Football Federation Victoria (FFV) today announced the first phase of its comprehensive review of the competition structure for football in Victoria has now been completed.
Tasked with delivering an enhanced football experience for all senior and junior players, the review which commenced in October 2017, sought to identify the optimum competition model for Men's and Boys' football (Phase 1) and Women's and Girls' football (Phase 2).
In line with FFV’s strategic priorities, independent sports consultancy firm Sports Business Partners (SBP) were commissioned to conduct an independent review of Men’s and Boys’ football in Victoria and worked collaboratively with FFV via a dedicated Review Steering Committee. The process was the single biggest review ever conducted by the FFV, a process which has been open and transparent throughout and has considered the thoughts, views and opinions of all stakeholders.
SBP and FFV engaged a wide range of stakeholders through a variety of methods including:
- An online survey with 3,670 responses across all segments of the Victorian football community. (Players, Parents, Coaches, Referees, Administrators, Volunteers etc.). This included 18,000 free responses.
- SBP conducted 28 in-depth one on one interviews with Club Administrators, Players, Parents, Coaches and Referees and FFV Staff.
- Two Regional Forums in Wangaratta and Ballarat.
- Three Key Stakeholder Forums with representatives from Local Government, Community Clubs & Coaches.
- Detailed review of 53 Key Documents and Correspondence shared with SBP and FFV.
- One Optimal Junior Competition Model Workshop attended by 30 various stakeholders and industry experts
- Ongoing liaison with Football Federation Australia (FFA).
- Engagement of subject matter experts including Technical Directors and Senior Club Administrators.
Phase 1 of the report was tabled at a recent FFV Board meeting. The Board noted the report, acknowledged the professionalism of the process, thanked both SBP and the Steering Committee for their significant contribution to the report.
The Board now seek to finalise the Review and approve the recommendations presented upon further consultation and engagement with key stakeholders around proposed competition changes and key timelines.
Former Socceroo Gary Cole has been leading the dedicated Steering Committee.
“This report provides an opportunity to re-set Football in Victoria. It would allow Clubs to be Clubs again and work towards lowering the cost of football.” Cole said.
“We were committed to delivering a comprehensive review by May 2018 and I am pleased to say we have met this deadline.
“I am proud of the work completed by our Steering Committee and independent experts that have assisted us through this process. They have been open, honest and worked very hard to ensure we maintained our focus for “The Good of the Game” and for this I would like to thank them all. We have also benefitted enormously from the expertise, guidance and diligence of Sports Business Partners and we must thank them sincerely for a job well done.”
Phase 2 of the Review will see a similar process followed for Women’s and Girls Football which will commence in August/October 2018 with a new Steering Committee appointed.
FFV Media Contact:
Teo Pellizzeri, Football Federation Victoria
FFV Media and Communications Manager
Ph: 9474 1800
communications@ffv.org.au
Football Competition Review: Steering Committee (Phase 1)
Chairperson
Gary Cole (Former Socceroo) (Resigned upon commencement of employment with FFV in March 2018)
Expert Adviser
Dr Ron Smith (Former Socceroos Technical Analyst)
Football Federation Victoria (FFV) Representatives
- Sezar Jakupi (Board Director)
- Nicholas Tsiaras (Board Director)
Local Government Representative
- Joe Luppino (Unit Manager Recreation Services at Moreland City Council)
Regional Football Representatives
- Pedro Afonso (Zone Representative – Goulburn North East)
- Adam Woods (Zone Representative - Loddon Mallee)
Men’s Football Representative*
- Ezel Hikmet (Resigned upon commencement of employment with FFV in March 2018)
- Harry Zaitman (Chairperson of the Men's Standing Committee)
Coaches Representatives
- Ian Greener (Former VIS Football Head Coach)
Junior Football Representatives*
- John Nekic
- Steve Black
- Kon Giannakaros
Referees Representative
- Ivan Galjar (Chairperson of the Referees Standing Committee)
Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) Representatives
- John Didulica (PFA Chief Executive Officer)
- Simon Colosimo (PFA Player Relations Manager & Former Socceroo)
Association of Australian Football Clubs Representative
- Dean Hennessey (AAFC Board Member VIC)
Football Federation Australia (FFA) Representatives
- Emma Highwood (FFA Head of Community, Football Development and Women's Football)
- Eric Abrams (FFA Technical Director)
School Sport Victoria Representative
- Lou Simopoulos
*Additional committee members may be added as a result of the recent member and standing committee elections.