Capital Football announces that Women’s World Cup Legacy and Inclusion Manager, Sandy Cumpstone, will leave the organisation at the end of 2024.

Over two remarkable years, Sandy has been integral in establishing, implementing, and growing our Legacy Programmes as well as helping to create lifetime memories through the magic of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Sandy led several game-changing initiatives from the front: Fantails (junior girls), Kotuitui (football in schools), Kickin’ It (youth girls), Regional Women in Football Leadership Programmes, and Girls and Women’s Month (March each year) were just some of the standout programmes.

Sandy also made important strides in supporting Pasifika communities. Working alongside New Zealand Football and the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, she helped to enable Talanoa sessions, staff cultural training, and secured funding for the Ulalei Wainuiomata Sport; who celebrate Pasifika culture through football.

Federation Development Manager, Steeve Sharpe, commented: “Sandy has been a wonderful Legacy lead for the girls’ and women’s game over the past couple of years. Coming into Capital Football with a club background enabled Sandy to hit the ground running, and she never looked back. The Legacy programmes have been so well attended and received by our clubs and community, which is undoubtedly due to Sandy’s passion and skill in making this a reality. We are very grateful for all she has achieved in the role.”

Reflecting on her time, Sandy shared: “The year of the FIFA Women’s World Cup will always hold a special place in my heart. Some of the events that I was able to be a part of were pretty surreal, and seeing the impact of those experiences within our community will be memories that I will cherish for years to come.

Some highlights included children playing alongside Swedish royalty, the South African Women’s National Team signing at their open training session, the action-packed FIFA Unity Pitch, the FIFA Trophy Tour events, celebrating women’s sport through various forums, the distribution of football equipment and gear across our clubs and to those in need, and witnessing children and adults alike being inspired by global stars. The impact on our communities was incredible.

FIFA Unity Pitch, Wellington

The tournament itself was unforgettable, with nearly 250,000 tickets issued across nine games featuring powerhouses like Spain, Japan, Sweden, and the USA. Women’s football truly captivated our nation, and our Legacy Programmes have helped to provide avenues for new players and leaders alike to join us. The impact of this tournament and the brilliant Legacy programmes are already visible in the phenomenal growth that we have had in our female junior, youth, and senior playing numbers!

 

MILO Fantails Festival, NZCIS

 

I want to extend a massive thank you to those working in both front facing roles and those behind the scenes in clubland. I have had the pleasure of getting to know a number of you through the Legacy Programmes. Without you, football certainly wouldn’t be where it is today, and our tamariki wouldn’t have half of the opportunities they enjoy within our beautiful game. I also want to personally thank Steeve, Connol, Libby, Maika and the wider team at Capital Football for their support. Our success is certainly a team effort, and I look forward to seeing our organisation continue to develop, evolve and experience further successes into the future.”

Capital Football is pleased to confirm that Fantails, Kotuitui, Kickin’ It, and the Regional Women in Football Leadership Programme will continue through 2025.

We’d like to thank Sandy for her tremendous dedication as our Legacy Lead and wish her all the very best in her next chapter.

Article added: Tuesday 17 December 2024