Ben Hill has joined the WaiBOP team, taking up two part time roles. 

• Database and Licensing Manager, where Ben will carry on the work of Graeme Blake in providing support to clubs in the use of COMET and in QCM applications. 
• Futsal and Events Co-ordinator, where Ben will support the Futsal Development Manager and the Competitions Manager in the delivery of futsal events and futsal competitions. 

Having recently moved into the Waikato region, Ben brings many years of football experience to the WaiBOP family, having previously worked for Northern Region Football (nee AFF) first as a talent and community coach, and leading the community coaching programme, before jumping across into competition and event management. While Competitions Manager, Ben was also responsible for maintaining, developing, and supporting the use of the SportsTG and later, COMET database systems, and was responsible for dispute resolution between clubs and co-ordinating the AFF Disciplinary Committee. 

After a short time away from football, Ben worked for Oceania Football Confederation as part of the competitions team planning and delivering elite international competitions across the Pacific region including World Cup Qualifiers, Olympic Qualifiers, and Champions League events. Notably, Ben was Project Lead on the OFC Futsal Champions League 2019, the first futsal competition of its kind in this region.

While at OFC Ben was again maintaining, developing, and supporting the use of the COMET database system across the Pacific and also contributing towards capacity building and club capability initiatives and providing strategic support to the Member Associations. Since moving into the Waikato Ben has lost no time getting involved with the game here, joining the Waikato Rapids team as an assistant coach, and as Director of Futsal at Hillcrest High School.

On the Database and Licensing Manager role, Ben says: "The WaiBOP region was a pioneer in the roll-out of COMET, so I'm honoured to be able to step in and provide support to clubs in that area, and also support the growing capacity and capability of our clubs by providing strategic input and supporting the adoption of the QCM programme." 

When asked about the new Futsal and Events Co-ordinator role Ben said: "WaiBOP has a proud futsal history, and has one of the largest futsal families out of any region in the country. I'm so excited to come on board and contribute to the growth in size, strength, quality, and unity of our futsal family through excellent events and competitions."
 

Article added: Tuesday 3 May 2022