Iain Walker

Football Development & Operations Manager | iain@southlandfootball.org.nz | 021 613 674

Role: Iain looks after the business functions of Football in Southland and is responsible for development of the game in the region, working closely with his team based in Invercargill and wider team in Southern Football.

Highlight: Lots of great times playing amateur football in Scotland, the pick of which was playing in a National Cup Final at Hampden Park in Glasgow in 1998.

What we love about the game: The lifelong friendships that I have made from the game both overseas, and in NZ. Being part of a team, training and working towards what we want to achieve.

Current involvement: I decided to referee this year and enjoyed getting out to all our clubs during the year to make Southland Football more engaged with and visible to our members.



Ryan Gardiner

Football Development Officer | ryan@southlandfootball.org.nz | 027 920 9929

Role: Ryan looks after football development across Southland, including junior competitions, summer football and futsal.

Highlight: Playing against the Glasgow Rangers Academy and training at their training ground in Scotland.

What we love about the game: The friendships that I have made from the game all over NZ and overseas.

Current involvement: Playing for Queens Park AFC and look forward to interacting with all our clubs during the year.

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Leigh Matthews

Girls and Women's Development Officer | leigh@southlandfootball.org.nz | 021 507 077

Role: Leigh looks after football development throughout Southland and specifically to our girls & womens game. He will also be looking after senior competitions. ​​​​​​​

Highlight: As a player, playing against the SASI (South Australian Sports Institute) side in a select friendly. As a Coach, seeing local junior players being selected for elite teams either with South Australia or for the National junior teams. 

What we love about the game: Being able travel, network and make friendships along the way throughout my time being involved whilst continually learning and improving. 

Current involvement: I'll be working on the girls and women's side with a focus on development and growth of the local game