Long-serving Chief Executive Officer of Canterbury & District Soccer Football Association, Ian Holmes, has today announced that he will depart CDSFA at the end of the season.

Holmes, who has served football for almost 50 years at local, state, and national level, will leave a lasting legacy within the football community of the Canterbury District.

Starting his football life at Belmore Police Citizens Boys Club, it did not take long for a young Holmes to become heavily involved in sports administration as he took on a committee position with his local club.

From there, he progressed to the CDSFA where he was elected the Association’s youngest ever President when we was elected on 1 December 1975 at the age of 19-years-old. Seven years later Holmes was elected President of the NSW Amateur Soccer Federation in 1982.

With football needing an overhaul from the top down, Holmes was soon in a position to help make fundamental change as the General Manager of the NSW Soccer Federation (1987-1991), CEO and Commissioner of the Australian Soccer Federation (1991-1995), General Manager of the NSW Amateur Soccer Federation (1998-1999), General Manager of Soccer Australia (1999-2002), and General Manager of Football NSW (2007-2011).

His services to the national and state governing body coming to a close, Holmes returned to CDSFA in 2012, taking over as CEO in 2014. His last day with the Association will be Friday, 14 October 2022.

In his most recent time with CDSFA, Holmes has been instrumental in securing over $15 million dollars in government grants for the region and its clubs.

Holmes’ contribution has been recognised with several awards and achievements, including:

• Life Member of CDSFA (1982)
• Life Member of Football NSW (1987)
• NSW Soccer Federation State Award (1991)
• George Churchward Medal recipient (2016)
• Vince and Val Laws Medal recipient (2019)

A strong believer that no individual is bigger than the game, Holmes also helped mentor and mould many up-and-coming sports administrators, with many in the game gaining benefit from his knowledge and experience.

Holmes’ services and achievements will be recognised at the end-of-season Volunteer Recognition Dinner.

Ian Holmes, CEO of CDSFA, on his upcoming departure.

“Change is a constant in football. There is a time for renewal and the future. A time for transition.

“The CDSFA needs to maintain dynamism and the Association cannot be flatfooted, so you need to create the pipeline for future talent. It has been my privilege to have been able to serve the game. I did not want to make the mistake of staying too long.

“Leadership is about working with others to make things better due to your presence and ensuring that impact lasts in your absence. It has been my ultimate aim at the Association to do so.

“Working with positive difference makers at the CDSFA and the clubs has been very meaningful. I have been fortunate to work with volunteer directors at the board level who have placed genuine honesty ahead of corporate jargon.

“There is a fundamental principle I share with my Chairman, Armando Gardiman. It is this: you don't make decisions because they are easy; you don't make them because they are cheap; you don't make them because they're popular; you make them because they are right."

“I trust the culture created that this should remain the mantra in the Boardroom and with the membership.

“The Association has at the club level an extraordinary army of volunteers. They deliver the football opportunity and experience at the community level. One can only be in awe of their contribution. Many things have changed over 50 years but the CDSFA relies upon volunteers to deliver the game at its very core. Working with so many of them has been an honour.

“The CDSFA is celebrating its Centenary season in 2022. It will commence season 101 in 2023. Season 101 should be the focus for refreshing and resetting. There are challenges ahead. A new generation now needs to take up the mantel. While people matter, we need to get comfortable with change. I need to get out of the way.

“In Gough Whitlam's words: It's Time.”

Armando Gardiman AM, Chairman of CDSFA

“Ian has given almost 50 years to the sport at various levels: local, state, and national. He has worked within the sport at some of its best and some of its worst times.

“Over the years Ian has received almost every available award and accolade that is available within the sport in New South Wales.

“No more needs to be said: his awards and accolades are evidence of the depth of his contribution to the sport.

“It goes without saying that his presence at the Association will be deeply missed. I wish Ian all of the very best in his retirement pursuits and endeavours.”

Gilbert Lorquet, Chairman Football NSW

“CDSFA CEO Ian Holmes has made an enormous contribution to football at all levels of the game: local/community, New South Wales, and Australia over a period of five decades.

“At the core has been his affiliation with the CDSFA and community football.

“In the last nine seasons as the CEO of the CDSFA, Ian has been integrally involved in a number of successful grant applications to upgrade facilities that have resulted in Commonwealth, State and Local grants in excess of $15 million towards infrastructure development within the CDSFA.

“On a personal note, Ian has had a tremendous influence over the years in my involvement with community football. Ian is one of the true giants of football administration. Our game across the state and beyond is indebted to Ian's tireless dedication and commitment over the last 50 years.

“Thank you Ian. Take a bow sir!”

Stuart Hodge, CEO Football NSW

“Ian Holmes has made an outstanding contribution to football across all levels for well over 50 years and leaves behind a significant legacy.

“Having received a plethora of accolades during his time governing the sport at local, state, and national level, Ian may have seen the sport change but his leadership and hard work ethic remained the same.

“Ian has mentored and developed football administrators and his impact will be felt for a long time to come.

“We at Football NSW would like to applaud Ian on his amazing achievements working in the industry for well over 50 years and would like to wish him the best in his very well-deserved retirement.

“Well done Ian.”

Feature image credit: Photographed with Love