New Zealand Football are sad to report that former NZF CEO, and President of Northern Region Football, Bob Patterson passed away on Sunday evening. 

Patterson was had a life-long passion for the game, holding numerous roles across football in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Originally from Newcastle in England, Bob played football in the armed services at the regimental, corps and army levels. He had extensive army and New Zealand National League coaching experience, before moving into administration with Sydney Football Club and the 1999 FIFA Under 17 World Championship, the first FIFA tournament to be allocated to New Zealand.

He became NZF CEO through this period, before other leadership roles including Auckland Football Federation Chair and CEO, Knights CEO, Central Football CEO and serving on NZF’s Executive Committee until 2022. His vision was critical to the joint venture and subsequent merger of Auckland Football Federation and Northern Football Federation to create Northern Region Football. 

In May 2024 he was awarded a New Zealand Football life membership at the NZF Annual Congress, acknowledging his huge contribution to the sport. 

New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell said: 

“Bob was a true legend of football in Aotearoa New Zealand who made an impact across the sport, from grass roots to the professional game through to delivering our first ever FIFA tournament.

“Bob had an infectious, lifelong passion for the game and served as a mentor to many of the people who now play senior roles in football. 

“Football in this country will not be the same without him and he will be greatly missed.” 

Article added: Monday 10 June 2024