Petone FC
Latest updates
Women’s Coaching Announcement!
We are delighted to announce that Sam Morrissey, our Director of Football, will take on the additional role of Head Coach of the Women’s First Team for the upcoming season.
Sam has been a key part of the club over the past two years, leading the development of our football structure, supporting coaches, and driving improvements across our pathways.
This appointment comes at a crucial time as we prepare for upcoming changes to league structures and the evolving direction of the women’s game. Sam’s experience, knowledge of the women’s space, and oversight of our wider football direction ensure we navigate these changes with confidence while providing clarity and stability for our players and staff.
Sam’s impressive resume speaks for itself. Prior to rejoining Petone FC for his second stint, he gained valuable experience in women’s football, including winning the Central League with Waterside Karori AFC and coaching the Capital Football National Women’s League team. This background gives him a strong understanding of high-level women’s football and the standards required to succeed.
We’re thrilled to see Sam take on this role and look forward to the impact he will have on the Women’s First Team alongside his continued influence on the wider club.
Welcome Jack!
We are delighted to announce that Jack Morrissey will be joining Petone FC for the 2026 season!
Jack, a former Petone junior himself, will take on a combined role leading three departments: Director of Junior Football, Head of Foundation Football, and Development Centre Coordinator.
In these roles, Jack will be at the heart of junior football at Petone FC, overseeing on-field player, coach, and programme development from First Kicks through to U13s. He will also support the coordination of all PFC Development Centre programmes off the field, ensuring smooth day-to-day delivery and providing families with consistent communication and guidance.
Jack will play a key role as the club manages growing participation numbers and will provide valued guidance on the rollout of the NZF W.O.F 2.0 plan launching in 2026.
He joins us after eight years at Stop Out Sports Club, where he served as Director of Junior Football, Director of Youth Football, and TDP Coach at various times. Jack also spent four years as Communications & Content Coordinator with Capital Football. He recently completed his OFC B Licence course work and will soon finalise accreditation. His experience gives him a strong understanding of how to deliver connected, high-quality programmes for players, coaches, and families.
Jack’s appointment comes at an important time for the club, providing clearer structures for development, improved support for coaches, and an enhanced experience for families.
We’re thrilled to welcome Jack back into the Petone FC community and look forward to the impact he will have on our club.
Men’s Coaching Announcement!
We are delighted to announce Sam Pickering as our new Men’s First Team Head Coach & Head of Men’s Football.
A true homegrown player turned homegrown coach, Sam’s journey through Petone FC is one that reflects what the club stands for. Having played over 150 games for the Men’s First Team, including captaining the side in our inaugural Men’s National League campaign, Sam knows exactly what it means to represent the club at the highest level.
In recent years, Sam has made a seamless transition into coaching, stepping into our Director of Junior & Youth roles and leading our U19 Boys to three consecutive top 4 finishes, narrowly missing out in a dramatic final in 2023. His leadership, football intelligence, and connection with the players have been key to that consistent success.
Alongside his new role with the Men’s First Team, Sam will continue to contribute to the club’s wider pathway, leading the newly created Director of Development Centre role, which oversees all club-run programmes, while continuing as Director of Youth Football.
Currently an OFC B Licence accredited coach, Sam is also working towards his OFC A Licence in 2026, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to learning and development.
Known for his clear, possession-based playing style, Sam’s approach promises football that will both entertain and keep Petone FC competitive in every fixture.
We’re incredibly proud to see one of our own step into this role and continue shaping the next chapter of Men’s Football at the club.
New Season, New Junior Team Names!
Petone Football Club is proud to introduce a new way to represent who we are, on and off the field this season.
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For First Kicks to U10, teams will be named after manu (birds), symbolic of energy, agility, and unity.
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For U11 to U17, teams will carry names of rākau (trees), representing maturity, strength, and growth.
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Our TDP teams will continue with the Settlers name, honouring the legacy of those who came before us and the history that shaped our club.
The new team names draw inspiration from our natural surroundings and te ao Māori, reflecting the whenua and environment we’re all connected to. Each name has been chosen to align with the core values that guide our club: At our best, Courageous, Trust, Inclusive, and Integrity.
These values are more than just words as they shape how we train, play, and support one another, on and off the field. By weaving these elements together, the new names represent not only who we are as a club, but who we aspire our players to be and how we connect as a community.
We’re really proud of this new direction and the opportunity it gives us to reflect the values we aim to instill in all our players.
Thanks to those that have engaged and shared their feedback throughout this process.
We are looking forward to the season ahead as we continue building better players, a stronger community, and an even greater club.
Introducing Petone FC’s Junior Coaching Team for 2025
Petone FC is proud to introduce our Junior Leadership Team for 2025. These dedicated individuals are entrusted with guiding the development and growth of our youngest players, ensuring they experience the very best of what our club has to offer.
At the heart of everything we do lies The Petone Way: a commitment to designing, developing, and delivering exceptional experiences for all members. Our focus is on providing a positive, holistic, and inclusive environment, underpinned by focused education and a pursuit of excellence—while ensuring that enjoyment remains central to every step of the journey.
The Junior Leadership Team embodies these values, working tirelessly to create a strong foundation for the future of Petone FC. By fostering a love for the game and supporting players to move through and beyond our club, they ensure that every player not only develops their skills but also thrives as part of the Petone FC community.
Director of Football – Sam Morrissey
Sam returns for his second season as Director of Football, continuing to oversee a cohesive and strategic approach across all areas of the club. His leadership and focus on aligning programmes ensure that Petone FC maintains its high standards of player and coach development, building on recent successes to set a strong course for the future.
Director of Junior & Youth Football – Sam Pickering
Sam leads the charge in overseeing all junior and youth football programmes at Petone FC. With a focus on creating a positive environment, clear pathways, and targeted education, Sam ensures that every player has the opportunity to develop their skills and passion for the game.
Head of Foundation Football – Alistair Morris
In this newly shaped role, Alistair provides oversight for our First Kicks programme and U7 & U8 age groups. Additionally, he continues to support the club’s wider initiatives through the Petone FC Development Centre, ensuring our youngest players receive the best possible start to their footballing journey.
Girls Development Officer – Caelin Patterson
Returning for her second year, Caelin plays a vital role in supporting the growth of girls’ football at Petone FC. Through her work with the Petone FC Development Centre, she helps foster talent and enthusiasm across the girls’ programmes, providing a clear pathway for players to thrive.
Head of Goalkeeping – Kris Pinnock
Kris brings over 20 years of experience to his role, focusing on the technical and tactical development of goalkeepers across all junior and youth levels. His expertise is instrumental in shaping confident and capable players in this specialised position. Kris will be supported by Junior Goalkeeper Coach Luca Siegel.
Looking Ahead
With this exceptional team in place, Petone FC is committed to delivering high-quality experiences for our junior players. Their leadership and dedication to development ensure that every player has the opportunity to grow, learn, and enjoy their footballing journey.
We’re excited for what’s to come in 2025
Introducing Petone FC’s Senior Coaching Team for 2025
As we look ahead to 2025, Petone FC is proud to confirm its senior coaching team. This experienced group of coaches and managers, including returning leaders and new appointments, reflects our commitment to providing a professional, ambitious, and inclusive environment for our players and wider community.
Director of Football – Sam Morrissey
Sam returns for his second season as Director of Football, continuing to oversee a cohesive and strategic approach across all areas of the club. His leadership and focus on aligning programmes ensure that Petone FC maintains its high standards of club, player and coach development, building on recent successes to set a strong course for the future.
Head of Women’s Football & Women’s 1st Team Head Coach – Ryan McGlinchey
Ryan remains at the forefront of our women’s programme, stepping into an expanded role as Head of Women’s Football alongside his continued leadership of the Women’s 1st Team. With a strong focus on collaboration across all women’s teams, Ryan is committed to driving progress while nurturing talent at every level. Ryan will be supported again by
Linda Roeters & Maika Ruyter-Hooley as they return as assistant coaches for 2025.
Women’s Reserve Team Head Coach – Rachel Finlay
We are delighted to welcome Rachel to the club. With experience coaching at the highest levels, including coaching with Central Football’s National Women’s League team, Rachel brings a proven track record of developing players. In addition to guiding the Women’s Reserve Team, Rachel will support the Talent Development Programme for girls, ensuring a bright future for the women’s game at Petone FC.
Head of Goalkeeping – Kris Pinnock
Joining us with over 20 years of coaching experience, Kris brings exceptional expertise to his new role as Head of Goalkeeping. Kris will focus on the technical and tactical development of goalkeepers across all levels
Head of Men’s Football & Men’s 1st Team Head Coach – Jamie O’Connor
Jamie returns to lead the Men’s 1st Team while taking on additional responsibilities as Head of Men’s Football, overseeing the U23 and U20 teams. His expanded role reflects the club’s ambition to further strengthen the men’s programme, and Jamie’s leadership will play a vital role in achieving this. Jamie will be supported again by Nati Hailemariam as he returns to reprise his assistant coach role for 2025.
U23 Men’s Head Coach – Michael Tannenbaum
Michael joins the club as Head Coach of the U23 Men’s team, bringing fresh ideas and a strong commitment to player development. His work will be crucial in bridging the gap between reserves and first team football, ensuring players are well-prepared to take the next step in their journey.
U20 Men’s Head Coach – Jaydn Robson
Jaydn steps into the role of U20 Men’s Head Coach, bringing energy and a clear focus to this pivotal stage of player development. We’re excited to see Jaydn’s contributions in fostering talent and aligning his team’s work with the club’s broader goals.
Looking Ahead
With this talented and dedicated leadership team in place, Petone FC is well-positioned for a successful 2025. Their expertise, passion, and commitment will be instrumental as we build on our strong foundations and continue to support the growth of players, coaches, and the wider Petone community.
Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for an exciting season!
Welcome Sam Pickering as Director of Junior & Youth Football
We are excited to announce Sam Pickering as our new Director of Junior & Youth Football. Sam brings a wealth of experience to this role, having previously served as Director of Junior & Youth Football at the club and, most recently, as the Men’s 1st Team Assistant Coach. He has also recently been coaching at Wellington Phoenix AFC, further strengthening his coaching expertise at both youth and senior levels.With a strong connection to Petone FC, Sam understands the club’s values and vision, making him the ideal leader to guide our junior and youth players through our pathway.
"I'm excited to return to a full-time role at the club, and I look forward to building on the excellent work done in 2024 in the junior and youth spaces," says Sam.
Sam’s appointment reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality experiences for our young players. Under his leadership, our junior and youth programmes are set to thrive, ensuring the next generation of Petone players continues to grow and develop.We’re delighted to have Sam back and look forward to seeing the positive impact of his leadership. Be sure to say hello when you see him at the club!
