WaiBOP Football is sad to announce the departure of Waikato-based FDO, Tracy Wrigley. Tracy leaves us to take up the role of Coaching Advisor in the youth space at Sport Waikato.  

Tracy’s new role is a natural next step from her work at WaiBOP. She will operate across all sports, helping those who influence youth sport to understand the impact of coaching. 

“This role supports long term development, helps create a lifelong love for sport and active pursuits, and recognises the value of all young people within their teams, schools, and clubs,” explained Tracy. 

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge of helping coaches discover the reward of supporting rangatahi through some real change years where they’re using sport as a vehicle to connect and grow together. All our youth coaches have some amazing qualities, values, and skills and I want to help them showcase their abilities and really benefit the rangatahi they coach.”

One of Tracy’s fondest memories of her time at WaiBOP was simultaneously the best and the hardest few days of her time in football. “The Girls Holiday Camp earlier this year was a real highlight for me. I have never been so tired in my life after three days and two nights on-site, but it was truly inspiring to see more than 60 girls from all over the region connecting through their shared love of football.”

Looking back on her time at WaiBOP, Tracy has no doubt about what she’ll miss most. “He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. Without a doubt the people,” she said. “This job has allowed me to make so many new connections and friendships as well as rekindle old relationships as I returned to my hometown.  

“I will definitely miss some of those new friends who live outside the Waikato boundaries but I’m sure I will continue to take a close interest in what they are doing.”

WaiBOP Chief Executive, Karyn Walters, paid tribute to Tracy’s work at WaiBOP. “Tracy has been a champion of the girls’ and women’s game across our federation. She has worked with clubs and supported a number of positive initiatives during her time with us and we are sorry to lose her. We look forward to continuing to work together with Tracy in her new role.” 

Tracy’s final day with WaiBOP Football will be Friday November 12. We will begin advertising for a new Federation Development Officer soon.