Vale: Dave Twiname, an accomplished player and advocate for the women’s game

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A former men’s national league player and long-time advocate of women’s football, Dave Twiname, has died, aged 64.

He died in a car accident on March 20, 2023.

In a tribute, Eastern Suburbs said Twiname played 112 games for the club between 1977 and 1984, placing him high among the club’s list of all-time first-team appearances.

Dave Twiname (left) and Suburbs team mate Gary Clarke, at Auckland’s Newmarket Park.

The Twiname family feature large in the history of Eastern Suburbs. Mother Marge and Dave’s sister Sandra both played for the club in the early days of women’s football, while brother Mal played 69 games.

In the 1950s, an older generation of Twinames were Suburbs regulars — Leo (179 games), Roy (62 games) and Tim (36 games).

After developing as a player with Glendowie College, Dave Twiname made his Suburbs debut as a teenager and was quickly recognised as a useful player with enough speed to get past opponents, and an ability to read the game.

As well as Suburbs, he played for Onehunga Mangere United and Mt Roskill.

Accomplished on the pitch, he became well-known and respected for his efforts to promote the women’s game.

Initially motivated by a desire to support his mother and sister, Twiname took an interest in women’s football, from local club games to following the Football Ferns.

Dave Twiname’s mother, Marge, was one of the pioneers of the women’s game in Auckland. She was a Life Member of the Auckland Women’s Football Association and of Eastern Suburbs, where she was a long-time club secretary.

READ MORE: Vale: Marge Twiname – a pioneer of the women’s game in Auckland >>>>

Dave Twiname.

Behind the scenes, Dave Twiname worked to find grants or sponsors to support individual women players with talent but who needed financial support.

The Arsenal-supporting Twiname was always a fan of the wider game, willing to share his opinions but open to hearing what others had to say.

Friends of Football chair Josh Easby:

“Talking football with Dave was always stimulating. He could be very opinionated and critical of some aspects of the game, but it was never so he could score points or put people down.

“He would always have suggestions for how the game could be improved. He was constructive and enthusiastic. And most importantly, he was a nice guy.”

Away from football, and after a lengthy career with the Customs Department, Twiname retrained and became a real estate agent in recent years.

Funeral and live stream

Dave Twiname’s funeral is on Wednesday March 29, at 2pm, at Morrisons Funeral Home, 79 Line Road, Glen Innes.

His family say the service will be live-streamed for those who can’t attend, with the online links available when possible.

David Maurice Twiname (April 15, 1958 — March 20, 2023)

The following notice appeared in the NZ Herald:

WINAME, David Maurice. Suddenly as a result of a car accident on March 20, 2023. Dearly loved brother of Sandra, Malcolm and Erica, cherished uncle of Julie, Lynn and Emma. The Funeral Service will be held at Morrisons Funerals, 79 Line Road, Glen Innes, on March 29, 2023 at 2pm.

Obituaries

Through the publication of obituaries, Friends of Football tries to recognise the loss of those who have significantly contributed to our game.

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