Career
Godfrey’s sports management career began in 2010 as an AFLPA accredited player agent before joining the Adelaide Crows in 2012 where he worked for 3 years. In early 2015, Godfrey relocated to New Zealand to take up a role as Head of Commercial at the Wellington Phoenix working closely with Football Australia to renew the A-League license and secure global partnerships. [5]
In December 2016, Godfrey was appointed Chief Executive Officer at the Canterbury Rugby Union following in the footsteps of All Blacks CEO Steve Tew and Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach. [6]
Godfrey was instrumental in leading a high-profile anti-discrimination campaign endorsed by the Human Rights Commission. [7] [8] He was also responsible for introducing the Blue Card Concussion Initiatives (BCCI) under a trial that was later rolled out nationally by New Zealand Rugby. Godfrey was vocal in lobbying the Jacinda Ardern Government and Christchurch City Council for investment in a new multi-purpose venue to replace the earthquake damaged stadium in Christchurch. [9] [10] [11] He also signed off on an investment in the Seattle Seawolves, a US-based rugby franchise, as part of a wider strategic alliance to attract international visitors and grow commercial revenue. [12] [13] [14]
Godfrey endorsed a controversial decision to snub the Crusaders and Canterbury Men’s teams who had both won their respective titles, instead supporting a nomination for the Canterbury Women’s team following their inaugural success in 2017 after five previous finals losses. The Canterbury Women went on to be named ‘Team of the Year’ at the 2018 Sports Awards [15] [16] and subsequently won four New Zealand Championship titles in a row. [17]
In late 2018, after a brief study sabbatical to complete his MBA thesis, Godfrey announced he was stepping down as CEO to return home to Australia with his young family. [18] [19] He immediately entered the public sector as Director Programs & Operations at the NSW Government Office of Sport and was responsible for grant programs, regulation and policy development, and service operations. He also sat on the National Board at the Duke of Edinburgh Award. [20]
In 2023, Godfrey commenced a role as GM National Second Tier (NST) at Football Australia. The NST, often referred to as the National Second Division, is a new professional structure established to connect the Australian football pyramid. Godfrey led a Request for Proposal selection process that identified eight foundation clubs. In late 2024, Football Australia announced a 16-team Champions’ League competition format and start date [21] before unveiling the Australian Championship brand in early 2025. [22] [23] [24] Godfrey was involved in securing a landmark free-to-air broadcast deal with SBS [25] [26] and implemented a FIFA education workshop focused on professional club development. [27]