Capital Football has announced that Sarah Gregorius has accepted a position with the FIFPro World Players’ Union in Amsterdam and will take up her new role this month.

The Football Ferns striker will be involved in the Policy and Strategy Relations Department, contributing to and coordinating strategic projects in various fields of sporting, employment and economic interests of professional football players.

With first-hand knowledge of the professional game and as a long-time member of the New Zealand Professional Footballers’ Association (NZPFA), the position offers an exceptional opportunity for Gregorius to be part of the professional body and develop her career.

Capital Football’s Federation Development Manager, Steeve Sharpe, is grateful for her time at Capital Football and looks forward to following her career development.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for Sarah and we couldn’t be happier for her,” he says.

“She has been a fantastic icon for the women’s game in New Zealand and we were extremely lucky to have her working within women’s football and football in general here in Wellington. She has made a resounding impact on those she has worked with and the clubs and her presence will be missed.”

FIFPRO’s Secretary General, Theo van Seggelen, is pleased to welcome Gregorius to the team.

“I have seen how much passion and commitment she has for the players and how hard she strives to ensure their welfare through her contribution at the NZPFA and our members in Oceania,” van Seggelen says.

“The best example of commitment is by example, and Sarah's commitment and passion to support the players through her nearly 100 appearances for her country is nothing short of inspiring. She embodies everything that FIFPRO stands for and will bring a wealth of knowledge to our team.”

Gregorius will head overseas for a short period of time at the start of this month before beginning in her new role with FIFPro in mid-September.

With the departure of Gregorius, Capital Football would also like to announce the introduction of Maia Vink to the federation. Maia will be stepping into the Federation Development Officer role, as well as being assistant coach to Natalie Lawrence for Capital’s upcoming campaign in the National Women’s League.

Vink, originally from Christchurch, is currently with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, where she works in the Girls Elite Super REX programme and boasts qualifications including a UEFA B Licence, a Bachelor of Sports Coaching from the University of Canterbury and a New Zealand Football Senior Level 2.

“We are extremely lucky to have Maia on board, not only for the upcoming National Women’s League campaign but in the Federation Development Officer Role as well,” says Lawrence, who also acts as Assistant Federation Development Manager for Capital.

“With international and domestic experience, both as a coach and as a player, Maia will bring a great deal of knowledge to the programmes here in Wellington. The women’s game is growing in New Zealand and it’s exciting to be able to bring someone with the experience of Maia into the environment.”

Story courtesy of Capital Football

Article added: Thursday 05 September 2019