Leigh MatthewsWaitaki might be a bit colder than Adelaide, but Leigh Matthews is hoping the football scene can be just as strong. The Australian began his role as Southern Football South Canterbury and Waitaki football and futsal development officer earlier this year after serving in a similar position in Southland in 2025. He also spent two decades working for Football South Australia across the Ditch. ‘‘In the long term [the goal is] to try and make the region somewhere for both men and women where players can be identified for New Zealand rep teams.’’He will be ‘‘working hand in hand’’ with Football Waitaki development officer Maree Cadogan. ‘‘Maree does a great job with what she does with the clubs, rep teams and futsal.’’Matthews identified three main areas for growth — futsal, women’s and girls’ participation as well as promoting the sport to the district’s migrant population.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 07, 2026 15:04 UTC