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Name: Leah Gubb
Where are you living now and how long have you been there?
I’m currently living in Townsville, Queensland. I’ve been here almost 2 years (in a couple of months’ time).
Where on the Coromandel did you grow up?
Whitianga
When did you live there?
I lived in Whitianga from when I was born in 1999 through to 2018, before making my first move.
Which school/s did you attend?
MBAS
Highlights since you finished school?
There’ve been a lot of highlights for me and my family across the years. My top 3 highlights would be:
1) Representing New Zealand for Futsal in the inaugural Futsal Fern Squad in 2017-2019.
2) Making the move across the ditch and really getting stuck into my coaching credentials in football. This has led me to becoming the Northern Women’s and Girls Participation Officer for Football Queensland. I’ve now been to two National Youth Championships, coaching within our U16 Girls Queensland State team. This highlight also includes seeing the impact of hosting the Women’s World Cup in AUS and NZ and how much that is going to change football in both of our countries for the next generations to come.
3) And lastly and most importantly, welcoming our baby boy into the world this year.
How do you spend your days now?
First and foremost, mum duties come first. And then, onto working on ways of developing and growing the female space in football for both the young and old in Northern Queensland. Some long days and nights coaching and running programmes. With the added bonus of the juggling act between work and family life, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. And then a cheeky dip in the pool to end our night all year round, which isn’t too bad if you ask me.
What about the culture where you are, do you like the most?
The love, the friendly and caring people up here. Starting anywhere fresh is hard, but the community within the football space in Townsville is fantastic.
What are you most proud of?
Our little family we’ve created.
What are your fondest memories of home?
Summer days. With my old man heading down the beach for a swim, after finishing up football on Wednesday nights with the Red Devils.
Have you been back home recently? Impressions?
I’ve only been back when the bubble between NZ and AUS opened during Covid. It was a very quick in and out trip to see family, but far out … Whiti has changed. Some things you can hardly recognise any more, but overall it still feels like home.
Who are you looking forward to catching up with next time you are home?
My family. For most of them, it’ll be the first time meeting the new addition to the family. We can’t wait. And hopefully we might be able to catch some old friends from school if they’re in town.
What advice would you give younger you?
Push to do whatever you love in life and make it your job, don’t waste time doing things that don’t make you happy.
Biggest life lesson so far?
You’ll never know what’s out there or where you’ll end up if you don’t take steps out of your comfort zone. So overall don’t be afraid to make big life changes.
Questions by Ron Morgan
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