Watson Named Māori Sports Administrator of the Year

AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Auckland City FC is proud to announce that our general manager, Gordon Watson (Ngā Puhi), has been honored with the Māori Sports Administrator of the Year award at the prestigious 34th Trillian Trust Māori Sports Awards.

The ceremony took place at Mt Maunganui’s Mercury Arena on Saturday, November 30, 2024.

The Trillian Trust Māori Sports Awards, established in 1991 by the late Albie Pryor (Ngāti Awa), celebrate the achievements of Māori athletes, coaches, and administrators across a wide array of sports disciplines.

Gordon Watson joined Auckland City FC as the general manager in 2022. His dedication and leadership have significantly contributed to the club’s success and growth. Besides his role with Auckland City FC, Watson serves as a board member of Māori Football Aotearoa, is an active member of the Chartered Governance Institute of New Zealand, and recently completed an Executive MBA with Massey University. He has also been offered a place on Otago University’s Doctorate of Business Administration programme.

Watson’s contributions extend beyond the local scene. He plays an active role in FIFA, working on various initiatives to promote the global development of football. Moreover, he is a staunch advocate for increasing Māori participation and representation in football, supporting both grassroots and professional development.

The Auckland City FC general manager expressed his gratitude to all who have helped him along his journey:

“There are a lot of people to thank, chiefly, my parents, both who have passed away, but gave me the passion and energy to play, coach and administer within football at all levels.

“I have to acknowledge and thank Maori Football Aotearoa, their support has been key, and of course, Auckland City FC, which has offered me so much in many different ways throughout the years.

“The most important people in any journey of this nature are the players, coaches, supporters and club members.

“Without the players, there is no football, no game, no goals, it’s their aspirations and ambitions that motivate administrators to try to get everything right for them.

“Without club members or supporters, then a game is just another game, they give a game or a season context, which builds a story, that in turn constructs a history and a narrative, he said

“You have to have a higher purpose in what you’re doing whatever your objectives are, it has to be authentic and possess substance.

“To be recognised by your own amongst the company of world champions, champions in their field and Olympic gold medalists is surreal.

“That said while it’s important to recognise an accolade the work never stops and after climbing any mountain you have to return to where you started and climb again, which is what we will do next in the big picture, Watson added.

Auckland City FC congratulates Gordon Watson on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to his continued contributions to the club and the broader sports community.

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