Northern Region Football is delighted to confirm the appointment of Laura Menzies as Chief Executive Officer.

With over 20 years of experience in Sport Management roles across both the UK and New Zealand, Laura joins NRF from Sport New Zealand where she spent five years delivering the government’s Women and Girls in Sport and Active Recreation Strategy and National Disability plan.

Laura has been appointed as the first CEO of the newly-formed Northern Region Football, an entity consisting of two football federations (Northern Football Federation & Auckland Football Federation) coming together to deliver football across the regions of Northland and Auckland.

NRF Co-Chairs Aimee Barwick (NFF Chair) and Andrea Nelson (AFF Chair) are excited about the appointment of Laura Menzies and the experience she brings to the table.

“We are delighted to be able to announce Laura as the first CEO of Northern Region Football, after an extensive process which attracted a high calibre pool of applicants. Her experience will be a huge asset to football in Auckland and Northland. As well as being football through and through, Laura brings valuable insights from her role at Sport NZ and a strong track record in leadership and bringing teams and stakeholders together,” Aimee Barwick said.

“Laura’s appointment comes at a vital time as we look to complete the merger of Auckland and Northern Football Federations into Northern Region Football, in order to deliver the best possible football experience to a region that comprises a third of the country’s players” Andrea Nelson said.

Laura Menzies says she is excited about the opportunity this role presents and honoured to have been given the opportunity to lead the organisation that serves the football community across the Auckland and Northland Regions.

“Football plays a powerful role across communities and the merger of the two federations makes this an important and exciting time to be involved in the game. I believe football is a sport for everyone and I am looking forward to working with clubs, partners and colleagues across football to ensure the game is accessible and enjoyed by a diverse range of people”

“It is important that everyone has positive experiences in football, whether that’s as a player, coach, leader, administrator or volunteer. That is what will enable our game to keep growing and make it strong for our communities.”

Laura’s experience in football goes back to her childhood where she took her first steps as a player and eventually began involved with the Sport as a committee member and board member. Playing football in the UK, Laura also played football in Wellington for Waterside Karori and Wellington United.

She also gained valuable experience as Head of Community Netball at Netball New Zealand before moving onto Sport New Zealand.

Laura will begin her role as Chief Executive Officer on Monday February 15, 2020.

Article added: Wednesday 03 February 2021. Courtesy of NRF Media.