Welcome to this Edition of our In Touch E-Newsletter

Notice of AGM Election of Board Officers & Directors

The Christchurch Football Club Annual General Meeting (AGM), was held on Monday 22nd November at 7pm. Meeting Minutes will be finalised and circulated in due course.

During this meeting, there were several changes to our underlying Board. Mark Thompson, Toby Giles & Michael Nutt, all made the decision not to continue in their roles as Board Members.  All three were instrumental in leading, administering and driving the Bowls JV Project. While it was decided that a move in this direction was not how the club members wished to proceed, the huge amount of work and commitment shown by Mark, Toby and Michael in ensuring all aspects of this option were developed to enable an informed decision, involved untold hours. We thank them sincerely for their efforts in this regard.

Mark was our Board Chairman for the previous four years, and a Board Director for a further five years prior. Mark's leadership and management of the club in recent years has been appreciated and valued - we are grateful for his time and energy. Michael Nutt has been a Board Member for the previous eight years and has been instrumental in assisting with club organisational issues amongst many other duties. Toby spent eight years as Club Captain and ten years as a Board Director. While Toby is stepping down as Board Member to CFC, he remains the club's registered Solicitor and his expertise and skills will continue to benefit the club as Director of CFC World Co Limited, effective from 23rd November 2021.  As volunteers, all have gone above and beyond in their support of the club - we thank them all for their dedication and work during their time as serving members of the Board.

Due to work commitments, Henry Graham has also stepped down as Club Captain and has been replaced by Hunter Johnston. Henry has been a cheerful and enthusiastic Club Captain and we wish Henry all the best in his new role. Hunter is well known to nearly everyone as our Junior Club Captain and has a well-established and supported relationship within our club. In recent years, we have worked hard to operate as one club not Junior & Senior sections. The appointment of Hunter as Club Captain underlines the success we have achieved here. We are extremely lucky to have Hunter and his family as part of our club and Hunter looks forward to catching up with our club members and players in the months to come. Hunter's email address is cfc.clubcaptain@christchurchpark.co.nz

We are delighted to welcome incoming Board Members Viv de Beus, Hunter Johnston, John Lane, Sarah Knox & Chris Mason to the Board table, who will join existing Directors Tony Hussey, Bryce Thomson and Andre Thompson. Viv de Beus was unanimously appointed as the Club Chairman during a brief meeting of the elected Board Members post the AGM, who will continue to be supported with the expertise of Gerald Wilson, Club Patron & Jerry Rowberry, Club President. We are extremely fortunate that both have agreed to continue in their respective roles for a further year. You can contact Viv with any specific questions of concerns by emailing cfc@christchurchpark.co.nz.

At the end of this article, we are pleased to enclose short Bios of all our elected officers detailed above. Our refreshed Board contains an exciting balance of experience and new Board Members, representing all areas of the club. They will meet with our underlying committees, key staff and advisors in due course. We can take comfort that the club will continue to be in good hands, and we look forward to hearing from them more as they settle into their new roles, noting that all fill their roles as volunteers, so generally tend to be doing their day jobs during business hours.

CRFU delegates are Craig Dunlea, Hunter Johnston, Tony Hussey & Andre Thompson.

New CFC Life Member 2021 - Murray McEwan

At the 158th Annual General Meeting of the Christchurch Football Club on 22 November, Murray McEwan was awarded Life Membership of the club. Murray joined the club from St Andrew’s College in 1968 and played in the championship winning Under 19 team that season. The following year he was selected in a very young Senior A side that went on to win the Senior Championship six times in the next seven years. He played over 200 senior games for the club as a strong running and extremely reliable midfield back. He also played 52 games for Canterbury and was an All Black trialist in 1978. Murray co-coached the CFC Senior A side 1987-1991. He was Club Treasurer 1986-87. He was the Junior Club Treasurer for 27 years, between 1993-2019.

Inaugural winner of Cottrell Award - Don Quested

The Cottrell Award recognises the outstanding contribution of a club member in any aspects of club administration over many years. The award is named in memory of former club member Mr A.I.’Beau’ Cottrell. Beau Cottrell played for CFC Senior A 1928-36 as a front row forward. He played for Canterbury A 1928-34 and the All Blacks 1929-32. He was President of the CFC for 22 years, Club Patron 1982-88 and a Life Member. The inaugural winner of the Cottrell Award is Don Quested. Don joined the club in 1953 and played Under 6st 7lb. After High School he re-joined the club and played Under 20 1960-61, Senior Reserve 1962 and then Senior A 1963-68 as a very lively and intelligent loose forward. Don has been Secretary of the Axemen’s Club for 27 years and is a regular member of John Mill’s Thursday’s Gardening Gang.

Thanks & Acknowledgements

We would like to formally acknowledge and thank Life Member & CFC World Director, David Wilson for his ongoing and outstanding efforts in resolving our excess water rates issues, which he has worked tirelessly on during the past 18 months, all on a voluntary basis. Dave's direct involvement has allowed the club to see a significant reduction in rates and he continues to lead discussions with several parties to try and gain further changes to our water allowance. The resultant impact to the club of this work cannot be underestimated, so please be sure to acknowledge and thank Dave when you see him around the club - the water rates issue is one of a very long list of achievements Dave has successfully managed on behalf of the club over the years, we are very lucky to have your experience and support!

We would also like to thank Bryce Thomson, as Director of Grounds & Facilities for the considerable time spent managing and arranging the underlying repair works. The Thompson family (Andre, Sarah, Emily & Henry) for their considerable sponsorship, alongside the Christchurch City Council Discretionary Response Fund for their assistance in covering the related costs. 

Our club cannot operate without the ongoing support and assistance of Volunteers, Funders and Sponsors who make it possible for us to continue to operate and provide the services we do to our community. A list of our main sponsors are at the end of this article - please make sure you support our sponsors - whenever and wherever you can!

Sponsorships Open for 2022!

We are delighted to confirm that many of our existing sponsors have already confirmed their renewal of support for the 2022 season. However, with ever rising costs and lots of exciting plans for next year, we are really keen to hear from anyone who can help us achieve our goals! With over 45 teams in 2021 for winter rugby, plus junior touch teams, Axeman, General Members, and CFC Netball, we have over 1200 families involved with our club throughout the year. We continue to grow rapidly and are a great community hub to be part of.

We have packages and opportunities to suit all budgets and we would absolutely love to hear from you, if you are able to help or know a local business that might be interested. We can come and meet with you at a time that suits and will do everything we can to support your business, where possible.  Please contact nicola.flint@christchurchpark.co.nz for more information.

Canterbury Rugby Awards 2021

Being held virtually over 3 nights this week, it was fantastic to see Hannah King pick up joint winner of the Women’s U19 player of the year award. Following from Steph Te Ohaere-Fox winning the inaugural CFC Maori player of the year award she also picked up the Canterbury Maori payer of the year award. Our congratulations to you both!

Groundwork Update

Those who have visited the club in the last week or so, may have seen the significant change to the look of the grounds as we complete some overdue major ground renovation, to include a complete resurfacing of Field 2 and renovating of Field 1. The Field 2 resurfacing included removal of 500m3 of organic waste, lazer grading of the field, significantly improving drainage, using 150kg of fertilizer, sewing 350kg of seed and repair and replacement of the irrigation system. For Field 1, the field was scarified and dethatched, debris removed, aerated, with 150kg of seed, 150kg of fertilizer and 75m3 of turf sand applied. John now has a full schedule ahead of him to carry on the great work started by Roger and the Readylawn team! Thanks to Bryce Thomson for his organisation and management of this process, John for his ongoing work - and of course Roger from Readylawn and his hardworking team for their work to get this sorted!

CFC Club 2021/2022 Elected Officers & Board Member Bios

 Gerald Wilson – Club Patron

Played Junior grade (Div 2), then Senior Reserve until suffering a broken ankle. Coached CFC Under 18 before moving to Dunedin, playing Senior Rugby for Pirates, then on to Auckland playing Senior for Ponsonby. Returned to Christchurch in 1968 and coached Senior Reserve teams before taking on the Seniors for 4 seasons. Represented CFC on the Canterbury Rugby Union Board for many years. During that time had many duties including managing the Canterbury A side. Moved to Rarotonga with Air New Zealand for 4 years. On return became President of CFC until moving to Patron 2 years ago.

 Jerry Rowberry – Club President

I joined the club in 1970 after playing three seasons for Otago University. I was selected in a very young Senior team by CFC legend and All Black wing Ross Smith initially, and then by our current Patron Gerald Wilson; this team went on to win the Senior A competition in 1970-71-72-74-75-76. I played over 200 Senior games for the club over the next 11 seasons and captained the side from 1972-80. Played for Canterbury B 1977-78 (Capt.) After coaching at 1st XV level, I returned to the club and coached U21 in 1986 and then Senior A 1987-89. I have served on the Rugby Committee, been a Vice President and a former Chairman of the Axemen’s Committee. I was Head of the Physical Education Department at Christ’s College for 40 years. Married to Brenda, a former Silver Fern, we have four daughters and 11 grandchildren. It is a huge honour to be the current President of the Christchurch Football Club.

 Viv de Beus – Club Chairman & Board Member

Married to Diana and kids Hayley and Luke.  Joined CFC in 1981 and played for Division 2 in 1981/82 before making the Division 1 team in 1983.  Finished playing Division 1 at the end of the 1997 season having played over 225 senior games.  Went straight into coaching in 1998 before moving to USA for year and ended up coaching there.  In 2000 and 2001 co-coached Division 1 with John Sherratt and in 2000 won the Telecom Cup and Telecom Trophy double and in 2001 winning the Telecom Cup but losing the trophy final. Coached Town for two years in the annual Town vs Country and then becoming Canterbury B Head Coach in 2003 through to 2009.  Making finals appearances and winning National championship along the way.  Was CFC board member from 2011-2013 until took a role with Air NZ based in Auckland until 2020.  Pleased to be part of the board again and look forward to the 2022 season.

 Anthony Hussey – Board Member & Director of Rugby

Tony Hussey aka “Bones”. Joined CFC in 1996 when I moved to Christchurch from the North Island. Played mainly social rugby at CFC as my better years were past and still have intentions to take to the field in the odd Golden Oldies games. My involvement with the administration side of the Club began soon after joining CFC as a team manager and then the Club’s Rugby Committee. When my children started playing for CFC, I moved onto the Junior Rugby Committee and within a couple of year was Junior Club Captain. With all intentions to sit back and relax after they stopped playing, I soon found myself on the CFC Board. A challenging role in today’s environment but also rewarding. I am a firm believe that if you enjoy the game and being a member of CFC, you should do your part if you can, and give back some of your time - coaching, managing, committees or whatever you can do.

 Hunter Johnson – Club Captain & Board Member

I’ve been associated with the club for nearly five years. For the past two years I have been the Junior Club President as well as CRFU Metro Representative. All three of my boys play for CFC and consider the club a second home. Thanks to my wife Lana - she is an amazing suport, wife and mother - I couldn't do any of this without her!

I have always loved rugby and started playing when I was 4 years old in my hometown of Otautau, Southland. I played Colts and Div 2 rugby in Dunedin and six years of senior rugby for a mixture of clubs in Canterbury. My key aim as Club Captain, Board Director and CRFU representative is unchanged from the aim I had as Junior Club President – to ensure CFC is here for generations to come. In my view, providing a fun and friendly environment that welcomes all ages and abilities is fundamental to our future success as a club. We need to respect our club history but be prepared to evolve and adapt. We are a central part of our community, and we need to offer rugby and related opportunities to suit all ages and levels. The best way we can show our players how to be great teammates, is to demonstrate these behaviours ourselves. This comes from the top down and I encourage anyone who can, to be the club and get involved!

 Bryce Thomson – Board Member

My first involvement with CFC was playing 3rd Grade in 1982, however I played Senior against Christchurch in the ‘70s for Lincoln College. I remember well the club spirit that Christchurch exhibited under the guidance of Club Captain Tom George, and this was a major factor in my choice of club on returning from a stint in Dunedin.

Over the years I have played, coached and been on the CFC Committee, Complex Board and the CFC Board currently. Maintaining our fields in excellent condition is an expensive and on-going feat for management and I see this as a priority. Good positive communication between our Club, Readylawn and Ground Manager, John Popenhagen, goes a long way in achieving this.

 Andre Thompson – Board Member

Born and bred in Christchurch and a proud member our club.  I first started playing as a Junior player 1987-93 before returning in 1999 once I finished school, finally hanging up the boots in 2018 with a wrecked body, some lifelong mates and fond memories from Bangor to Westminster.  My father and uncles played in the 1950-60’s.

Having been elected on to the Rugby Committee in 2009 I moved on to the Board in 2017 (both at Bob Eastgates insistence).  I’m also proud to be on the NZ Māori, Te Waipounamu, Canterbury Māori Rugby and Rehua Marae boards (Springfield Road) amongst others. I studied at Lincoln University and graduated with a B. Com (VPM) and have spent many years working in property development, investment, valuation, and management with the likes of AMP Capital, Ngāi Tahu Property, Ngāi Tahu Farming, Opus International and Smith Developments. Finally, I’m fortunate to have an amazing wife (Sarah) and children (Emily & Henry) who support my hectic workload and commitment to our great club.

 John Lane – Board Director

Joined the club in 1983, played and captained 19 and Colts. Played seniors and senior B’s. Co -founded Canardlys, player coach and captain. Current Golden Oldies player and Axeman Member.

I have been a member/player since 1982 except for 3 seasons when living outside of Canterbury and played a season of country rugby. Served on the rugby committee and Board previously. I am Canterbury born and raised (excluding small stints in California and Wellington). Being client-centric drives me to be at my best for regional business, ensuring I keep up with the latest in business strategy and best in class performance. My business experience over the past few decades includes managing divisions in DB Group for 10 years, owning the highly successful Christchurch Green Acres Master Franchise for 12 years, and most recently assisting local business owners to develop & grow. Working with business owners and leaders to help make their businesses more successful is what I do.

Married to wife Kim with daughters Alice and Emma, Evy the cat and Frankie the dog, both females, so I am well and truly outnumbered as the lone male in the Family.

 Sarah Knox – Board Member

Prior to moving to Auckland, I had been playing premier netball in Christchurch.  Since my return from Auckland in 2017, I joined CFC netball as a coach and member of the netball committee and am currently co-coach of the CFC Senior A team.  My partner Sene and I, have strong family links to several sports in Canterbury and are often spending our days with our daughter Lily watching rugby, football or netball.

From a professional perspective I am the South Island Regional Business Manager for Green Cross Health’s medical division.  In this role I lead Medical Centres in my region to ensure optimal operational, financial and clinical performance; skills which are all transferable to the board room.  I will look to utilise these skills coupled with my passion for CFC and sport in general to ensure continued success for Christchurch Football Club.

Chris Mason – Board Member

I have been an active playing member of the rugby club since leaving school at 16 (Jerry Rowberry pulled me in the right direction). Played many seasons of Colts rugby before playing Senior Division 1 where I eventually captained the side to our last few Div 1 titles. Both of my sons Billy and Judd are members of the junior club and thoroughly enjoy the family atmosphere. They are often seen terrorising the place late on a Saturday afternoon/evening. I am a founder of the recent social rugby side the CFC Nomads alongside some close friends, which is proving to be a great success story for social/family rugby. My wife Rebeka runs Inhouse Style, her self-built home staging company, she keeps the house and kids in order and has always fully supported me in all things rugby, I sincerely thank her for this. I'm in a management role with Total Access and hope to bring some fresh ideas and skills to the table when it comes to rugby professionalism and the club. Club rugby has changed drastically over the years, and I look forward to bringing some perspective from someone who has recently played through these changes. I'm excited to be part of what looks to be a hardworking, versatile board.