Wellington United pull out of Central League and look to ‘reset’ club’s plans

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After a challenging few years, and despite a number of successes on the field, Wellington United say they have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the Men’s National League (Central Region).

In a statement to media, the club says:

“The club’s committee has not taken this decision lightly. The last few seasons have been heavily impacted by COVID-19 and this has taken its toll.

“While the club is in a very enviable position, the committee considers this to be the best path forward to support the future sustainability of the football club in its entirety.

“This reset will mean the men’s first team will be competing in Capital 3 next season. This will allow the club to focus on the junior and youth pathways, and to provide further support to the successful women’s teams as well as the wider club as a whole.”

Club to elect a new chair

The club said that in a separate decision, Dave Richardson had taken this opportunity to announce he is stepping back from his role as chairman.

“Dave will remain on the committee and a new chair will be elected in due course.

“Dave has put a tremendous amount of time, energy, and resources into the club over the last four years. This includes steering the club through the departure of the Phoenix, COVID-19, the winning of the Kate Sheppard Cup and the return to the Men’s National League (Central Region).

“The club and committee are extremely grateful and appreciative of his efforts and contribution during this time.”

The club said it wanted to thank all the players and staff who had been exceptional over the last few years, n particular, the 2022 squad who with only two weeks’ notice, were promoted to the Men’s National League (Central League) and more than held their own.

“The club is in communication with affected teams, so that they understand the reasons for this decision and are fully supported during this reset,” the statement says.

Schiltenwolf to become head coach of Diamonds W-League side

Wellington United announced that Guillermo Schiltenwolf would move to be the head coach of the Diamonds W-League team, replacing Maika Ruyter-Hooley who is currently coaching the Capital Football National League side.

“Maika herself is doing a bit of a reset, with player development being at the heart of her passion for coaching, she has decided that she will be further immersing herself in the junior and youth development programmes, which will include taking back the reigns of the Sapphires.”

United said coaching and staff announcements would be made in the coming weeks.

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