Head of Female Football Eilidh Mackay will depart the organisation next week after accepting the role of Women’s World Cup Legacy Manager at FIFA.
Over eight years of involvement within the NSFA football community, Eilidh has occupied a variety of roles but always dedicated herself to growing the game with her natural enthusiasm and strong work ethic.
Since taking on the role of Head of Female Football, Eilidh has implemented the What’s Best For Her Strategy, placing NSFA at the forefront of transforming and supporting female football for all participants.
Female player retention within NSFA has greatly increased over the past three years and we now have a well-established network of Female Football Coordinators driving change within their clubs.
We wish Eilidh all the best in her new role and look forward to seeing her excel at the highest level.
Comment from President Ian Plant on behalf of the NSFA Board:
The NSFA Board is very sad to see Eilidh leave us but thrilled at the new opportunity she has earned. Our loss is FIFA’s gain and we are sure she will go on to even bigger and brighter things. In the time that she has been with the NSFA and Tigers she has had a huge impact on the Association, both as an inspiring coach and as a leader for the female game.
She has helped to develop female football in the Northern Suburbs and activate the transformative What’s Best For Her vision. We will certainly miss her enthusiasm, energy and expertise. We wish her all the best as she takes the next step in her career.
Read Eilidh’s message to the NSFA community below:
Thank You NSFA!
What an incredible community to be involved in. One filled with inspiring role models, passion, and a united approach when it comes to developing the game. A community I am grateful to be a part of for the last 8 years.
I may be leaving the office, but I will always proudly see myself as a NSFA Football Community member.
A few highlights and thank you from the last 8 years. Paul Stickland, former NSFA Board Member and champion volunteer who actively led my visa application. Without you the opportunity to stay involved and contribute would not have been possible. Jason Eagar for seeing the potential in me beyond a casual coach, the opportunities provided I will forever be grateful for. Malcolm Waldock, former NSFA CEO for allowing me to explore a ‘wee project’ that has evolved into something I will eternally be proud of – What’s Best For Her vision. Ed Ferguson for trusting, supporting and providing me the necessary space to lead What’s Best For Her.
Female Football Coordinators – your passion, selfless drive, and determination to leave your football environment in a better place inspires me. Your leadership is a significant reason we have managed to bring What’s Best For Her vision to life. I have no doubt and will proudly look on as you continue to transform the game creating equality.
NSFA Club Presidents – thank you for being pillars in our community, for creating clubs that connect and provide a strong sense of belonging. Thank you for supporting our Female Football Coordinator as well as leading the What’s Best For Her vision. I cannot express in words the impact you are having on the game.
To all the coaches from NSFA, FCMP, XLR8 and Northern Tigers thank you for the level of care you have for your players. For attending coaching courses and workshops, using inspire and going the extra mile to ensure players are enjoying the game. Your leadership on the ground is how we will achieve our vision of having the highest retention rate.
My colleagues – what superstars! To firsthand see the NSFA team evolve over the years has been incredible. You are all What’s Best For Her champions, it’s those memories and support that I will always remember. For example, when Damian added Women’s Premier League to the weekly office updates and made sure they were first! Or Adam and the comps team personalised approach to cater for the current challenges in the female game. Also, for arranging Sapphires Gala Day when you were knee deep in wet weather changes! For Nick A for supporting our goal of 50/50 media releases and for having an expert eye when it comes to unconscious bias for female sport in media. For Jake Stephenson who has evolved coach education in the region supporting What’s Best For Her vision. I have countless other examples of how each colleague is a superstar!
Thank you to NSFA Board for being proactive and visionary when it comes to grassroots football. The impact of that stretches beyond the NSFA region.
For all the people and reasons above I have no doubt NSFA will achieve What’s Best For Her vision and continue to support the game. It has been an honour and a privilege to be a custodian and as long as we continue to collaborate, football at NSFA will continue to flourish. Thank You.
Yours in football,
Eilidh Mackay.