Who we are

Santha Brown

Board Observer

Santha is an experienced senior leader with expertise spanning strategy, governance, operations and the delivery of complext programmes across local government and major events.

She previously served as Programme Director for the Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland Host City Programme for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, leading the planning and delivery of Auckland’s host city programme for one of New Zealand’s largest sporting events.

Santha has extensive experience working across local government, sporting organisations and community stakeholders, leading initiatives that bring together multiple partners to deliver meaningful community impact.

As Board Observer, she brings strong operational insight and strategic delivery experience, supporting the Foundation’s focus on effective governance and sustainable community outcomes.

Santha joined the Foundation in February 2026.

Our Trustees

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Our Team

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Neil Coventry

CEO

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Scott MacKay

Philanthropy & Partnership Manager

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Stephen Baggaley

IT Manager

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Izzy Mitchell

Project Coordinator

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Om Patel

Football Archive Project Intern

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James Michaelides

Strategy and Research Intern

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David Grey

Communications & Content Intern

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Jenna Gray

AED Project Intern

How you can support THE new zealand football FOUNDATION

Football changes lives - but only when everyone gets a chance to play. Whether you give once or give regularly, large or small, your support helps us keep the game open, inclusive and thriving for footballers and communities across New Zealand

Invest in the Shirt

Get a special Football Foundation All Whites replica shirt with your name and preferred number on the back - and become a visible champion for football in Aotearoa.

Invest

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Starting Line Up

Our Starting XI are founding supporters who made a significant gift of $20,000 or more to help ensure no one is left on the sidelines. Join them and help shape the future of football in New Zealand.

Learn more

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Make a Donation

Every dollar you give helps us remove barriers, promote respect, and keep football accessible for tamariki and communities across New Zealand. Any amount makes a difference.

Donate Today

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Bequests & Legacy

Leave a lasting legacy for the game you love. A gift in your Will or through an endowment fund ensures future generations of New Zealanders can experience the joy and belonging that football brings.

Learn more

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Our Partners & Supporters

Every team needs supporters. Our partners believe in football as a force for good and their commitment helps us fund the projects and programmes that keep the game accessible, inclusive and thriving across Aotearoa.
The generosity of our partners is crucial to enable us to support so many worthy projects.