By Duncan Mackay
December 23 – Dave Beeche (pictured), who organised the ITU World Triathlon Series Grand Final in Auckland earlier this year, has been named chief executive for the 2015 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, which New Zealand is staging.
Beeche will officially start the role next year.
He is hoping that the success of New Zealand’s team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where they were the only undefeated side in the tournament, will help boost encouragement for the sport in the rugby-mad country.
“That’s absolutely the challenge but I think we’ve got a really good platform to launch off from the All Whites at the World Cup a couple of years ago,” said Beeche.
“If you look at their success and how participation is growing those two ingredients give a good base to do something special.
“In general, I don’t think New Zealanders quite understand how big football is overseas.”
Beeche was the chief executive of Triathlon New Zealand for five years up until March 2011 when he became head of Triathlon World Champs 2012 Ltd, which organised the event in Auckland in October, encompassing elite and age group
events.
“I’m getting up to speed with the whole FIFA environment and working on a national event,” said Beeche.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
New Zealand 2015 is scheduled to be held between June 19 and July 11 and will feature 24 countries competing in up to eight venues.
New Zealand was chosen by FIFA in March 2011 ahead of rival bids from Peru, Tunisia and Wales.
Beeche was chosen because he has a background in delivering international sporting events and experience in sports management, said Bill Moran, the chairman of New Zealand 2015.
“The Organising Committee is pleased to have Dave as part of the team,” he said.
“The recent World Triathlon Series Final in Auckland was recognised as a successful event by international standards and was incredibly well supported by the wider community.
“Dave’s proven ability to combine logistical excellence and sound financial management along with outstanding community engagement was the skill set we were looking for to ensure that New Zealand delivers a world class event with a massive global profile.”
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