Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) has announced Mitchell O’Keefe as its new Northern Inland Regional Football Officer.
A staple within the Northern Inland football community – through his previous leadership role at Oxley Vale Attunga FC and his time as an experienced senior referee in the region – O’Keefe has also been working for NNSWF in a casual capacity recently overseeing Northern Inland match days on Friday nights and Saturdays.
O’Keefe’s initial priorities will include convening an all-clubs meeting and drafting an aligned operational plan for football in the Northern Inland region in collaboration with NNSWF’s executive.
NNSWF CEO David Eland thanked the Northern Inland football community for their patience throughout the recruitment process which commenced following Toby McVey’s departure in December.
“I’m very confident our patience has paid off and Mitch will prove to be a great appointment for the game throughout Northern Inland,” Eland said via NNSWF.
“Our appreciation is also extended to James Rankine who has been acting in the role remotely from the Far North Coast region throughout the protracted recruitment process. James will work with Mitch in his first week to ensure a smooth transition.
“We congratulate Mitchell on his appointment and wish him every success in his new role.”
O’Keefe told NNSWF that he was excited to start in the role.
“The one constant in my life has been football. It has had an impact on everything from the person I’ve become to my social groups, to meeting my wife through the game and having my two wonderful children,” he said.
“My day to day will focus on being the initial point of contact for all our local clubs across Northern Inland and to oversee our competitions to make sure they are running as smoothly and efficiently as our clubs deserve.
“There are many things I hope to achieve in this role including the continued growth of football in our region and to provide as many opportunities for the development of our youth and seniors as we can.”