Head of Competitions leaves OFC

Seamus Marten, Head of OFC Competitions for the past four years, will leave Oceania's football governing body at the end of May.

The 28-year-old has been with the organisation since 2005, originally employed as Media Officer before moving into the competitions department where he has been instrumental in setting up a structured calendar of events including the hugely successful OFC Champions League concept – the O-League. Also during his time he has overseen the implementation of regular Beach Soccer and Futsal championships and developed the centralisation concept aimed at increasing participation at OFC competitions. Marten leaves OFC on good terms and with the support of General Secretary Tai Nicholas who is wishing him well for the future. "We regret that Seamus has decided to move on but understand that he feels this is the right time to do so," said Nicholas. "He has given everything to this job and has been somewhat of an oracle for OFC with his vast knowledge of football and profound understanding of Pacific culture. On behalf of the entire Oceania football family I would like to thank Seamus for his passionate service to the game and we wish him all the best for the future." Marten enjoyed many accolades during his time at OFC including an appointment as Media Officer at the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ and as an Assistant General Coordinator at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada in 2007. He has also served on the FIFA Stadiums and Security Committee since 2007.   But he says the most rewarding aspect of the job has been working within the unique and diverse Oceania region and contributing to the growth of the Confederation on and off the football pitch.   "New Zealand continue to lead our Confederation on the football field, but I have also been lucky enough to witness the qualification of our Pacific Islands countries to various World Cups starting with the Solomon Islands in Beach Soccer and Futsal, and Tahiti at the U-20's and finally with Hekari United FC at club level this year."   In a similar vein I have been moved and inspired by the many social responsibility initiatives off the football field, such as the recent Pacific Youth and Sports Conference."   It has been a difficult decision to leave OFC but I feel ready to move on and explore other opportunities. I leave OFC with deep respect, admiration and gratitude to the OFC President, Executive Committee, General Secretary and staff as well as the entire football family of the region for whom it was a pleasure to serve."   Marten will finish at OFC on Friday 28 May. David Firisua has been appointed to the role of Head of Competitions since 3 May 2010 while an additional recruit will join the competitions department in July.