The Board of Capital Football are delighted to announce two new Board members.  We welcome Simone Sippola and Mika Joronen.

Simone (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa) grew up in Porirua and has spent the last 10 years in the not-for-profit sector, working in youth development through sport and physical activity, with a particular focus on girls and young women. Her work in communities has involved relationship building, co-design, and advocating for equitable outcomes for girls, women, young people and Māori.

Simone has been with Olé Football Academy for the last two years, running Community Football initiatives for young people and schools in the Porirua area, and now looks after Operations and Communications for the organisation.

On her appointment to the Board, Simone commented that “sport is such an important part of our society. Football, in particular, has so much power to support the well-being of communities and help people to thrive. 

I hope that I will bring a unique perspective to the Board of Capital Football and continue to champion the voices of the communities I am part of.” 

Mika has vast experience in club administration, with a long-time involvement in the Western Suburbs Football Club as a coach, convenor and chair of the Junior Committee.  Mika has also contributed as an active member of the Capital Football Junior Advisory Group.  Mika‘s background is in the development, execution and governance of organisational strategies, where he also brings strong relationship management skills to the role. 

Mika expressed that “it is a real pleasure to have joined the Board of Capital Football.

I’m very excited to have been given this opportunity and I am looking forward to working with the team at Capital Football to continue the excellent work so far in developing the future of football in our region".

Board Chair, Helen Mallon, stated that ‘she was delighted to have Simone and Mika join the Board to further enhance the existing expertise around the table. 

Both Mika and Simone bring relevant experience in their fields and we are looking forward to the contributions that they will bring.”  

Helen also noted that the addition of both new board members, further diversifies the Board and contributes towards ensuring that we represent our stakeholders both locally and nationally.

Article added: Tuesday 24 November 2020