Following a thorough interview process, Capital Football is excited to welcome Maika Ruyter-Hooley as the new Federation Development Officer (Club Support Lead). Maika will be familiar to many in the local football landscape having been heavily involved with leading programmes at local clubs Petone FC and Wellington United, as well as being head coach for Capital Football representative teams across several years.

Maika replaces Milan Elie, who recently left Capital Football returning to Auckland, and will be a tremendous asset with the primary portfolios she will be leading; Coach Education and the Talent Pathway. Joining Capital Football from an academic background, Maika also holds an FFA/AFC B Licence, making her exactly the right person to continue to drive forward positive outcomes in both these areas.  

Federation Development Manager, Steeve Sharpe is pleased to have Maika as a staff member commenting “we have long admired Maika’s work both in the club space but also at closer quarters when coaching within our representative programmes. We couldn’t wait to take the opportunity to now have Maika come onboard as a staff member. Maika has a huge amount of respect throughout the football community, and she will bring a mana to the position which we are sure clubs will enjoy. Maika is perfectly qualified for the role both with her qualifications and being the right fit.”

The federation development team will be in touch with clubs in the new year as we look ahead to the 2024 season.

Maika will begin with Capital Football on Monday 19^th February 2024.

Article added: Tuesday 19 December 2023