OUR BOARD
Stephen Richards is the National Technical Director – Tax Advisory for Australasian financial advisory and accounting services firm Findex. He was appointed to the Football South Board in May 2019. Stephen has played football since primary school. He is currently a member of Roslyn Wakari AFC and plays for the Roslyn Wakari Moas in the Masters 45+ league. Stephen is a member of the Columba College Board of Trustees and has previous governance experience with other education sector organisations.
Aaron Dykes is a property and commercial lawyer at Checketts McKay Law based in Cromwell. He grew up playing football in Southland and then Dunedin during his university years and now represents the Alexandra United Football Club. He has also been president of the Alexandra club since 2020.
Amanda Dyer has over 30 years of experience in sport and recreation, spanning roles in program delivery, club development, and event management. Currently a Senior Parks Operations Officer at the Dunedin City Council, she oversees projects benefiting parks and sports fields. Amanda is deeply involved in hockey and football communities, contributing to clubs and serving in various roles. With extensive event experience, she has organized prestigious events like the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. Passionate about advancing women’s sport, Amanda is dedicated to promoting grassroots, elite performance, coaching, and leadership roles.
Graham Marshall is the Trade Services Business Manager within Property Services at the University of Otago. He has been deeply involved in football, both as a player and a coach, for 40 years. Graham's children—Olivia, Annabel, and Harrison—are also active in football and futsal, with notable achievements including Olivia representing Oceania in Brazil and Harrison being part of the Southern United Academy.
Graham played for Green Island Football Club, Dunedin City in the National League, and received a scholarship to Crystal Palace Football Club. He represented New Zealand at U16, U20, and senior levels between 1994-1998. He has coached various teams and holds a Senior Level 2 coaching badge.
Appointed to the Football South Board in 2017, he became Deputy Chair in 2018 and Chair in 2019. Graham holds an MBA and is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors. His hobbies include traveling, fishing, music, and spending time on Dunedin's beaches with his dogs.
Neil has had forty years in the NZ Secondary School system as a teacher of predominately Physical Education to Students aged 10 to 17 Years. He is currently Assistant Sport Coordinator at Kaikorai College.
He has spent approximately ten years as a professional and Semi Professional Football Coach between 1980 – 1994 in NZ and the United Kingdom. Plus 40 plus years football coaching spanning Youth International, National League, Regional League, Coach Education and Club Administration.
He also holds a Masters Degree in Sport Coaching and Sport Administration, a Bachelor of Arts, Diploma in Secondary Teaching. Level 3 coaching qualifications from Oceania Football and NZ Football and a Level 2 Coaching Qualification from the NZ Coaches Association.
James Emanuel is the Managing Director of the Amigos restaurants that are throughout the Otago and Southland region, with restaurants in Cromwell, Alexandra, Wanaka, Invercargill, and Dunedin. Amigos offers tasty Mexican fare and as a business, Amigos is passionate are helping get people into sports and working closely with local youth trusts.
James became involved in football at a young age in the UK but reflects that his days of kicking a ball are now behind him. James began coaching within the game in his mid-twenties and initially took his coaching badges in Australia and coached over there for 7 years.
Aotearoa has been home for James and his family for 20 years and James got straight back into coaching with Wanaka FC. He has coached club, grade, and youth development teams at Wanaka and has sat on the Wanaka Committee alongside presiding over COFA.
James is hugely passionate about reducing and removing barriers that prevent people from getting involved in sports and would like to see the financial costs of playing football reduced and eventually eradicated for youth. When he’s not in a meeting or on the sidelines across Central Otago, James is often found hurtling down the local ski fields having been a keen snowboarder since his teenage years.
Rachel Minton-Smith is the Community Capability Manager at Hockey New Zealand and a Board member since July 2022. She is passionate about sports' role in enhancing New Zealanders' well-being and ensuring diverse participation. With a focus on inclusion and diversity, she prioritizes people and system development within the sports community. Rachel also enjoys governance and looks forward to contributing to the Southern Football community. Her favorite football memories include Ross County's promotion in 2018/19, Scotland vs. England clash in UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying, and Liverpool's victory in the 2001 UEFA Cup Final. Outside work, she enjoys occasional football kickabouts and looks forward to her toddler's involvement in the sport.
Assoc. Prof. Tania Cassidy
Board Member
Tania is the Associate Dean of External Engagement at the University of Otago's School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences. She specializes in sports coaching and athlete development, with notable contributions including authored texts and advisory roles for Hockey New Zealand and New Zealand Football. Tania is affiliated with Otago Academy of Sport, Otago Hockey, and serves as President of Opoho Bowling Club. She coordinates the Connecting Coaches conference and has established international networks, contributing to coach development programs globally. Tania's diverse interests include field hockey, competitive swimming, and DIY projects.