Capital Football welcomed a new CEO when Samantha Farrow was announced in the position, commencing the role on Monday 12 February 2024. Samantha arrives in Canberra with nearly 10 years’ experience as CEO at Surf Life Saving NT. Previously, Samantha held key talent identification positions at the Australian Sports Commission in the lead up to the 2016 Rio Olympics. We caught up with Samantha to learn a bit more about her background and early vision for the road ahead.
Capital Football: Can you tell us a little bit about your personal background?
Samantha Farrow: I am new to Canberra, having moved here from Darwin with my partner, Ben and two dogs Baxter and Norman in October last year. We wanted to get away from the heat and I know, I know, Canberra weather is as opposite as you can get, but I have some family here and that always makes moving easier. Darwin will always be home, but I am looking forward to making Canberra my second home.
Capital Football: Can you tell us about your business background?
Samantha Farrow: I have a Bachelors’ degree in Sports Science and started my working career in High Performance sport spending six years with the Australian Sports Commission in their successful talent identification and development program. Several athletes I worked with have gone onto represent Australia at the Olympic Games. For the past eight years I have been the CEO of Surf Life Saving Northern Territory. This is always met with surprise, as yes, we do swim in the ocean in the NT for a few months each year. There are three surf clubs in the NT and an amazing bunch of volunteers that patrol beaches in the Dry Season (June-September) every year. Whilst in this role I successfully built our commercial activities to provide additional revenue for our charity to use in achieving our mission.
Capital Football: What attracted you to the role of Capital Football CEO?
Samantha Farrow: Whilst I have not played football, I am a huge sports fan and have always been interested in the success of national teams. I remember watching the Socceroos and John Aloisi score that penalty to send us back in the World Cup after 32 years. I was swept up in the Matildas journey last year and enjoyed watching their game on Saturday night against Uzbekistan. This role offered the chance to work in a large sport, with a passionate following and participation base. It provides the opportunity for me to be involved in shaping a successful future for football in the region, and I am really looking forward to the challenge.
Capital Football: What do you know of Canberra and the region?
Samantha Farrow: Honestly, not a lot but I am really looking forward to getting out and exploring the region. I love the scenery and natural environment that is everywhere in Canberra, especially as it is so different from what I grew up with in Darwin.
Capital Football: What are your main priorities within the first few months of being appointed?
Samantha Farrow: Getting to know the football community is my priority. As I am new to the region and football, I have a lot to learn, and I am keen to understand what draws everyone to this sport and their ideas for the future. I want to continue working on the relationship between Capital Football and the football community. All of us need to thrive for football in the region to be truly successful. I am also keen to understand the state of our facilities, this is not just about Hawker and Throsby, but our suburban and regional grounds as well. Space is at a premium, and for football to expand we need to have facilities to support this across the region.
Capital Football: What can members of the football community expect from you as a leader of Capital Football?
Samantha Farrow: Honest conversation, an open approachable person, with a strong belief in community who loves to pursue a challenge. I know the task ahead is one that holds a great deal of interest to so many participants and supporters of the game here in ACT. I look forward to making a positive contribution to all involved.
