The Wellington football community is mourning the loss of Capital Football Life Member, Mike Jones, who recently passed away on the 4th of March, 2025. 

Mike was a well-known character in the local football scene, never shy to voice his opinions, and was deeply passionate about the game. His contributions at Seatoun spanned across multiple roles, he was a player, a coach and an administrator.

In 2022, Mike was honoured with a Club Service Award at the Capital Football Awards. His citation read:

"Mike Jones | Seatoun - Mike was an extremely high-quality player who represented New Zealand and gave everything for his club but also joined the committee at a young age to ensure the smooth running of Seatoun AFC in all areas.

He has performed every imaginable job at the club from player to coach to bartender to club president to handyman and everything in between.

There really needs to be a statue of him placed out front of the clubrooms at Seatoun Park."

In Mike’s playing career, he earned five caps for New Zealand in 1969, featuring in matches against New Caledonia, Israel, and a Thailand XI. He also made nine appearances for Wellington between 1968 and 1975, playing against opponents such as Fiji, Wales, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Serbian club FK Radnicki.

At the club level, Mike was a key player for Seatoun in the Central League, making 90 appearances. He also played for Stop Out in the National League from 1971 to 1975, missing only one game during that time.

Mike’s dedication to football extended beyond the pitch. A Life Member of Seatoun Football Club, he was also inducted as a Life Member of Capital Football on the 29th of March, 2021, in recognition of his immense contributions to the game in Wellington.

Mike Jones’ passing is a significant loss for the Wellington football community, but his legacy as a player, coach, administrator, and passionate advocate for the game will endure. His impact on Seatoun AFC, Capital Football, and New Zealand football as a whole will not be forgotten.

Mike's funeral was held on the 7th of March, 2025, at Seatoun Park.

Rest in peace, Mike.

Article added: Tuesday 11 March 2025