Welcome to the inaugural
Player Pathways Gala Dinner
Uniting South Island clubs to provide professional opportunities for aspiring young footballers
Player Pathways Gala DinnerFriday 13 November
Tonight
An honest picture of what it takes to make a career in football: the opportunities out there, how to choose the right one, and what life looks like once you take it.
- 5.30pmDrinks on arrival
- 6.15pmWelcome and quizJason Pine · Malcolm Hinman · Frederic Guillemont
- 6.45pmDeclan Edgein conversation
- 7.15pmPaul Ifillin conversation
- 7.45pmMain buffet
- 8.15pmPathways panel and Q&Awith a spot prize
- 9.00pmDessert
- 9.30pmLive auction
- 10.30pmClosing remarks
- 11.00pmBar closes
South Island UnitedCommodore Hotel · Christchurch
Welcome6.15pmYour host for the evening
Jason Pine
Master of ceremonies
Welcome6.15pmWelcome from the Chair
Malcolm Hinman
Chair, South Island United
Welcome6.15pmOceania Football Confederation
Frederic Guillemont
Acting General Secretary, OFC
In conversation with Jason Pine6.45pmDeveloping professional footballers
Declan Edge
One of New Zealand’s leading youth developers, on what he did at Olé Football Academy to help players reach the professional game.
— A question from the floor to finish
In conversation with Jason Pine7.15pmInside a professional career
Paul Ifill
From competing at the highest level to the uncertainty and setbacks players face along the way.
— A question from the floor to finish
Thank youWith thanks to
Our Partners
Special guests8.15pmStraight from the airport
The All Whites
Their journeys into the national team, and the people who helped them along the way.
Followed by a shirt signing
The pathways panel8.15pmThree sides of the pathway
The Pathway
Ryan Edwards
The club. What signing a first professional contract looks like, and what earns the next one.
Ben Stroud
US college. He went through the system himself and now helps players decide whether it is right for them.
Daniel Godden
The parent. Supporting his son Jago from New Zealand through to professional football in Europe.
Open forumOver to you
Your Questions
Declan Edge
Youth development
Paul Ifill
The professional game
Ryan Edwards
Club management
Ben Stroud
US college
Daniel Godden
The parent’s view
Spot prize to follow
Live auction9.30pmEvery dollar backs the pathway
Live Auction
Lot 1Signed Jockey briefs
Lot 2V8 hot laps
Lot 3Golf at Waitikiri
Lot 4Lakestone Lodge
Lot 5Signed 2027 SIU shirts
Lot 6Go Media advertising
Lot 7Kaikōura stargazing
Lot 8Cardrona whisky
Lot 9Walk out at One NZ Stadium
Lot 10A year of CUFC holiday camps
Lot 11Time with a pro player
Lot 12VIP tickets to SIU
Live auctionLot 1Lot 01 · 3 lots available
Signed Jockey Briefs
- Signed by Danny Carter, Jockey ambassador
ValueUntold
Live auctionLot 2Lot 02 · SuperDrive Group
V8 Hot Laps
- 3 × V8 hot laps
- Driven by a professional
Value$250
Live auctionLot 3Lot 03 · Waitikiri Golf Club
A Round of Golf
- For 4 people
- 2 carts included
Value$410
Live auctionLot 4Lot 04 · 5-star
Lakestone Lodge
- 1 night of luxury accommodation
- Dinner and breakfast
- A stunning location
Value$1,100
Live auctionLot 5Lot 05 · 2 lots available
Signed SIU Shirts
- Signed 2027 South Island United shirts
ValueUntold
Live auctionLot 6Lot 06 · Go Media
Advertising Package
- An advertising package from Go Media
Value$10,000
Live auctionLot 7Lot 07 · Explore the Cosmos
Kaikōura Stargazing
- An evening for 4 people
- Discounted accommodation available if required
Value$500
Live auctionLot 8Lot 08 · Cardrona Distillery
Cardrona Whisky
- Foundation cask, 10 years old
- Premium single malt, aged in a bourbon cask
- Silver medal, San Francisco international whisky fair
Value$200
Live auctionLot 9Lot 09 · One New Zealand Stadium
Walk Out with SIU
- 11 players to escort the South Island United side onto One New Zealand Stadium
Live auctionLot 10Lot 10 · Christchurch United
A Year of Holiday Camps
- CUFC Holiday Programme entry for one year
Value$1,000
Reserve$250
Live auctionLot 11Lot 11 · 2 hours
Time with a Pro
- 2 hours with a professional player
- Coaching, marketing or labour
Value$300
Reserve$80
Live auctionLot 12Lot 12 · March 2027
VIP at SIU
- 2 × VIP tickets to South Island United home games
- Christchurch home hub, March 2027
Value$580
Reserve$300
Closing remarks10.30pmMalcolm Hinman · Chair
Thank You
To Jason Pine, our speakers, our partners and every one of you for backing South Island United.
OFC Pro League · from 24 January 2027
See you in 2027
Thank you for supporting South Island United.