It is with a very heavy heart and with great sadness that we inform our football community of the recent passing of Malcolm Cowie.

Malcolm Cowie was NZSS Boys Football’s inaugural Life Member. This award was in recognition of Malcolm’s exceptional contribution of over 30 years to the provision of the best possible opportunities in football for secondary school students.

Malcolm’s contribution to secondary school football included:-

- 30 years of coaching football at Saint Kentigern College, 18 years coaching the boys 1st XI, followed by the girls 1st XI and currently coaching the 2nd XI boys team.

- Coaching New Zealand Secondary School Football representative teams from 1988 to 2007 including tours of Australia, Europe and Korea.

- Joining the NZSS Football National Executive Committee in 1988 and served as Chairman for 18 years.

- Following Malcolm standing down as Chairman in 2013, he accepted the role as Patron of our organisation.

- In 2005, our National Executive Committee named a national schoolboys football tournament after Malcolm in honour of his service and commitment to secondary school football.

- In 2008 New Zealand Secondary School Sports Council also acknowledged Malcolm’s exceptional contribution to secondary school football by awarding him a School Sport Service Award.

Under Malcolm’s leadership and as a result of his vision,  NZSS Football has achieved significant results both on and off the field.

On the field, Malcolm has been instrumental in developing NZSS Football representative programs at Under 15 and Under 19 levels. This has included the organisation of a number of international tours to Australia, the United Kingdom, Europe, Korea, China, Malaysia and Thailand.

Malcolm’s positive attitude, enthusiasm and strong management have contributed to the success and growth we have seen in football at secondary school level. During his reign, the number of national tournaments has increased from 4 to 6 and the number of teams participating annually from about 70 to 136.

Our sincere condolences go to the family and his school community at Saint Kentigern College.

Rest in peace Malcolm,  you will be sorely missed.

Article added: Tuesday 27 October 2020