Concluding the 2018 calendar and moving into the 2019 club football season, Olé Football Academy will see a number of new staff appointments as well as a reshuffling of academy leadership positions.
A member of the Olé Football Academy coaching staff for the past two years, Blake Jones will be appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer, while previous CEO, Ben Sippola will move into a full – time football role as Olé Football Academy Technical Director.
“Moving Blake into one of the academy’s primary leadership roles was an easy decision to make. Blake is one of the most committed and talented staff members that we have had since the academy’s inception in 1997. He understands all facets of the business and New Zealand football landscape. He has a huge vision for the academy moving forward. Blake declined the opportunity to attend Law School at the University of Wisconsin Madison, one of the United States’ best, to remain in Porirua and be part of the project at Olé which demonstrates his devotion to what we are trying to achieve. I have no doubt that Blake’s vision and ability to lead will take the academy to new heights.” – Dave Wilson (Olé Football Academy Chairman).
Declan Edge will move from the role of Technical Director to Olé Football Academy Director Of Football.
“Ben has worked alongside me since 2013, and has been an integral part of everything that the academy has achieved on the pitch since then. Moving him into a full – time football capacity is exactly what the academy needs and he is the best person for the job. The work we have done at Olé has led to a number of unprecedented opportunities in New Zealand and Oceania where we have been able to influence footballing organisations in the region, showcased primarily through our partnership with Western Suburbs FC, as well as the the work that is currently taking place with the Olé players and staff at Eastern Suburbs AFC in the ISPS Handa National League and National Youth League. Naturally, the organisation’s success has led to further opportunities that we will continue to pursue in the best interest of our players and their on going development. Moving into a directorial role will allow me to continue working with the players on the grass, but also oversee the number of projects that are currently taking place under the Olé banner in New Zealand and abroad.” – Declan Edge (Olé Football Academy Director Of Football)
