25 November 2015

Dear WaiBOP United Member

RE: Entry of Waikato FC (WaiBOP United) into the National Mens Football league
I am writing to you as a registered member with Waikato Football Club (WaiBOP United)
As you may be aware New Zealand Football have called for Expressions of Interest for those
clubs/entities who are interested in applying for a two year National League Licence, 2016/17 &
2017/18
The existing eight entities, of which WaiBOP United is, one, will have their licenses renewed unless
they opt out of the licence.
NZF are seeking ten teams into the competition and they have indicated that there have been
eight entities submit an application for the two vacant positions. One of these being Hamilton
Wanderers Football Club.
With only two positions currently available for the eight applicants to fill, there will be a
contestable process whereby a selection panel will select the two teams. Presentations by the
applicants to the panel has been scheduled for 5 December and a formal announcement will
be made by NZF on the selected teams on or about 16 December
NZF have informed us that if WaiBOP United opt out, then Hamilton Wanderers, if meeting the
criteria, will be able to receive direct entry, in effect taking the licence that WaiBOP United
currently holds.
While the current competition structure is not based upon a representative model, the WaiBOP
Federations main objective in supporting WaiBOP United has been to maintain a presence in
the league to ensure that there is an adequate pathway for our local players and coaches
encouraging them to stay in the region.
As you can appreciate the cost to maintain the teams in the competition is high and requires
considerable resource to operate
At its meeting on Tuesday 27 October 2015, WaiBOP Federation Board resolved that it could not
afford to continue its support of WaiBOP United in the same manner it has been for the past
three years and that WaiBOP United, if continuing would need to become more selfsustainable.
The Federation's support for the Franchise has come at a financial cost and is diverting staff
away from delivering the core services expected.
With this decision being made, it means that should WaiBOP United wish to continue
entering teams in the national league then additional and secured funding would need to be
achieved, failing this, WaiBOP United in its current form would not be entering a team.
WaiBOP Football Federation
Brian Perry Sports House, Wintec Rotokauri Campus, Akoranga Road, PO Box 1230, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand

www.waibopfootball.co.nz

Additional to this, the Federation has also in recent weeks held a meeting with top level, senior
clubs within the region and welcomed interest from local clubs seeking independent entry into
the ASB premiership. The aim being to ensure the region retains a locally based team and
pathway in a possibly more sustainable manner. As noted, Hamilton Wanderers Football Club
has submitted a formal application in response to this opportunity.
As such the WaiBOP United Board will be meeting on 7 December 2015 to formalize its position
and a recommendation is likely to be as follows;
1) The Board approve that WaiBOP United opt out of the next National League License, for
seasons 2016/17 & 2017/18 (two years) and provide Hamilton Wanderers (if meeting NZF
selection criteria) with WaiBOP Uniteds existing licence.
2) Should Hamilton Wanderers not continue or withdraw from entry or consideration for the
league, either during or at the end of the licence period, WaiBOP United would seek
from NZF to have the first right of refusal to re-enter.
There is meeting scheduled with NZF on Tuesday 8 November with WaiBOP United Board Chair
and Chief Executive to discuss this situation and WaiBOP United will need to make a formal
decision to opt out at that time.

Yours sincerely

Merv Williams
Board Chair
Waikato FC (WaiBOP United)

WaiBOP Football Federation

Brian Perry Sports House, Wintec Rotokauri Campus, Akoranga Road, PO Box 1230, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand

www.waibopfootball.co.nz