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Linda Cerone Steps Down as Nepean Football Association CEO After 28 Years
Linda Cerone Steps Down as Nepean Football Association CEO After 28 Years
Linda Cerone, the long-serving Chief Executive Officer of the Nepean Football Association (NFA), has officially concluded her tenure after 28 years at the helm. The outgoing leader, who recently received the prestigious George Churchward Medal for her contributions to grassroots football, stated that she will now prioritize recovery from open-heart surgery and family life, though she remains committed to supporting the sport in a voluntary capacity.
Linda Cerone has stepped down from her position as Chief Executive Officer of the Nepean Football Association (NFA), ending a 28-year tenure that saw her become the organization's first employee and a central figure in its governance. While she will now focus on recovering from recent open-heart surgery and caring for her chickens, Cerone confirmed she intends to remain active in the football community through voluntary roles.
"I can’t imagine a life without some sort of football," Cerone told The Western Weekender. "I’m still the Western Sydney Wanderers Volunteer Coordinator – I’ve been there since they were established – and I’ll continue in that role."
Cerone, who described herself as a self-confessed front office "nerd" with a passion for constitutions and regulations, offered her services to local clubs on a voluntary basis. She assured the clubs that her phone number remains unchanged and that she is available to assist if needed.
The transition followed a deliberate two-year planning process initiated by Cerone herself. Recognizing the complexity of handing over historical intelligence accumulated over nearly three decades, she spent a full year searching for a suitable successor before commencing a 12-month handover period.
"We wanted to take our time looking for the right person and then just do a slow 12-month handover," Cerone explained. Her former assistant, Alicia Green, who served as competition manager and Cerone’s aide for the last four or five years, was selected for the role. Cerone noted that Green "was best placed and knew the lay of the land" to lead the NFA into the future.
The departure coincides with significant recognition of Cerone’s career. Over the past month, Football NSW awarded her the 2026 George Churchward Medal, honoring 35 years of service to grassroots football. The award makes Cerone the first person from the Nepean district to receive the medal since its namesake, George Churchward, one of Nepean’s founding directors.
Cerone expressed surprise and humility upon receiving the honor, noting she was nominated by both the Nepean Football Association and the Canterbury Football Association. "To be nominated by two different districts blew me away," she said. "Nothing I’ve done, I’ve done on my own. I’ve always worked collaboratively with other people."
As Cerone transitions into retirement from her executive duties, she emphasized that her connection to the sport remains strong. She stated she will always be interested in the activities of the clubs and associations she helped build, ensuring her legacy continues through the new leadership and her ongoing volunteer work.
I.Laskowski--GL
