The Oceania Football Confederation extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Pacific football stalwart Glenn Turner, and the wider global football community, following his passing this week in New Zealand.
Glenn, who in 2020 was made an honourable member of the OFC in recognition of his contribution to the game, served as the region’s FIFA Development Officer for 17 years, in which time he oversaw significant growth in football and the completion of major infrastructure projects which Oceania continues to see the benefit of.
His relationship with OFC commenced in late 1981 and developed from 1982 when he returned to New Zealand from the United Kingdom, following a period of 14 years working as a teacher and physical educator in Norfolk.
In late 1981 Glenn was appointed by the New Zealand Football Association as a regional coach with responsibilities for football development activities, including education courses in the Franklin and Auckland regions. He undertook some voluntary development work for OFC that included assisting the management strategies for the current OFC Academy, and basic coach education courses for delivery in the Member Associations (MAs). From there he grew into his role as Development Officer that offered many highlights, which he talked about in a 2020 interview:
“Without doubt the friendships and cooperation of the MAs in all the activities including the extensive FIFA and OFC education courses delivered to improve not only football-related programmes but also the capacity building of football’s governance and management aspects. Other highlights over the years were witnessing the achievements of MAs in qualifying for various FIFA competitions including football World Cups at senior, U-20 and U-17 levels in both men’s and women’s football, as well as futsal, beach soccer and club World Cup championships.”
Glenn said that OFC was his “second home” and that he regarded all the staff were more than just work colleagues. The game in the Pacific is indebted to him for his years of service and grateful for the legacy he leaves.