated with Otago Academy of Sport, Otago Hockey, and serves as President of Opoho Bowling Club. She coordinates the Connecting Coaches conference and has established international networks, contributing to coach development programs globally. Tania's diverse interests include field hockey, competitive swimming, and DIY projects..