The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has appointed Gordon Glen Watson as Media and Communications Officer.
The 32-year-old will replace Seamus Marten who takes on a new role as Head of Competitions.
Watson will be responsible for internal and external communication, website and new media communication, and all media relations.
OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas notes the appointment is part of wider changes to the administration of football in the region.
“The Oceania Football Confederation is rapidly expanding and this appointment reflects our growing need to ensure the best personnel work for the Confederation. Gordon has a good reputation in football circles and we are happy to have him involved with OFC.”
Watson’s work has been published by the Waikato Times and Manawatu Evening Standard and he worked as Media Officer for Waikato FC in the New Zealand Football Championship in its inaugural season.
The quality of his work culminated in his nomination as New Zealand Soccer Writer of the Year in 2002 and 2003. He has also been an executive member of the New Zealand Soccer Media Association.
Watson played club football in the New Zealand National League with Manawatu and in the Chatham Cup Final with Melville United in 2003, and captained New Zealand Universities to a 2-2 draw with the Solomon Islands and 0-2 loss with Vanuatu in 2002.
He is player/coach of Ngaruawahia United but is happy to be involved in the administrative side of the game.
“I’m delighted to be involved with football in this region and I’m looking forward to tackling many of the unique challenges the job entails. I believe the game is entering an exciting new era in Oceania with Australia leaving for Asia.”
Watson has a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English and History and a National Diploma in Journalism.
He commenced the role on 12 September 2006.