The Long Game exists to ensure athletes are supported beyond the final whistle - not just celebrated for what they give to sport, but valued for what they can contribute next. We bring structure, continuity, and trusted people around an athlete at the point where identity, direction, and real-world pathways matter most.
Founder
New Zealand invests heavily in high-performance sport, yet too many athletes step away from competition without structure, clarity, or a trusted pathway forward.
Identity loss, underemployment, and financial and emotional uncertainty are common - not because athletes lack capability, but because the system has not been built to carry them beyond performance.
The Long Game was created to change that.
Founded by Toni Lea, The Long Game is a national transition and performance platform that stands with athletes before, during, and after sport. It bridges the gap between elite performance and purposeful careers, helping athletes translate their discipline, resilience, leadership, and mindset into meaningful work, leadership, and contribution in society.
Toni brings over 15 years' experience designing and delivering workforce transition programmes across Aotearoa, supporting athletes, defence personnel, at-risk youth, Māori and Pasifika communities, women in leadership, and individuals navigating major life and career change. Known for her authenticity, integrity, and people-first approach, Toni has built The Long Game on one simple belief: no one should walk the transition alone.
At its core, The Long Game is about continuity - ensuring that when sport ends, an athlete's story does not. Through trusted one-to-one connection, community learning, mentorship, and career readiness, we help athletes rediscover who they are beyond the game and confidently step into the next arena.
We honour the human behind the jersey. We play for something greater than medals. And we are committed to building a future where the same strength that creates champions continues to build Aotearoa.
We support athletes with continuity before, during, and after sport - combining trusted one-to-one connection, mentorship, community learning, and practical career readiness in one place.
Structured transition support with clarity and momentum.
Career direction, pathways, and role alignment.
Mentorship and real-world connection to opportunities.
The transition out of sport can be a major identity and life shift. We exist to ensure athletes are not left to navigate it alone - and that the value of performance carries into the next arena.
Protect the person behind the performance.
Convert elite capability into long-term contribution.
Build outcomes that strengthen Aotearoa.
Calm, structured, and performance-led. We focus on what’s practical, what’s next, and what holds over time - with a people-first approach and high trust.
One clear pathway, delivered with consistency.
Subtle support and strong accountability.
Aligned partners and real-world relevance.
Sport ends. The person doesn’t. We honour the human behind the jersey and believe the same strength that creates champions can build leaders, teams, and communities.
Athletes are not a commodity - they matter.
Transition should be supported, not improvised.
Continuity creates confidence.
People
A national team focused on continuity, connection, and outcomes - supporting athletes with care, clarity, and real-world guidance.
Toni Lea
Founder
Cassie Roma
Trustee
Julia Steenson
Trustee
Cole Shields
Trustee
Campbell Johnstone
Trustee
Hamish McLean
Trustee
Team Member
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Team Member
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