Berkowits steps down from Football Manitoba

It is with great regret that Football Manitoba announces the resignation of Rob Berkowits as its Executive Director. Football Manitoba has been extremely fortunate to have Rob hold this role for the past 12 years, where he has played an integral role, both on the local and national landscape.

In the Province of Manitoba, Berkowits has introduced Junior Player Development to beginning tackle players, implemented and developed the sport of flag football from 50 participants to 1500, created a framework for the Provincial Team Programs, and maintained, operated, and established popular Football Manitoba events such as; Super Clinic, Championship Weekend, Red River Cup, Blue & Gold, and the Fundraising Dinner to name a few.

“Although it saddens me that Rob is leaving us, I understand his need to take this opportunity for a career move at this time, stated Football Manitoba President Leona Barrett. I wish Rob well in his new position and I am certain he will be as successful in his new position as he was at Football Manitoba. I am thankful for his hard work and efforts in growing amateur football in Manitoba over the past 12 years. We will certainly miss him.”

Rob has assisted in the expansion programs for the Winnipeg High School Football League, the Manitoba Minor Football Association, and has remained passionate about promoting and developing football in rural communities. Under his tenure, Football Manitoba’s membership has tripled in numbers, and because of his dedication to the sport and his assistance with scholarship programs, more of Manitoba’s athletes are playing football at a post secondary level than ever before.

Nationally, Rob has become very well known and respected amongst his peers and has been selected to participate in the National Football League’s “Canadian Football Forum”, has sat on the Football Canada Restructure and Renewal Committee as well as Football Canada’s National Flag Football Committee, chaired the 2000 & 2006 Football Canada Cups and 2007 National Flag Football Championships. Throughout his tenure, Rob has provided Football Manitoba with poised leadership, outstanding work ethic, and remarkable integrity.

It is with warmest personal regards that we wish Rob success as he assumes his new position as the Executive Director of the Jewish National Fund – Manitoba/Saskatchewan Region. Berkowits’ term at Football Manitoba will conclude on Friday, September 9, 2011. At that time, current Programs & Communications Manager Rachel Harper (nee: Cutcliffe), will take on the role as acting Executive Director until further notice.

Picture:
left – Rob Berkowits