Football Australia marks strong 2021 progress in Annual General Meeting

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FA AGM

Football Australia’s 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on Tuesday afternoon (November 23) via video conference, in line with the release of the national governing body’s 2021 Annual Review.

At the AGM, Football Australia’s Members voted to re-elect Amy Duggan and Joseph Carrozzi as Directors. The Football Australia Board now comprises nine members, of which five are female and four are male – a first of the major sporting bodies in Australia with a gender split of 55% female and 45% male.

Football Australia’s Members also ratified changing the financial year of Football Australia from a financial year (July 1 to June 30) to a calendar year (January 1 to December 31).

This step is made in the spirit of the ‘One Football’ concept outlined in the XI Principles for the future of Australian football and increases alignment of financial years across the entire game, as Football Australia seeks to create greater operating efficiencies.

Following the AGM, Chris Nikou was installed unanimously by his fellow Directors to the position of Football Australia Chair – a role he has fulfilled since November 2018. Carla Wilshire was elected as Deputy Chair.

Nikou was pleased that 2021 was a year of implementation and action.

“It is with great satisfaction that the Board of Football Australia can report that 2021 has indeed been a landmark year for our sport. We are taking transformative steps for the future, driven by our 15-year vision outlined in our XI Principles for the future of Australian football and by our commitment to a strategic growth agenda,” Nikou said.

“In recent times, we have embarked on crucial and at times, difficult structural changes. Reforms that will see the continued evolution and growth of our great game. I am proud to say that we have completed making many of those changes.

“Over the last year, I have been pleased with the increased level of collaboration among the game’s stakeholders. Their strong appetite for working hand-in-hand will ensure that the game will continue to evolve and grow in ways not seen before.

“Pleasingly, with all the work undertaken in developing a new 15-year vision for the sport and our clear strategic growth agenda, and in re-creating and re-imagining our value proposition commercially, we entered FY 2021/22 with a budgeted revenue double what we achieved in FY 2020/21. In a COVID-19 affected world, this is a remarkable turnaround,”

In the second year of his tenure, Chief Executive Officer James Johnson said:

“Australian football is in a vastly different position today than what it was 18 months ago, with noticeable and significant change taking place across the game this year.

“2022 will provide the opportunity to focus our strategic agenda on key initiatives, such as digital transformation and the establishment of more exciting football products, which we believe will enhance our connection to our broad and diverse football community.

“We have set the foundations for positive transformation of Australian football in 2021 and we are optimistic and excited about the future of the game.”

Football Australia’s 2021 Annual Review can be accessed here.

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Fremantle City Launches 2026 NPL Season with Focus on Youth and Community

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Image Credit: Football West

Fremantle City FC has officially launched its 2026 New Balance NPL WA Men’s and Women’s seasons, championing a community-first approach that puts young players at the heart of the club’s future.In a vibrant ceremony at Hilton Park, club juniors presented first-team shirts to senior Men’s and Women’s squads, symbolising a critical pathway from grassroots to elite football within the Fremantle family.

“This is very important for us- our juniors presenting shirts to our NPL Women’s and Men’s teams,” said Club President Tony Estrano. “2026 is the ninth year of our academy, running from under-nines up to under-16s, for both boys and girls. Today’s shirt handover by our Under 13s Academy and JDL teams shows these kids there is a real pathway to the first team.”

Head coach Samantha Geddes has reaffirmed the sentiment, emphasising Freo’s commitment to club unity: “Getting the whole club involved like this is brilliant. It’s great for our young girls to see that connection to the senior team and for senior players to inspire and support the next generation.”

Momentum and Ambition for 2026

Fremantle’s Women’s side enters 2026 riding high after a historic State Cup triumph last season, with captain Annabelle Leek setting her sights even higher: “Winning the State Cup was massive. We’re ready to build on that momentum, with new signings and a renewed focus on finishing in the top four.”

On the men’s side, after avoiding relegation last year and freshening up the roster with key signings, captain Cam Edwards is confident: “We’re ambitious, and with this group, we know we can put on a good show.”

Fremantle City has committed itself to turning club culture and youth pathways into on-field results, inspiring the next generation to wear the crest at every level.

Level the Playing Field: Football Unites at Parliament House to Back Grassroots Growth

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 Image Credit: Football Victoria/Avellino Photography 

Victorian football’s most influential voices gathered at Parliament House last Wednesday to officially launch the Level the Playing Field campaign. The initiative is a united call to strengthen grassroots infrastructure and ensure every child has access to safe, modern facilities.

Hosted by Football Victoria alongside members of the Parliamentary Friends of Football, the event brought together MPs from across the political spectrum, A-League representatives, community clubs and emerging players, reinforcing one clear message: when football thrives, Victoria thrives.

Football Victoria Chair Dr Angela Williams delivered a powerful address, drawing on her professional experience to underscore sport’s social impact.

“You belong when you play football,” she said. “It is the same healthy place to play — regardless of race, religion or background. Young people in sport are healthier and safer. That’s what this is about.”

The campaign comes at a pivotal moment for the game. Participation across Victoria has surged to more than 127,000 registered players, with female participation experiencing significant growth in recent years. A legacy of the recent success of the Australian women’s national team.

Yet, as speakers emphasised, infrastructure has not kept pace.

Former Socceroo and community advocate Carl Valeri reflected on the contrast between elite and grassroots environments, highlighting the importance of stronger community facilities.

“When you walk into a community facility, there’s the same love and passion,” Valeri said. “But the infrastructure doesn’t always match. That infrastructure can turn away the kids who decide to play later, or those who might be facing challenges at home. For me, community football is important because we have to keep kids involved in the game.”

 Image Credit: Football Victoria/Avellino Photography 

Current and emerging players echoed the sentiment. Young footballer Kara Crnac highlighted how quality facilities build confidence and create opportunity, while coach and talent pathway representative Maddison Kamolins stressed the importance of safe, inclusive environments.

Image Credit: Football Victoria/Avellino Photography

Government representatives acknowledged more than $100 million in recent football facility investment, including the state’s landmark commitment to Home of the Matildas at La Trobe University, while recognising further support is required at the grassroots level.

Football Victoria CEO Dan Birrell described the campaign as both collaborative and forward-looking.

“We’re going to be visible; we’re going to be active and we’re going to be strong advocates for our clubs,” he said. “Every elite career begins at a community ground. If we want stronger communities and stronger representation on the world stage, we must invest where it all begins.”

With the AFC Women’s Asian Cup on the horizon and continued momentum across domestic competitions, the message from Parliament was clear: the next generation of Matildas and Socceroos is already here.

Now, it’s time to level the playing field, sign the petition here.

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