To honour our President Bob Patterson, who passed away on Sunday evening, we're asking all teams in NRF and LOTTO NRFL competitions to observe a moment's silence before their matches this weekend. 

Here's how it will work:

• Referees or coaches gather the players around the centre circle before kick off, and blow their whistle at the start and end of the moment's silence
• Referees can use their judgement on the appropriate length of time to be silent   
• We ask sideline supporters to support the players by remaining silent also through this time 
• For junior football or festivals, please observe silence for the first game, all subsequent games proceed as normal 

Thanks for your co-operation. 

Bob was passionate about every aspect of the game and deeply involved right until the end. He believed in people, guiding them to achieve more than they thought possible. Always generous with his time, his mentorship has helped grow the next generation of football leadership in our region. 

NRF was proud to successfully nominate Bob Patterson for NZF life membership at this year’s NZF Annual Congress, a fine way to acknowledge a true leader in our game.  

Originally from Newcastle in England, Bob played football in the armed services at the regimental, corps and army levels. He had extensive army and New Zealand National League coaching experience, before moving into administration with Sydney Football Club and the 1999 FIFA Under 17 World Championship, the first FIFA tournament to be allocated to New Zealand.

He became NZF CEO through this period, before other leadership roles including Auckland Football Federation Chair and CEO, Knights CEO, Central Football CEO and serving on NZF’s Executive Committee until 2022. His vision was critical to the joint venture and subsequent merger of AFF and Northern Football Federation to create Northern Region Football. 

Bob was incredibly knowledgeable and fair, with an ability to understand the broader picture. He had the rare ability to see all sides of discussions and his pragmatic and calm thoughtfulness was appreciated by so many in the game.  

Bob was a huge advocate who always wanted us to do better and achieve more for those who played the game. We have lost a true champion.

NRF’s Board and teams’ thoughts are with Bob’s wife Petreece and his family, who will hold a small private service for Bob. 

Article added: Monday 10 June 2024