It is with tremendous sadness that NFF advises the passing of Sid Roden, well known in football circles, especially on the North Shore, for a sterling and successful career in coaching. Sid had battled serious health problems for a number of months and passed away early on Tuesday morning.

Sid was awarded Life Membership of Northern Football Federation earlier this year and at the time his citation included the following:

“A man who has always contributed to the community and through his passion of football coached a vast array of people at varying levels and abilities. The dedication that Sid has displayed over the decades to football in New Zealand on a purely voluntary basis is a source of inspiration to all who have connected with him.

Often, he would go over and beyond his coaching duties to ensure that the welfare of people he had dealings with was looked after, such was his generosity. Assisting young men to get on their feet with direction and guidance when others had not spent time to assist the younger generation’s transition from childhood to adulthood.

He became not only a great coach but cherished for his friendship, loyalty, community spirit and general desire to help where there seemed to be nowhere to turn. This could sometimes come at considerable personal financial cost such is his desire to do right.”

Latterly Sid coached a Metro Youth League team at Glenfield Rovers following stints at a number of Clubs since arriving in New Zealand from England in 1982, including top level senior and youth teams at Takapuna, North Shore United, Albany United, East Coast Bays and Waitakere City.

 A service for Sid will be held at the Takapuna AFC clubrooms, Taharoto Road, Takapuna on Monday 9^th December at 12pm.

Article added: Thursday 05 December 2019