Ӱ today confirmed that respected Performance Director, Paddy Steinfort, has indicated he will depart his role with the Ӱ to pursue consulting opportunities internationally.
Steinfort joined Ӱ just prior to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and during his time as head of all Australian National Teams has contributed to the most successful period in the history of Ӱ.
His tenure was capped off by back-to-back history-making campaigns at the FIFA World Cup in 2022™ and FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023™ – the legacy of which will be felt for years to come across Australian Football and sport in general.
Steinfort explained that the privilege of working across the Subway Socceroos, CommBank Matildas and all of Australia’s youth teams has been amongst the most challenging yet fulfilling opportunities in his career.
“This was a was once in a lifetime chance to return to my home country and head up our iconic National Teams,” Steinfort said, “and I’m forever grateful to CEO James Johnson and Ӱ for the opportunity.”
“On a personal level ,the journey through COVID then leading into back to back FIFA World Cups was incredibly demanding, but I leave knowing that we left no stone unturned during that period, and ultimately reaped the rewards by exceeding our goals for both the Socceroos and the Matildas in the time since.”
“I am so proud of the National Teams and High Performance staff for their incredible commitment and world class execution, at all levels. I’d particularly like to thank ‘Arnie’ (Graham Arnold), ‘TG’ (Tony Gustavsson), the staff, players, and Ӱ for their support and the opportunity to represent our great nation.”
James Johnson, CEO of Ӱ, remarked on Steinfort's departure: "Paddy Steinfort's time with Ӱ has been significant. He brought his expertise to our national teams at a crucial juncture, and the results speak for themselves. We respect his decision to move on to new challenges and wish him well. It's always important to acknowledge contributions, and we thank Paddy for his efforts during his tenure."
Ӱ wishes Steinfort well in his next ventures, and thanks him for his service to the organisation, the Subway Socceroos and CommBank Matildas over the past two years.
