Northern NSW Football has announced the tenure of its CEO Peter Haynes has been extended to May 2029.
Haynes was appointed as Interim CEO in December 2022, before officially starting in the position on 1 May 2023.
With deep roots in northern NSW and a long history of representing the region, Haynes was honoured to have his tenure extended for a further four years.
“I am immensely proud to continue serving our football family until 2029. It remains the greatest honour of my career to lead the organisation that supports and advocates for our members across what I truly believe is the best footballing region in Australia,” Haynes said.
“There has never been a better time to play football in northern NSW and we are not slowing down. My focus for the next four years will be on raising the bar again, setting ambitious targets and continuing to push ourselves to be better.
“Thank you to the Northern NSW Football board of directors for their continued trust and support, along with my dedicated and driven team at Northern NSW Football.
“I want to thank my family for their unwavering support. Their understanding has allowed me to devote the time and energy my role as CEO demands and to remain deeply committed to the sport I love. I couldn’t do any of this without them.
“And thank you to the football family right across northern NSW for their incredible work in delivering some of the best sporting experiences on offer anywhere. I look forward to seeing you at a football ground sometime soon.”
Northern NSW Football has reached 109,000 participants under Haynes’ leadership, the highest in NNSWF history, including 30,000 female participants. While more than 1600 talented players access development programs annually and more than 1150 regional players are involved in talent pathway programs.
NNSWF have also restructured its premier competitions to include promotion and relegation while integrating the Zone Football Leagues into the men’s competition pyramid. Junior Development League and Premier Youth League Boys and Girls have also been redeveloped, while regional talent was showcased by developing the UNE Regional Super League.
Haynes led the establishment of a long-term Strategic Plan designed to grow and support the game at every level and built a structure aligned to that strategy to deliver more efficient and effective outcomes for the football community.
As a result, NNSWF has expanded its specialised regionally-based staff that support local clubs, volunteers and development.
Haynes was also named Outstanding Business Leader at the Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards in August, while NNSWF also took out the Outstanding Community Organisation and Excellence in Sustainability categories.
NNSWF Chairman Mike Parsons was delighted with the extension.
“As our game continues an upward trajectory and experiences exponential growth, the board is committed to keeping NNSWF on the successful path it is on today,” Parsons said.
“Peter’s leadership is a key to achieving our goals on behalf of our members and stakeholders across our vast footprint.
“He is the right leader at the right time for NNSWF and the board has full confidence in him and his leadership team.”