PROUD CFC ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Board is proud to introduce two new Life Members to Christchurch Football Club, as elected at the 2024 AGM last week. Graham Mitchell and Toby Giles truly embody our club values, and we are enormously grateful for their dedication and ongoing contribution to the success of our club.

Graham Mitchell

Graham joined the club in 1988 playing with the 2nd Grade Packers before moving to the mighty Bangorians , where he enjoyed a 21-year playing career — taking on a Player/Coach role within his last 6 seasons. He also played with the Christchurch Gentlemen Golden Oldies team for many years. From 2007 to 2011 he served as Chairman of Junior Rugby and was a Member of the Rugby Committee between 2007 to 2010. Between 2010-2012 he was the Premier Reserves Manager before transitioning to Premier Men’s Manager from 2013 to 2016. He then returned to manage the Premier Reserves team again in 2019 and 2022. Graham has been a Member of the Axemen since inception and has been Treasurer since 2023. Graham's son Grayson played Juniors, Premiers and Premier Reserve and is coaching Premier Reserves in 2025 after co-managing for several seasons.

Graham’s election as a Life Member was moved by Jerry Rowberry, seconded by Alan Trent and passed by acclamation at the 2024 AGM.

Toby Giles

Toby played Junior rugby for the club as a prolific try-scoring No.8 between 1987 and 1993. His high school years were spent at Christchurch Boys High School, starring in the 1st XV alongside many future All Blacks as a talented No.12. He returned to the club to play Division 1 Colts between 1998 and 1999 and moved to the championship-winning Division 2 side between 2000 to 2006, captaining the side in his last season. Off-field, Toby became a member of the Rugby Committee between 2007 and 2015, was a CRFU Delegate between 2010 and 2015 and Club Captain from 2008 to 2011. Toby was also a Division 3 Allstars Player/Coach between 2010 and 2015, winning multiple championships before becoming a Board Member from 2015 to 2021. Toby has been the Club Solicitor since 2010 and a CFC World Co Director since 2021. Toby's children play for the Juniors and his father, Roger, is an Axemen and member of Dad’s Army.

Toby’s election as a Life Member was moved by Jerry Rowberry, seconded by Andre Thompson and passed by acclamation at the 2024 AGM.

New Board

We are pleased to announce our new 2024/25 board.

• Craig Calder Chairman
• Mark Arneil
• John Lane
• Andre Thompson
• John Sherratt
• Matthew Aked

Scott Taylor was co-opted to the board at the first board meeting on 9 December 2024.

We extend a very warm welcome to new board members John Sherratt, Matthew Aked and Scott Taylor.

The three bring an experienced array of business ownership/management, leadership and financial skills to the board.

Gerald Wilson was re-elected as Patron and Jerry Rowberry as President.

2025 Coaching Teams

Please join us in welcoming our 2025 CFC Coaching Teams! 

Bevan Sisson will lead our Premier Men’s side, backed by experienced assistant coaches in James Jowsey, Sam Cottam and William Mills. 2024 Division Two finalists Matt Aked, Kyle Brewer and Grayson Mitchell return to wrangle the mighty Crocs, as does Tim Brocket to lead our Premier Colts with the very knowledgeable Chris King. Our U18 Women are in good hands with former Black Fern Angie Sisifa, Vicky Logopati-Campbell and Jono Campbell, with additional support from former Premier Women’s coach and Blues player, Rebecca Todd. Mark ‘Hammer’ Hammett will also provide coaching and technical support across our Premier teams. Recruitment for the Premier Women's side is still underway with a coach announcement to come soon.

2025 CFC Coaching Teams:

Premier Men:

Bevan Sisson (Head Coach)

Mark Hammett

James Jowsey

Sam Cottam

William Mills

Logan Roberts (S&C)

Premier Women:

Recruitment is still underway.

Premier Two Men (Crocs):

Matt Aked

Kyle Brewer

Grayson Mitchell

Premier Colts:

Tim Brocket

Chris King

Mark Hammett

U18 Women:

Angie Sisifa

Vicki Logopati-Campbell

Jono Campbell

Rebecca Todd (Youth Development)

Teams to be confirmed for 2025:

Colts Two

Social Senior Men  

Article added: Wednesday 11 December 2024