Football Federation Australia yesterday released a discussion paper that will be used to shape the future of football in the country.
Titled ‘XI Principles for the future of Australian football’, the document proposes a plan that focuses on establishing a clear identity for the game, a world-class environment for youth development and the creation of a domestic transfer system, amongst other points.
FFA CEO James Johnson believes it is the right time to get the ball rolling on possible changes to the sport, after receiving substantial feedback about the state of the game in his first six months in the job.
“Throughout the course of 2020 FFA has received extensive feedback in relation to areas of possible transformation from stakeholders, partners and participants across the Australian football ecosystem,” Johnson said.
“Based on this feedback, FFA has developed the eleven principles outlined in the document, supported by a range of proposed measures that could be introduced in pursuit of these principles.
“The eleven principles cover a wide cross-section of the Australian game and seeks to address some of the major challenges it faces today – from the development of Australia’s football identity, to the optimisation of competition structures, the establishment of world class youth development pathways, and the ongoing positioning of Australia’s national teams – especially the Westfield Matildas and Socceroos – as the unifying symbols of the sport.”
From Monday, FFA will release a number of surveys on the principles listed, giving the football community the chance to provide feedback and express their views.
Those eleven principles are:
- Build a consistent and strong identity for Australian football which inspires all Australians.
- Develop a new narrative for football which signifies a fresh start for the game in Australia, successfully ties together all new initiatives and distinguishes it from other sporting codes in the country.
- Establish an integrated and thriving football ecosystem driven by a modern domestic transfer system.
- Create a dynamic and engaging football product by optimising competition structures to connect Australian football; promote competitive balance and tension; promote uncertainty of outcome; incentivise sporting achievement; and prioritise the fan experience.
- Create a world class environment for youth development/production by increasing match minutes for youth players and streamlining the player pathway.
- Create a strong culture around coach development by emphasising the importance of the role as a skilled position and a vital link in player development.
- Transition towards a modern, fit-for-purpose governance framework for football in Australia in line with global standards and best-practice sports governance in Australia.
- Create an operating and governance model for the A-League, W-League and Y-League which is fit for the current circumstances.
- Ensure that football becomes more open and accessible to the Australian community and that cost does not remain a barrier to participation.
- Continue the growth of the game by driving participation of women and girls and enhancing existing competition structures to promote player development.
- Position the Westfield Matildas and the Socceroos as the unifying symbols of the game and heroes who epitomise the Australian football identity to inspire every young Australian regardless of their ability or background.
View the full ‘XI Principles’ document here.
