What can Summer do?
Give a quick overview of your work experience (jobs, internships, volunteering)?
I currently work at Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) as a Facilities Coordinator. Through this, I also gained hands-on experience supporting the inaugural OFC Pro League across competitions, media and marketing operations. This has allowed me to work behind the scenes of professional football, assisting with match-day operations, coordination, and collaboration across different teams.
Previously, I completed an internship at Auckland Stadiums, where I gained experience across events and operations, while working with different departments. I got to help deliver successful sporting and entertainment events such as ONE NZ Warriors, Auckland FC, All Whites and Black Ferns. I have also worked with Rangitoto College’s sports department, supporting event operations, fundraisers, activations, and general sports administration.
Outside of my professional roles, I have spent time coaching football from grassroots to development teams. I have implemented before-school programs through Takapuna AFC, as well as planned and executed 1-on-1 sessions.
Do you have a track record of delivering measurable outcomes or KPIs?
In my current role at Oceania Football Confederation, I have reduced operational risk by improving documentation, accountability, and processes around facility access, contractor management, and operational procedures. I regularly manage multiple facility requirements simultaneously while maintaining safety, compliance, and service standards.
Through my internship at Auckland Stadiums, I supported the delivery of major sporting and entertainment events, contributing across volunteer management, event operations, egress planning, and event pack-down. I helped support successful delivery of events including a sold-out One New Zealand Warriors season at Go Media Stadium and Auckland FC’s inaugural season, which included multiple sold-out matches with attendances exceeding 27,000. I also maintained an 80% volunteer retention rate through effective communication, coordination, and engagement.
During my time with the Rangitoto College Sports Department, I supported the delivery of large-scale fundraising events and activations, including a golf fundraiser involving 150+ teams/sponsors. My responsibilities included assisting with sponsor coordination, event activations and participant engagement.
What technical or industry-specific skills do you bring?
I bring a combination of technical, creative, and sports industry skills developed through my experience across professional sport, events, and operations. I have experience using creative tools including Adobe Photoshop and Canva, alongside strong capability with Microsoft Office systems.
My industry knowledge includes match coordination, event management, health and safety, volunteer management, and stakeholder coordination. These skills allow me to support the planning, delivery, and execution of successful sporting events while effectively collaborating with teams, partners, and communities.
What tools/platforms/software are they proficient in?
I am proficient in a range of digital tools and platforms used across sports, events, and creative environments. These include Microsoft Office Suite for administration, reporting, and operational coordination, Canva and Adobe Photoshop for creative design and content development, and Hudl for football analysis and performance-related purposes.
What qualifications, certifications, or degrees do you hold?
Bachelor of Sport and Recreation, majoring in Management from AUT
What sets me apart is my curiosity and creativity. I am the person who naturally asks “what if?” and looks for ways to make things better.
Someone should take a punt on me because I bring something that can’t be taught, a genuine love and the desire to make people feel what I have felt through it. I have grown up around sport, not just as a spectator, but as a player, coach, and someone who has experienced the highs and lows that come with it. That has shaped the way I see sport; it is not just about the result; it is about the people, the connections, and the memories created along the way.
What sets me apart is my curiosity and creativity. I am the person who naturally asks “what if?” and looks for ways to make things better. I love finding new ways to engage people and seeing communities come together; I enjoy turning ideas into experiences that people remember.
I also bring resilience, energy, and a willingness to do the work. My sporting journey has taught me that progress takes patience, consistency, and the ability to keep pushing forward when things don’t go to plan. While I am still early in my career, I bring a fresh perspective, a strong work ethic, and a genuine eagerness to learn from the people around me.
What steps has Summer taken to break into the sports industry?
I regularly use LinkedIn to connect with professionals whose careers I admire or whose organisations I aspire to work for. I also actively monitor sports industry job boards and LinkedIn Jobs across New Zealand and Australia, applying for jobs across many different sporting codes.
I seek feedback from people I know within the industry on how I can improve my employability and become a stronger candidate for roles in fan engagement, events, and marketing. Their advice has helped me identify some technical skills, certifications, and training opportunities.
Within my current role, I also look for opportunities beyond my day-to-day responsibilities by contributing ideas for fan activations, community engagement initiatives, and commercial opportunities whenever possible.
Summer's interest in sport all started from its ability to build communities and bring people together
I want to work in the sports industry because sport has a unique ability to bring people together, create communities, and make people feel part of something bigger than themselves. Growing up around football and surfing, I have experienced firsthand the connection, friendships, and sense of belonging that sport can create.
There is something special about being at a match, event, or tournament and feeling the energy around you. Whether you are a fan in the stands or part of the team working behind the scenes to deliver the experience. That atmosphere, excitement, and shared passion is what make the sports industry so rewarding.
Sport also gives me a platform to express myself creatively and contribute to experiences that leave a lasting impact. I have seen how sport can inspire people, build confidence, and change lives, from grassroots participation through to professional environments. I want to be part of creating those moments for athletes, fans, and communities while continuing to grow within an industry I am genuinely passionate about.
Since then, Summer has gone on to work in sports operations and events, achieving things like
Achievement 1 | Achievement 2 | Achievement 3 |
|---|---|---|
Supported Auckland FC's inaugural season at Auckland Stadiums, including multiple sold-out matches with attendances exceeding 27,000 | Supported Auckland FC's inaugural season at Auckland Stadiums, including multiple sold-out matches with attendances exceeding 27,000 | Reduced operational risk at OFC by improving documentation, accountability, and processes across facility access and contractor management |
Where does Summer want to go?
Next 6 - 12 months | Next 5 - 10 years |
|---|---|
My goal is to transition further into the fan engagement, matchday, events, and marketing side of sport. I want to build a stronger understanding of how organisations create meaningful experiences for fans, communities, and partners. During this process, I will continue strengthening my stakeholder coordination skills, as this is a key skill that transfers across every area of the sports industry. I also want to keep developing my creative thinking by contributing ideas for activations, community outreach initiatives, and fan engagement opportunities through collaboration with OFC’s Marketing and Commercial teams when possible. Alongside practical experience, I aim to continue building my technical skill set, including gaining knowledge and certifications in areas such as CRM platforms, digital engagement, and marketing tools. Ultimately, I want to position myself for a role where I can combine my passion for sport, creativity, and event experience to help deliver memorable experiences for fans and communities." | I see myself working in the fan engagement, matchday, events, or marketing side of professional sport, leading projects that create memorable experiences for fans and strengthen the connection between clubs, competitions, and their communities. I want to be known as someone who brings creativity, energy, and innovative ideas. Beyond developing my own career, I also want to be in a position where I can share my knowledge and experience by mentoring others who are starting their journey in the sports industry. I believe the best environments are those where people learn from one another, and I want to contribute to that culture. I also hope to have built a strong network of industry professionals across New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. Having that network will allow me to continue learning, exchanging ideas, and challenging myself to grow as the sports industry evolves. My long-term goal is to build a career where I am constantly learning, making a positive impact, and helping create experiences that inspire fans and communities through sport. |
What sporting problem keeps Summer up at night, and how would you solve it?
If there is one problem in sport I would love to help solve, it's the disconnect that can exist between sports organisations and their communities. Too often, people see sport as something that only matters on game day or only appeals to those who already follow a team. I believe sport has the power to be so much more than that.
I want to help create experiences that make every fan feel like they belong, whether they're lifelong supporters or attending their very first event. Through creative fan engagement, community activations, and inclusive experiences, I believe sport can inspire people, build friendships, improve wellbeing, and create lasting memories beyond the final whistle.
I also want to challenge the stereotype that sport is just about winning and losing or grown men and women running around on a court or field. At its best, sport brings together people from different cultures, backgrounds, and generations in a way that very few other industries can.
What is Summer like?
What kind of environment do you thrive in?
I thrive in a collaborative and supportive team environment where ideas can be shared, challenged, and developed together. I enjoy fast-paced environments with high energy, where people are passionate, motivated, and working towards a common goal.
When have you had to show resilience in your life or career?
The biggest test of resilience in my life came when I was 18 and playing football at a high level in New Zealand. I tore my ACL, and shortly afterwards the country went into the COVID-19 lockdown. Instead of letting the injury define me, I committed myself to my rehab, determined to come back fitter and stronger than I had been before. Every day was focused on recovery, training, and improving both physically and mentally.
After returning, I played just four games before tearing my other ACL, putting me out of the sport for another year. It was incredibly difficult to start the rehabilitation process all over again, and when I eventually returned to football, I also faced a coach who had lost confidence in me and constant overuse injuries trying to prove myself, which made me question whether I would ever reach the level I had been at before.
Looking back, those experiences taught me far more than football ever could. They taught me resilience, discipline, patience, and how to keep moving forward when things don't go to plan. Despite everything, I still play competitive football today because of my love for the game. That same passion is something I carry into my career.
What about Summer interests outside of work?
What are your interests outside of work?
If not playing football, I will be watching it or Rugby League.
Also been a surfer my whole life so I am often at the beach and in the water.
I am very social, like being out and about with friends and exploring new places.
What is your favourite sporting moment?
Being a Liverpool fan, it has got to be watching the comeback against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final
What’s your ideal holiday?
Surf trip on a boat around the Pacific Islands
If you had 30 minutes to pick the brain of anyone, who would it be and why?
I would choose Bethany Hamilton. Her story represents resilience, determination, and the ability to overcome challenges while continuing to pursue excellence. I would love to learn how she maintained her mindset through adversity, rebuilt confidence, and used her journey to inspire others. Her ability to turn a setback into a source of motivation is something I admire
What’s one book or podcast that’s helped your career you recommend?
One podcast that has helped me grow professionally is The Unused Sub Podcast. It has given me valuable insight into the sports industry through conversations with people working across different areas of sport, highlighting the different career pathways, challenges, and opportunities within the industry.
Additional details
Where in the world are you located, and where are you open to work?
Living in Auckland, NZ. Open to work in Melbourne and Sydney areas.
What is the most important consideration for you in your next role?
Collaborative environment, professional and skill development, supportive management
What others say about Summer
"Summer is an exceptional young coach who has made a significant impact at Takapuna AFC. She has been involved across our club programmes, academy, girls-only programme, and junior teams, consistently demonstrating professionalism, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for developing young players. Summer is an outstanding mentor who builds strong relationships with players through her approachable and relatable nature. She is highly respected by both players and families, and her positive influence extends well beyond the football field. We are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our coaching team" - Takapuna AFC, Director of Football
"Summer began at OFC in November 2025 and has built a strong working relationship with almost every department throughout the organisation. She has a curious tendency to understand what everyone does and how we do it. She always has the energy to learn from others and find out ways she can grow. We always find her wandering down to the comms and commercial department asking questions on what we do, so when it comes to her job, it makes it easier to understand what it is for and how we do it. Not many people have this trait of curiosity, so that is a huge asset for someone of her age to have, which will only ever translate to finding new ways to learn things and execute things. This is valuable for any organisation." - OFC Marketing Officer
What questions does Summer have for employers?
How do you encourage employees to bring new ideas and creativity to the team, regardless of their level of experience?
What does community mean to your organisation?
What do you think the next generation of sports professionals needs to do differently to help the industry continue to evolve?
What do you see as the biggest gaps or challenges facing the sports industry over the next few years, and how do you think emerging professionals can help bridge those gaps?
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