Our Management and Staff
Our dedicated leaders and team members are passionate about growing football in northern NSW and developing players and the communities we live in.
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Chief Executive Officer
Peter has worked at NNSWF since 2008 and was appointed CEO on the 1st of May 2023 following a five-month period as interim CEO.
Previously Peter served as NNSWF’s Head of Football Development for four years following a 10-year stint as NNSWF’s Community Football Manager.
Peter also holds an education degree and earned a Diploma of Football Management through the Asian Football Confederations ACE program in 2023.
Peter has played football all his life spending time playing at the Newcastle Jets in 2008 and 2009 and in NNSWF’s top tier men’s competition with Broadmeadow Magic. In addition, Peter holds a Football Australia B-Licence and has recently enjoyed a season as a match official with NNSWF Premier Competition Referees.
Community Football
Contact the team: community@northernnswfootball.com.au
General Manager Community Football
Ross Hicks
Ross has worked at NNSWF since 2014 and manages community football across northern NSW.
The focus of his role is to oversee, mentor and assist the community football team in implementing programs and services. He helps clubs improve their facilities and develops and implements annual operational plans and budgets.
Ross has played for the same club for 50 years, previously holding the role of president for 11 years. Within this time, he has also coached the same team for 14 years.
Being around like-minded people and celebrating good times is what Ross truly loves about football.
Project Manager Club Development
Phillip Andrews
Phillip has worked at NNSWF since 2018 and is responsible for club development.
He also manages the Football Australia Club Changer Program and Child Safe for NNSWF clubs.
Phillip began playing football by accident, getting drafted to the school team after their goalkeeper was unavailable. Later in life he coached his daughter’s team and boasts a perfect record as coach.
One of the things that Phillip loves the most about football is that it is a game that can be adapted to be enjoyed by people of all abilities.
Club Development Officer
Brett Hodgekiss
Brett is responsible for the Club Changer Club Development Program as well as Walking Football, Mental Health Awareness Programs and Primary School Gala days in regional northern NSW.
He has been involved with football for more than 40 years as a player, coach, volunteer and now employee. Brett plays for Coffs City United and supports Melbourne Victory and Liverpool.
His favourite football moments include coaching his eldest daughter’s team at Coffs City United to multiple league titles and grand final wins. Brett now enjoys watching both his daughters play football, refereeing and continuing his volunteer role at the club.
Female Participation and Inclusion Officer
Natalie Boyd
Natalie’s main responsibility is to develop, coordinate and implement sustainable programs and services which aim to recruit and retain individuals from other identified underrepresented groups in northern NSW.
She is a big part of Hamilton Azzurri FC where she is a player and a committee member. Natalie is also an avid Everton FC supporter.
Natalie’s favourite football moment was watching the Matildas live in Newcastle for the first time where she thought, “Wow, girls can really do this too!”
One of the things that Natalie loves most about football is how it has given her the opportunity to meet, play and work with so many amazing people from all walks of life.
Talent Development
Contact the team: development@northernnswfootball.com.au
Technical Director
Ryan Doidge
Ryan has worked at NNSWF since 2022 and the focus of his role is player and coach development.
Ryan’s favourite football memory is playing alongside and sharing the field with his dad when he was 16-years-old.
Ryan is accredited by Asian Football Confederation and Football Australia to deliver B and C advance coach accreditation courses and has earned an AFC A coaching licence.
He has also completed a Bachelor of Science in Sport, Health, Exercise Science and Coaching.
Ryan has held previous roles with New York Red Bulls, Western Sydney Wanderers, North Shore Mariners, Northbridge Bulls and Dee Why FC
Talent Development Officer
Brett Angell
Talent Development Coordinator
Joseph Wright
Joe has worked at NNSWF since 2022 and the primary purpose of his role is to provide high-quality administration, support and assistance in the planning, coordination and delivery of NNSWF’s Talented Player Pathway and Coach Development activities, programs and services.
Joe is highly involved in the football community coaching teams in the Hunter Valley and the Mid North Coast.
His favourite football memory is Chelsea winning the 2012 Champions League final against Bayern Munich on penalties.
Technical Advisor Women and Girls
Sam Griffin
Technical Advisor JDL Boys
Mat Fox
Technical Advisor Boys Youth
Glenn Callinan
Talented Player Video Analyst
TBA
NNSW Football Legacy Team
Contact the team: legacy@northernnswfootball.com.au
General Manager NNSW Football Legacy Plan
Annelise has worked at NNSWF since 2019 and manages the NNSW Football Legacy team.
Her priority is the rollout of the NSW Football Legacy Program, focusing on connecting with various stakeholders to ensure a lasting legacy from the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. The NSW Football Legacy Program will support football at all levels and aims to increase the participation and representation of women and girls throughout football.
Annelise has played football since she was five and is now coaching with Dudley United Seniors.
Her favourite football memory was when Australia won the bid to co-host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, tied with scoring her first goal as a six-year-old.
Daughters and Dads Program Coordinator
Kirsten Smith
Kirsten plans and executes the Daughters and Dads Football Program across Northern NSW Football and Football NSW.
Kirsten is quite new to football, growing up playing netball and cricket but has thrown herself headfirst into the world game.
She plays in the Football FIVE5 competition and is an active supporter of the Matildas and Socceroos.
One of Kirsten’s favourite football moments was watching the Matildas take on the USA in Newcastle in 2021 and seeing how the Hunter community supported the national team.
NNSW Football Legacy Plan Development Officer
Helen has worked at NNSWF since 2022 as the Legacy Development Officer for regional NSW, focusing on the Women’s Leadership Program.
Her role also includes Women in Football Scholarships focusing on referees and volunteers within northern NSW and club engagement to further support women and girls in football.
Helen has loved football her entire life and plays in Coffs Harbour.
Her favourite football memory was a young player telling her she no longer needed Helen to hold her hand on the field during one of her first-year games.
Venue - Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility
Contact the team: fives@northernnswfootball.com.au
Venue Manager LMRFF
Kean Marshall
Kean has worked at NNSWF since 2014 and is the venue manager of the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility.
His main responsibilities in the role include Football FIVE5, Sidelines Café and maintenance of the facility.
Kean’s favourite football moments is seeing people experience football for the first time by getting out there and having a kick.
Café Manager Sidelines Café
Sue Bloom
Sue has worked at NNSWF since 2015 and manages Sidelines Café.
The focus of her role is to ensure a smooth-running and efficient café while mentoring and supervising a young workforce.
Coming from England, Sue has spent many years standing on the sideline of a frozen pitch watching her family play but that hasn’t hindered her love for football.
Marketing and Communications
Contact the team: marketing@northernnswfootball.com.au
General Manager - Communications, Media & Marketing
Andrew has worked at NNSWF since 2020 and manages the communications and marketing team.
The focus of his role is to create the strategy around internal and external communications, liaise with media and oversee NNSWF’s marketing approach.
Andrew has loved football his entire life and played for eight years with Weston Workers FC in the former NNSW State League competition.
His favourite football memory was seeing his beloved Tottenham Hotspur miraculously reach the UEFA Champions League final in 2019.
Marketing & Sponsorship Manager
Michael has been a member of the NNSWF team since 2019 and his responsibilities include graphic design, branding and sponsorship account management as well as marketing strategy.
Michael has played football all his life and now plays All-Age and Football FIVE5. He is a Central Coast Mariners supporter.
Some of Michael’s favourite football memories are the F3 Derbies between the Mariners and the Newcastle Jets but his biggest highlight is the Central Coast Mariners winning the A-League 2023 Championship.
Communications Officer
Scarlett assists in delivering premier competition communications and creating and curating written communications and content for Northern NSW Football’s digital channels.
Football has significantly impacted Scarlett’s life, playing on and off since she was six-years-old and now playing in the All-Age Women’s Competition.
Scarlett’s love for football stems from the community the sport creates, bringing people together.
Her favourite football memory was Riley McGree’s scorpion kick that cemented the Newcastle Jets into the 2017-18 A-League grand final.
Digital Marketing Coordinator
Hannah Guest
Hannah is responsible for the planning and implementation of digital marketing campaigns and activities including NNSWF social media channels, email and SMS.
She has never played football herself but has grown up in a footballing household, spending many weekends on the sidelines watching her brother and father.
Hannah supports Manchester United as well as the Newcastle Jets.
Her favourite football memory was Riley McGree’s scorpion kick that helped the Newcastle Jets progress to the grand final of the A-League in 2018.
Football Operations
Contact the team: competitions@northernnswfootball.com.au
General Manager Football Operations
Liam has worked at NNSWF since 2018 and manages the football operations team.
His priority is the management of all of NNSWF’s Premier Competitions as well as overseeing all refereeing and implementation of rules, regulations and disciplinary systems across northern NSW.
Liam has been involved in football his entire life playing, coaching, refereeing and volunteering while also working in football for 16 years.
His heart lies with Celtic F.C. in the Scottish Premiership, with his favourite football memory being when they beat Barcelona and joining a Celtic huddle of singing and dancing in Melbourne’s CBD.
Senior Officer Premier Competitions
Steph Carte
Steph is responsible for the rules and regulations, licencing and competition criteria, as well as the player points system for the NNSWF premier competitions.
Steph has supported her hometown club Leeds United since a young age and played at a high level since school.
Some of Steph’s favourite football moments were getting the opportunity to work with football greats Trevor Sinclair, Calton Palmer and Kirk Hilton, as well as watching England play at the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar.
Competitions Administrator - Football FIVE5
Luke Blundell
Luke has worked at NNSWF since 2018 and is the competitions administrator and administrator for Football FIVE5.
The focus of his role is administration for Football FIVE5 and organising and running significant events such as the Women’s State Cup and Australia Cup.
Luke started playing football in under-8s and has not missed a season since, loving the sense of community that football creates.
His favourite football memory is watching Australia beat Uruguay and qualify for the 2006 FIFA Men’s World Cup.
Football Operations Administrator
Jason Avery
Jason is our Football Operations Administrator. His focus is competition results and match data.
His role also includes managing all disciplinary matters that arise, rescheduled fixtures and all adjustments made to match fixtures.
Jason has played football all his life, attending Australian football camps as a junior with Rale Rasic and Raul Blanco.
His favourite football memory was seeing 95,000 people singing You’ll Never Walk Alone live at Melbourne Cricket Ground watching Liverpool.
Northern Inland Regional Coordinator
Mitchell O’Keefe
Mitchell has worked at NNSWF since 2022 and oversees community football within the Northen Inland region of NSW.
He facilitates competition administration including fixturing, player registrations as well as administrating and maintaining the rules and regulations.
Mitchell has played football for more than 20 years and grew up supporting Manchester United but now follows Crystal Palace.
His favourite football memory is John Aloisi scoring the penalty kick to send the Socceroos to the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2006 for the first time since 1974.
Referees
Contact the team: referees@northernnswfootball.com.au
Referee Manager
Brad Carlin
Brad has worked at NNSWF since 2015 and is responsible for overseeing the recruitment, appointment, administration and development of northern NSW referees who officiate on matches in the Premier Competitions and the local Zone Football League Competitions.
He also works closely with the Member Zones to ensure consistent and quality coaching is delivered to referees.
Brad has actively refereed since 1997 and still loves it the same today as when he began.
Brad’s favourite football memory is Manchester United scoring twice in the 1999 Champions League final to win the treble. He also has many great memories watching the big victories of the Socceroos and Matildas.
Referee Appointments Officer
Connor Markovich
Connor has worked at NNSWF since 2022, with the focus of his role involving the appointment of referees to all premier football in northern NSW and appointments administration.
He has been involved with football his entire life, playing since he was five-years-old and refereeing since he was 14, starting on community football and now officiating on NPL Men’s NNSW first grade.
His favourite football moment was Sergio Aguero scoring the winning goal against QPR to win the English Premier League title for Manchester City in 2012.
Referee Education and Development Coordinator
Riley Kirkaldy
Riley has worked at NNSWF since 2020 as part of the referees team, focusing on coordinating and presenting Level 4 referee courses in all regions of northern NSW.
His role also focuses on designing and implementing training sessions for community referees and providing regular coaching sessions to community and premier referees.
Riley played football for 15 years but has now stopped to focus on refereeing, which he has done for 10 years, progressing from community football to the NPL first grade panel.
His favourite football memory was his first appointment to a grand final as a referee and his under-12s grand final win in a penalty shootout where he scored the winning goal.
Referee Administration Officer
Jarod Baxter
Jarod is the referee department’s administration officer, with the focus of his role on the organisation and delivery of the first-year clothing program.
His role also includes Working with Children clearance for all northern NSW referees and Play Football Registration.
Jarod played football as a child in Sydney and is a referee in his fifth season.
He supports Chelsea FC, with his all-time favourite football memory being Kai Havertz scoring the winning goal for Chelsea to win the UEFA Champions League final in 2021.
Weekends Appointments Officer
Christine Cooper
Finance
Contact the team: accounts@northernnswfootball.com.au
Chief Financial Officer
John oversees our finance team as well as NNSWF’s financial position.
The focus of his role is the financial planning and analysis of NNSWF, financial reporting, risk management, compliance and capital management.
John played Futsal for 15 years and six-a-side for two seasons but, while he no longer plays, he remains a massive football supporter.
He supports Portsmouth but has split loyalties in the A-League, supporting the Jets, Mariners and Wanderers.
Financial Services Accountant
Grace Gunning
Finance Assistant
Angela Wheatley
Angela has worked at NNSWF since 2022 and assists with the business' accounts, payroll and HR.
Her favourite football moment was attending the Matildas opening match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Sydney. Angela says that being among the crowd with more than 75,000 people was amazing.
Angela is a supporter of the Newcastle Jets A-League Women’s team.
Administration Assistant
Mackenzie Reeves
Mackenzie is the initial point of contact for phone, email and over-the-counter inquiries at NNSWF.
The focus of her role is to provide administrative support to NNSWF stakeholders and administrative and data entry to assist the finance team.
Mackenzie has never played football but her interest grows as she is further immersed in the football world.
NNSWF Executive Team
Chief Executive Officer
Peter Haynes
Chief Financial Officer
John Byrne
General Manager Communications, Media and Marketing
Andrew Parkinson
General Manager NSW Football Legacy Program
Annelise Rosnell
General Manager Football Operations
Liam Bentley
General Manager Community Football
Ross Hicks
Technical Director
Ryan Doidge