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| '''Michael Earley''' (born 1984), also known as '''MikeE''', is a New Zealand paintball player, tournament organiser, referee and former paintball industry professional. His involvement in the sport spans more than 25 years, including competitive play, commercial field operations, event organisation and sporting administration in New Zealand, Asia, the United States and Europe. | | '''Michael James Earley''' (born 1984), also known as '''MikeE''', is a New Zealand [[paintball]] player, tournament organiser, referee and former paintball industry professional. His involvement includes international competition with [[Team Kiwi]] and [[Phoenix Tahiti]], commercial roles with [[Asylum Paintball]] and [[Giant Sportz]], and organisational work with [[South Auckland Paintball Club]] and [[Malta Paintball]].[2][3][6][7][8] |
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| Earley began playing tournament paintball in New Zealand in 2000 and first competed internationally in Malaysia in 2004. He subsequently worked with paintball businesses including [[Lock N Load Paintball]], [[Asylum Paintball]], [[SC Village]] and [[Hollywood Sports Park]].
| | == Early involvement == |
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| He was involved in the development of organised competitive paintball in New Zealand during the early 2010s and later participated in tournaments in Asia, Europe and North America.
| | Earley began playing paintball in the late 1990s and assisted with recreational games and field operations at [[Commando One Paintball]] in Whangārata, near Tuakau. |
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| Since moving to Malta in 2024, Earley has been involved in the development of [[Malta Paintball]], supporting the organisation's administration, international relationships, communications and participation in overseas competitions.
| | He began competing with [[Team Insane]] in 2000, with appearances at the [[Northland Open]] and [[Volcanic Rotorua]] in 2001. Team Insane placed second in the three-man category of the 2001 [[Valhalla National Rankings]], with 181.7 points.[1] |
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| {| class="wikitable"
| | == International paintball == |
| |+ Michael Earley
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| |-
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| ! Full name
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| | Michael James Earley
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| |-
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| ! Also known as
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| | MikeE
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| |-
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| ! Born
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| | 1984
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| |-
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| ! Country
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| | New Zealand
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| |-
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| ! Based in
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| | Gozo, Malta
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| |-
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| ! Sport
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| | [[Paintball]]
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| |-
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| ! Disciplines
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| | [[Speedball]]; [[X-Ball]]; recreational and scenario paintball
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| |-
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| ! Occupations
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| | Paintball player; tournament organiser; referee; industry professional
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| |-
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| ! Teams
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| | [[Team Insane]]; [[Phoenix Tahiti]]; [[SD Crush]]; [[The Leftovers]]
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| |-
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| ! Associated organisations
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| | [[New Zealand Paintball Association]]; [[Malta Paintball]]
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| |-
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| ! Associated fields
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| | [[Commando One Paintball]]; [[Lock N Load Paintball]]; [[Asylum Paintball]]; [[SC Village]]; [[Hollywood Sports Park]]
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| |-
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| ! First tournament
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| | 2000
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| |-
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| ! First international tournament
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| | 2004, Malaysia
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| |-
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| ! Documented activity
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| | 2000–present
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| |}
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| == Early involvement in paintball == | | === New Zealand teams in Malaysia === |
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| === Commando One Paintball ===
| | In 2004, Earley helped organise a [[Team Kiwi]] delegation to an international tournament at Xtion Paintball in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He refereed on Field 2 and assisted with commentary rather than competing. Team Kiwi finished fifth, and Earley documented the visit in a report published in January 2005.[2] |
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| Earley began participating in paintball in New Zealand during the late 1990s. | | He returned as a player at the 2005 [[Asia Pacific Paintball Championship]]. According to Earley, the team entered under the sponsored name '''ZAP Kiwis''', which also appears on his surviving PALS player card.[2][9] |
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| As a teenager, he worked at [[Commando One Paintball]], a recreational paintball business operated by Rob Tapper.
| | === Other Asian teams and tournaments === |
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| Commando One had previously operated in Penrose, Auckland, before relocating to Whangārata, near Tuakau.
| | At the 2012 [[Paintball World Cup Asia]], Earley played for [[Phoenix Tahiti|Phoenix Authority]] in Division 2. A contemporary report in ''La Dépêche de Tahiti'' identified him as the New Zealand member of the multinational squad, which finished 17th of 28 teams. His player accreditation also records the Phoenix Authority name.[3][10] |
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| Earley worked at the Whangārata facility during approximately 1997–1999.
| | He returned with Phoenix Tahiti in 2013, when the team finished 47th of 54 entries in Division 3.[3] His accreditation for [[PALS Thailand 2013]] separately records him with '''[[Hoodlums]]''' in Division 2.[12] |
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| His responsibilities included assisting with recreational paintball operations and maintaining field equipment.
| | Earley's other Asian appearances included '''[[Kacaworang]]''' in the Open Division at a [[World Paintball Players League]] event at Wedna Hol Sports, which he dates to 2012, and '''[[Southern Alliance]]''' in the mechanical division at the [[2018 Paintball World Cup Asia]]. These affiliations are documented by surviving player cards and his accompanying recollections.[11][13] |
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| These early activities are documented principally through Earley's recollections of his involvement in the New Zealand paintball industry.
| | === United States === |
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| === Team Insane ===
| | In Southern California, Earley competed with [[SD Crush]] in [[Almost Famous Paintball League]] events. He also established [[SD Pump Crew]], a San Diego playing group focused on pump paintball.[4] |
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| Earley began playing competitive tournament paintball in 2000 with [[Team Insane]], a New Zealand team active during the early 2000s.
| | == Industry and organisational work == |
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| The team participated in domestic competitions, including events in Auckland, Northland and Rotorua.
| | === New Zealand === |
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| Earley competed at the 2001 Northland Open and a tournament in Rotorua, then commonly promoted as RotoVegas. | | Earley worked in marketing and operations for [[Lock N Load Paintball]] near Auckland Airport and subsequently served as Marketing Director at [[Asylum Paintball]], based at the former Kingseat Hospital complex in Karaka. An Asylum business listing names him as a marketing contact.[5][7] |
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| The events formed part of New Zealand's developing tournament paintball scene, which included competitions organised by independent field operators and regional paintball groups. | | He was involved in developing the [[South Auckland Paintball Club]] (SAPC), initially associated with Lock N Load and later with tournament activities at Asylum. The club's Race Series included X-Ball and mechanical-pump divisions.[6] |
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| === Early competitive experience ===
| | In March 2014, a press release identified Earley as an Asylum spokesperson announcing video coverage of the 2013 [[New Zealand Paintball Players League]] season. It also identified Asylum as a venue for SAPC Race Series and NZPPL events.[6] |
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| Earley's early tournament participation took place during a period when New Zealand teams were transitioning from recreational and woodland competition towards increasingly specialised tournament formats.
| | === United States === |
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| Equipment used by players included mechanical semiautomatic markers and early electronic tournament markers.
| | During the mid-2010s, Earley worked for [[Giant Sportz]] as Design, Marketing and Events Manager. His responsibilities included marketing, design and event work associated with [[SC Village]], [[Hollywood Sports Park]] and [[Giant San Diego]].[7] |
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| Earley has recalled competing with a Spyder marker and second-hand JT ProFlex goggles during his early tournaments.
| | === Malta === |
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| His participation with Team Insane continued into the early 2000s.
| | Earley moved to Gozo in 2024 and became involved with [[Malta Paintball]] as a non-executive strategic adviser, supporting administration, communications, international relationships and training-facility development. |
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| == International competitive paintball ==
| | He also participated in the organisation's international programme, including the [[Central Paintball Premier Series]] in the United Kingdom. In September 2026, he represented Malta at its inaugural [[UPBF Nations Cup]] appearance at the NXL European Championships in Dreux, France. Malta Paintball's tournament report names him among the eight players in the squad.[8] |
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| === Malaysia ===
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| Earley first competed internationally in Malaysia in 2004.
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| He subsequently participated in Asian paintball events during a period when Malaysia was becoming a regional centre for international tournament paintball. | |
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| His involvement included participation in the 2005 Asia Pacific Championship and later international competition associated with the Malaysian tournament scene.
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| Earley also participated in the 2008 Malaysian Nations Cup.
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| These events preceded the wider international expansion of the [[Paintball Asia League Series]] (PALS).
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| === Paintball Asia League Series ===
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| Earley participated in PALS competitions and other Asian paintball tournaments.
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| His involvement included playing with [[Phoenix Tahiti]], a team representing French Polynesia in international competition.
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| Phoenix Tahiti competed in the Asian tournament circuit alongside teams from Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and other countries.
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| The PALS circuit provided opportunities for players from countries with comparatively small domestic tournament scenes to compete internationally.
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| === Thailand ===
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| Earley lived in Thailand during the early 2010s and participated in the local paintball community.
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| He played at [[Expressway Paintball Club]] in Bangkok, a tournament facility associated with PALS Thailand and the [[Thailand Paintball Official Circuit]].
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| He also played at a paintball facility at Military Base 11 in Bangkok.
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| His participation coincided with a period of international tournament activity in Thailand, including PALS events in Bangkok.
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| === European competition ===
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| Earley participated in paintball competitions in Croatia and Germany during 2012.
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| His European tournament experience formed part of a wider period of international competition across Asia and Europe.
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| The complete event-by-event record of his European appearances has not been independently established.
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| == Paintball industry career ==
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| === Lock N Load Paintball ===
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| Earley worked in the New Zealand paintball industry during the 2000s and early 2010s.
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| His involvement included [[Lock N Load Paintball]], a commercial paintball facility near Auckland Airport.
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| The facility was listed in the WARPIG international field directory in April 2012.[1]
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| Lock N Load operated recreational paintball games and provided equipment and facilities for organised groups.
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| Earley's work formed part of his broader involvement in paintball field operations, marketing and event organisation.
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| === Asylum Paintball ===
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| Earley was involved in the operation and promotion of [[Asylum Paintball]], a commercial paintball facility established at the former Kingseat psychiatric hospital complex near Auckland.
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| The venue operated indoor and outdoor paintball fields and hosted recreational games, scenario events and competitive tournaments.
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| Earley worked in marketing and communications for the business.
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| A historical Cylex business listing identifies Michael Earley as a marketing contact for Asylum Paintball, alongside Vitaly Miheev in management.[2]
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| === New Zealand Paintball Players League ===
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| Asylum Paintball hosted events associated with the [[New Zealand Paintball Players League]] (NZPPL).
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| The venue hosted the 2013 NZPPL series final, an event won by KC Damage.
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| Wellington Vendetta finished second and X-Fighter$ Fracture placed third.
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| X-Fighter$ won the overall 2013 season championship.
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| In March 2014, New Zealand media outlet Scoop published a press release concerning video coverage of the final by Blacksheep Media.
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| The release quoted Earley as spokesperson for Asylum Paintball, discussing the role of tournament media in promoting competitive paintball.[3]
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| The contemporary publication independently documents his involvement in paintball event communications and promotion.
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| === Tournament and scenario events ===
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| Earley's industry activities included the organisation and promotion of tournament paintball, recreational competitions and scenario games.
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| At Asylum Paintball, these activities took place at a facility combining inflatable-bunker tournament fields with indoor and outdoor recreational arenas.
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| The business also offered airsoft and other recreational activities.
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| Contemporary tourism listings document the facility's location and range of activities.[4]
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| == Paintball in the United States ==
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| === California paintball industry ===
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| Earley subsequently lived in the United States and worked in the Southern California paintball industry.
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| His experience included involvement with [[SC Village]] in Chino and [[Hollywood Sports Park]] in Bellflower.
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| Both venues were established commercial paintball facilities associated with recreational paintball, scenario games and tournament players.
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| Earley's work included field operations and industry-related activities.
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| === American Federation of Paintball Leagues ===
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| Earley competed in the [[American Federation of Paintball Leagues]] (AFPL) in Southern California.
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| His team affiliations included [[SD Crush]].
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| The AFPL provided regional tournament competition for amateur teams, including players participating in five-player speedball formats.
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| Earley's involvement in the American tournament scene formed part of his continuing participation in competitive paintball after moving from New Zealand.
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| == Paintball administration ==
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| === New Zealand Paintball Association ===
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| Earley was involved in efforts to develop organised paintball administration in New Zealand.
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| His activities included work associated with the [[New Zealand Paintball Association]], including matters relating to the sport's regulatory environment and its recognition as an organised sporting activity.
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| His broader involvement in New Zealand paintball included assisting with tournament organisation, league operations and officiating.
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| The precise dates and formal titles of his New Zealand administrative appointments require further documentary verification.
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| === Tournament refereeing ===
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| Earley has worked as a tournament referee and has held head-referee responsibilities at paintball competitions.
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| His experience includes domestic and international paintball environments.
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| These activities formed part of his involvement in the sport beyond competitive participation and commercial field operations.
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| A complete list of his officiating appointments has not been independently established.
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| == Malta Paintball ==
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| === Involvement in Malta ===
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| Earley moved to Gozo, Malta, in 2024.
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| He subsequently became involved in efforts to develop organised competitive paintball in Malta.
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| His activities have included supporting [[Malta Paintball]], the voluntary organisation representing and developing the sport nationally.
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| The organisation is registered in Malta under voluntary organisation number VO/2678.
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| Malta Paintball is affiliated with the [[European Paintball Federation]] and participates in international paintball activities.
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| Earley serves as a non-executive strategic adviser to the organisation, supporting its communications, administration and international relationships.
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| === International competition ===
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| Malta Paintball participated in the [[Central Paintball Premier Series]] (CPPS) in the United Kingdom during 2025 and 2026.
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| The organisation also supported Malta's first participation in the [[UPBF World Championship Nations Cup]] in Dreux, France, in September 2026.
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| The national team's debut was part of the NXL European Championships programme.
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| Earley was involved in the organisation's international participation and communications.
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| A Malta Paintball report published in October 2026 identified Earley as a member of the support staff for The Leftovers III during the 2026 NXL European Championships.[5]
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| === Player development ===
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| Earley has supported initiatives intended to develop regular tournament paintball participation in Malta.
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| These have included:
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| * Establishing relationships with international tournament organisations
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| * Supporting the development of tournament training facilities
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| * Assisting with equipment and infrastructure planning
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| * Promoting introductory opportunities for new players
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| * Supporting international tournament participation
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| * Developing communications and administrative systems
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| * Supporting women's participation and referee development initiatives
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| Malta Paintball has also organised training activities in Sicily, where players have access to established speedball facilities.
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| The organisation's development programme reflects the challenges faced by small national paintball communities with limited domestic infrastructure.
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| == Later competitive activity ==
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| === The Leftovers ===
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| Earley has been associated with [[The Leftovers]], an international paintball organisation that brings together players for tournaments without requiring permanent team membership.
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| The organisation operates teams and composite squads at major competitions.
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| In September 2026, Earley supported The Leftovers III at the NXL European Championships in Dreux, France.[5]
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| === NXL World Cup 2026 ===
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| Earley planned to participate in the 2026 NXL World Cup in Florida.
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| His planned participation included the Masters Over-40 category with The Leftovers III and a three-player competition with former New Zealand teammates.
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| These appearances were scheduled as of October 2026 and should not be treated as completed tournament participation until confirmed by subsequent event records.
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| == Historical significance ==
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| Earley's paintball career has involved several aspects of the sport across multiple countries.
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| His documented activities include:
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| * Competitive participation beginning in New Zealand in 2000
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| * International tournament participation beginning in Malaysia in 2004
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| * Involvement in the Asian paintball tournament circuit
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| * Commercial field operations and marketing in New Zealand
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| * Promotion of the New Zealand Paintball Players League
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| * Work in the Southern California paintball industry
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| * Participation in AFPL competitions
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| * Tournament refereeing and event organisation
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| * Contributions to paintball administration in New Zealand
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| * Support for the development of Malta Paintball
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| * Involvement in Malta's international competitive programme
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| His career illustrates the movement of players and industry professionals between national paintball communities and the role of experienced volunteers in developing the sport in countries with limited domestic tournament infrastructure.
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| == Timeline ==
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| {| class="wikitable"
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| ! Date
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| ! Development
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| |-
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| | Late 1990s
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| | Works at Commando One Paintball in Whangārata, New Zealand
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| |-
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| | 2000
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| | Begins competitive tournament paintball with Team Insane
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| | 2001
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| | Competes at the Northland Open and Rotorua tournaments
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| | 2004
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| | First international tournament appearance in Malaysia
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| | 2005
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| | Participates in the Asia Pacific Championship
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| |-
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| | 2008
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| | Participates in the Malaysian Nations Cup
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| | Early 2010s
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| | Works in the New Zealand paintball industry, including Lock N Load
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| |-
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| | 2012
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| | Participates in European competitions in Croatia and Germany
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| | 2012–2014
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| | Participates in the Bangkok paintball community
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| | 2013
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| | Asylum Paintball hosts the NZPPL series final
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| | March 2014
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| | Identified as Asylum Paintball spokesperson in a published press release
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| | 2010s
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| | Works in the Southern California paintball industry and competes in AFPL events
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| | 2024
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| | Moves to Gozo, Malta
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| | 2025
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| | Supports Malta Paintball's development and international competition programme
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| |-
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| | 2026
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| | Involved in Malta Paintball's CPPS and Nations Cup activities
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| | September 2026
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| | Supports The Leftovers III at the NXL European Championships
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| |-
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| | November 2026
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| | Scheduled to compete at NXL World Cup in Florida
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| |}
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| == See also == | | == See also == |
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| * [[Paintball in New Zealand]]
| | * [[Team Kiwi]] |
| * [[Paintball in Malaysia]]
| | * [[Phoenix Tahiti]] |
| * [[Paintball in Thailand]]
| | * [[South Auckland Paintball Club]] |
| * [[Paintball in the United States]]
| | * [[SD Pump Crew]] |
| * [[Paintball in Malta]]
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| * [[Team Insane]] | |
| * [[Lock N Load Paintball]] | |
| * [[Asylum Paintball]] | |
| * [[New Zealand Paintball Players League]] | |
| * [[New Zealand Paintball Association]]
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| * [[American Federation of Paintball Leagues]]
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| * [[Malta Paintball]] | | * [[Malta Paintball]] |
| * [[The Leftovers]]
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| * [[Paintball Asia League Series]]
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| == References == | | == References == |
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| # [https://www.warpig.com/forums/fields/index/pg_Other.shtml "International Paintball Field Directory"], WARPIG. Historical listing of Lock N Load Paintball, entered 19 April 2012. | | # [https://www.oocities.org/mercstar_nz/VALHALLA/2001Hall.htm Mercenaries Star, Valhalla National Rankings, 2001.] Team Insane's three-man ranking. |
| # [https://www.cylex.co.nz/company/asylum%20paintball-18135556.html "Asylum Paintball"], Cylex New Zealand. Historical business directory identifying Michael Earley as marketing contact. | | # [https://www.wikipaintball.com/index.php/Team_Kiwi WikiPaintball, Team Kiwi.] Account of the 2004 and 2005 Malaysian delegations, drawing on Earley's January 2005 tournament report. |
| # [https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1403/S00280/blacksheep-media-release-2013-nzppl-video.htm "Blacksheep Media Release 2013 NZPPL Video"], Scoop, 16 March 2014. Press release identifying Michael Earley as spokesperson for Asylum Paintball and documenting the 2013 NZPPL series final. | | # [https://www.wikipaintball.com/index.php/Phoenix_Tahiti WikiPaintball, Phoenix Tahiti.] Sources include the 2012 ''La Dépêche de Tahiti'' report "Une honorable 17e place" and 2013 PALS tournament results. |
| # [https://www.newzealand.com/us/plan/business/asylum-paintball-new-zealand-premier-paintball-park-1/ "Asylum Paintball – New Zealand Premier Paintball Park"], Tourism New Zealand. Business listing and description of facilities. | | # [https://www.facebook.com/groups/797011917106395/posts/3518308728310020/ San Diego Pump Paintball Crew, historical community post identifying Michael Earley and SD Pump Crew.] |
| # [https://primrose-plane-aasz.squarespace.com/news "Malta Paintball News"], Malta Paintball, October 2026. Coverage of the 2026 NXL European Championships and Earley's support role with The Leftovers III. | | # [https://www.cylex.co.nz/company/asylum%20paintball-18135556.html Cylex New Zealand, Asylum Paintball.] Business listing identifying Earley as a marketing contact. |
| # [https://primrose-plane-aasz.squarespace.com/about "About Us"], Malta Paintball. Organisation background, international participation and sporting development. | | # [https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1403/S00280/blacksheep-media-release-2013-nzppl-video.htm Scoop, "Blacksheep Media Release 2013 NZPPL Video", 16 March 2014.] |
| # [https://okpb.co.uk/booking "CPPS Team Registration"], Central Paintball Premier Series, 2026. Lists Malta Paintball among Division 5 teams. | | # [https://me.sh/profile/michael-earley Michael Earley, professional career profile.] Roles at Giant Sportz and Asylum Paintball. |
| # [https://www.kiwireviews.nz/review/5294-asylum-paintball-auckland "Asylum Paintball Auckland"], KiwiReviews. Historical reviews and descriptions of the venue and its competitive paintball facilities. | | # [https://primrose-plane-aasz.squarespace.com/news/maltas-first-nations-cup-building-from-dreux Malta Paintball, "Malta's First Nations Cup: Building from Dreux", 9 October 2026.] |
| | # PALS player card identifying Michael Earley, ZAP Kiwis, PR/AM and New Zealand. Michael Earley private collection; photograph and accompanying recollections supplied by Earley. He identifies ZAP Kiwis as Team Kiwi's sponsored name at APPC 2005. The card carries conflicting printed dates: “2006” and “Valid thru: 2005”. |
| | # Phoenix Authority player accreditation, 2012, identifying Michael Earley and D2. Michael Earley private collection; photograph supplied by Earley. |
| | # WPPL/CAP3 player card identifying Michael Earley, Kacaworang and Open Division. Michael Earley private collection; photograph and accompanying recollections supplied by Earley. He identifies the event as taking place at Wedna Hol Sports in 2012 and the printed 2013 date as the card's expiry year. |
| | # PALS Thailand 2013 player card identifying Hoodlums and D2. Michael Earley private collection; photograph supplied by Earley. His surname is printed as “Early”. |
| | # Player card identifying Michael Earley, Team Southern Alliance, Mech Division and 2018. Michael Earley private collection; photograph and accompanying recollections supplied by Earley, who identifies the event as PALS World Cup Asia 2018. |
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| == External links == | | == External links == |
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| * [https://www.maltapaintball.com/ Malta Paintball] | | * [https://www.maltapaintball.org/ Malta Paintball official website] |
| * [https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1403/S00280/blacksheep-media-release-2013-nzppl-video.htm Asylum Paintball interview and NZPPL coverage, 2014]
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| * [https://www.cylex.co.nz/company/asylum%20paintball-18135556.html Historical Asylum Paintball business listing]
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| [[Category:Paintball people]]
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| [[Category:New Zealand paintball players]] | | [[Category:New Zealand paintball players]] |
| | [[Category:New Zealand paintball people]] |
| [[Category:Paintball tournament organisers]] | | [[Category:Paintball tournament organisers]] |
| [[Category:Paintball referees]] | | [[Category:Paintball referees]] |
| [[Category:Paintball industry professionals]] | | [[Category:Paintball industry professionals]] |
| [[Category:Paintball in New Zealand]] | | [[Category:Paintball in New Zealand]] |
| | [[Category:Paintball in the United States]] |
| [[Category:Paintball in Malta]] | | [[Category:Paintball in Malta]] |
| [[Category:Paintball in Asia]]
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Michael James Earley (born 1984), also known as MikeE, is a New Zealand paintball player, tournament organiser, referee and former paintball industry professional. His involvement includes international competition with Team Kiwi and Phoenix Tahiti, commercial roles with Asylum Paintball and Giant Sportz, and organisational work with South Auckland Paintball Club and Malta Paintball.[2][3][6][7][8]
Early involvement
Earley began playing paintball in the late 1990s and assisted with recreational games and field operations at Commando One Paintball in Whangārata, near Tuakau.
He began competing with Team Insane in 2000, with appearances at the Northland Open and Volcanic Rotorua in 2001. Team Insane placed second in the three-man category of the 2001 Valhalla National Rankings, with 181.7 points.[1]
International paintball
New Zealand teams in Malaysia
In 2004, Earley helped organise a Team Kiwi delegation to an international tournament at Xtion Paintball in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He refereed on Field 2 and assisted with commentary rather than competing. Team Kiwi finished fifth, and Earley documented the visit in a report published in January 2005.[2]
He returned as a player at the 2005 Asia Pacific Paintball Championship. According to Earley, the team entered under the sponsored name ZAP Kiwis, which also appears on his surviving PALS player card.[2][9]
Other Asian teams and tournaments
At the 2012 Paintball World Cup Asia, Earley played for Phoenix Authority in Division 2. A contemporary report in La Dépêche de Tahiti identified him as the New Zealand member of the multinational squad, which finished 17th of 28 teams. His player accreditation also records the Phoenix Authority name.[3][10]
He returned with Phoenix Tahiti in 2013, when the team finished 47th of 54 entries in Division 3.[3] His accreditation for PALS Thailand 2013 separately records him with Hoodlums in Division 2.[12]
Earley's other Asian appearances included Kacaworang in the Open Division at a World Paintball Players League event at Wedna Hol Sports, which he dates to 2012, and Southern Alliance in the mechanical division at the 2018 Paintball World Cup Asia. These affiliations are documented by surviving player cards and his accompanying recollections.[11][13]
United States
In Southern California, Earley competed with SD Crush in Almost Famous Paintball League events. He also established SD Pump Crew, a San Diego playing group focused on pump paintball.[4]
Industry and organisational work
New Zealand
Earley worked in marketing and operations for Lock N Load Paintball near Auckland Airport and subsequently served as Marketing Director at Asylum Paintball, based at the former Kingseat Hospital complex in Karaka. An Asylum business listing names him as a marketing contact.[5][7]
He was involved in developing the South Auckland Paintball Club (SAPC), initially associated with Lock N Load and later with tournament activities at Asylum. The club's Race Series included X-Ball and mechanical-pump divisions.[6]
In March 2014, a press release identified Earley as an Asylum spokesperson announcing video coverage of the 2013 New Zealand Paintball Players League season. It also identified Asylum as a venue for SAPC Race Series and NZPPL events.[6]
United States
During the mid-2010s, Earley worked for Giant Sportz as Design, Marketing and Events Manager. His responsibilities included marketing, design and event work associated with SC Village, Hollywood Sports Park and Giant San Diego.[7]
Malta
Earley moved to Gozo in 2024 and became involved with Malta Paintball as a non-executive strategic adviser, supporting administration, communications, international relationships and training-facility development.
He also participated in the organisation's international programme, including the Central Paintball Premier Series in the United Kingdom. In September 2026, he represented Malta at its inaugural UPBF Nations Cup appearance at the NXL European Championships in Dreux, France. Malta Paintball's tournament report names him among the eight players in the squad.[8]
See also
References
- Mercenaries Star, Valhalla National Rankings, 2001. Team Insane's three-man ranking.
- WikiPaintball, Team Kiwi. Account of the 2004 and 2005 Malaysian delegations, drawing on Earley's January 2005 tournament report.
- WikiPaintball, Phoenix Tahiti. Sources include the 2012 La Dépêche de Tahiti report "Une honorable 17e place" and 2013 PALS tournament results.
- San Diego Pump Paintball Crew, historical community post identifying Michael Earley and SD Pump Crew.
- Cylex New Zealand, Asylum Paintball. Business listing identifying Earley as a marketing contact.
- Scoop, "Blacksheep Media Release 2013 NZPPL Video", 16 March 2014.
- Michael Earley, professional career profile. Roles at Giant Sportz and Asylum Paintball.
- Malta Paintball, "Malta's First Nations Cup: Building from Dreux", 9 October 2026.
- PALS player card identifying Michael Earley, ZAP Kiwis, PR/AM and New Zealand. Michael Earley private collection; photograph and accompanying recollections supplied by Earley. He identifies ZAP Kiwis as Team Kiwi's sponsored name at APPC 2005. The card carries conflicting printed dates: “2006” and “Valid thru: 2005”.
- Phoenix Authority player accreditation, 2012, identifying Michael Earley and D2. Michael Earley private collection; photograph supplied by Earley.
- WPPL/CAP3 player card identifying Michael Earley, Kacaworang and Open Division. Michael Earley private collection; photograph and accompanying recollections supplied by Earley. He identifies the event as taking place at Wedna Hol Sports in 2012 and the printed 2013 date as the card's expiry year.
- PALS Thailand 2013 player card identifying Hoodlums and D2. Michael Earley private collection; photograph supplied by Earley. His surname is printed as “Early”.
- Player card identifying Michael Earley, Team Southern Alliance, Mech Division and 2018. Michael Earley private collection; photograph and accompanying recollections supplied by Earley, who identifies the event as PALS World Cup Asia 2018.
External links
