FFA CEO James Johnson set to shake-up structure

New Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO James Johnson says addressing how the organisation can adapt to constant change will be one of his biggest priorities.

Speaking in front of media for the first time since his introduction to the CEO role, Johnson has come with a plan to transform the FFA into an organisation fit to handle any challenge that comes its way, both in a local and international scale.

Here are some of the key points that Johnson made as part of his introduction, where he discusses how the FFA needs to signal its intent as it aims to become a leading and respected organisation in the global world.

Related Story: FFA’s appointment of James Johnson is promising but where in the world does he start?

He outlines where he thinks FFA is at today and what he’s seen.

“The FFA has been through a very challenging period, which in our history in football has been the most transformational we’ve been through,” he said.

“In 2018 we went through the congress reform – during my time at FIFA I got to see many of these all over the world and know what sort of transformational change come as a consequence of these reviews.”

“We’re also in the midst of the unbundling of the A-League and this is a step in the direction of professionalisation, it means the Australian football governance framework is becoming more sophisticated.

“We also need to look at the domestic environment we’re operating in, as a football community and we’re shifting to a model where stakeholders are participating in a meaningful way more so than in the past.”

Having spoken about the need for change, Johnson outlined the specific plan and vision that will build towards a more sustainable future for FFA.

“I’d like to see the FFA become a really unified organisation,” he said.

“The FFA needs to connect the game together, including the stakeholders, government and commercial partners.

“This is a role the FFA can play, and should become a football first organisation and drive the football agenda.

“The third theme is the organisation transforming from something local to one that thinks globally.

“We need to acknowledge this is a global sport with many opportunities and learnings that we can bring back to the Australian game.”

Australian football has seen some complex and pressing issues over recent years – as Johnson commences his duties he is aware of some key topics that need addressing.

“We need to finalise the unbundling of the A-League,” he said.

“We need to find a governance model where both the league and FFA need each other to both grow.

“There’s many good examples that exist out in the global world of football and I’m hoping I can bring this experience back to add value in these discussions.

“We’re obviously bidding for the Women’s World Cup in 2023, this is an ongoing process and part of it with a decision in June.

“This is another immediate priority and we need to look at how we best position ourselves as a leading candidate to win the Women’s World Cup hosting rights.”

Perhaps one of the biggest talking points in Australian football is the desire for a national second division that pits National Premier League sides against top-flight A-League opposition.

Johnson confirmed that it is in his interest to introduce this and are going through a process about how the competition structure would change.

“We don’t have a second-tier competition but these discussions are happening,” he said.

“I don’t see any reason why we cannot have a second tier competition.

“I’d like to look at the FFA Cup and also the NPL and how we grow these products.

“One learning that I’ve had being involved in the Champions League discussions is that every year a great competition like the Champions League is reviewed and discussed with stakeholders at the table trying to make the competition better every year so it continues to grow.

“I’d like to have a look and discuss women’s football – this is a real key priority now all over the world.

“You’ve got FIFA, UEFA and big European clubs all investing in this area, so how do we on this side of the world be a major player in the global discussions of women’s football, I think that’s something we need to look at.

“I’d also like to look at the pathways and how we ensure that we open access to all parts of Australia.

“Are the registration costs too high – can we find mechanisms such as training reward or solidarity mechanisms to ensure that clubs all over the country are incentivised to develop players.

“This is something that I’d really like us to look at and debate in the near future.”

Source: https://www.ffa.com.au/news/watch-james-johnsons-first-media-conference-ffa-ceo

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Inaugural Female Referee Mentoring Program Launched by Football NSW

Football NSW has launched the Female Referees Mentoring Program, a groundbreaking initiative which aims to support and develop  female referees throughout the state.

This unique program builds on the groundwork set by recent NSW Football Legacy scholarship initiatives, continuing to create opportunities and support greater gender diversity in football officiating.

It’s another strong example of Football NSW’s ongoing commitment to developing and supporting female referees.

Football NSW’s Referees Development & Education Manager Emma Kocbek highlighted the organisation’s commitment to empowering female referees through mentorship, fostering inclusion and strengthening the game with greater diversity.

“Football NSW is committed to creating an inclusive environment that encourages women to thrive in all aspects of the game,” Kocbek said in a press release.

“This mentoring program is a significant step forward in empowering female referees, providing them with the tools, confidence, and mentorship needed to succeed at higher levels.

“We believe that diverse refereeing panels lead to a more dynamic, fair, and engaging game for everyone.”

The Mentoring Program is designed to support Level 3 and Level 4 female referees by connecting them with experienced mentors.

Through tailored guidance, real-world advice, and ongoing support, participants will grow their skills, build confidence, and develop as leaders on and off the field.

This support will help them advance in their refereeing careers while also playing a part in encouraging more women to get involved in officiating—across NSW and beyond.

This innovative initiative is part of Football NSW’s wider commitment to increasing female involvement and leadership at all levels of the game.

By backing and developing female referees, Football NSW hopes to inspire more women to take up officiating and help build a football community that is more inclusive, diverse, and representative of everyone who loves the game.

Football NSW’s Head of Women’s and Schools Football Hayley Todd emphasised that ongoing government funding is vital to grow mentoring programs, boost referee numbers, and build a stronger, more supportive sporting community.

“Government funding plays a crucial role in the successful implementation and growth of the mentoring programs,” Todd said in a press release.

“As participation numbers continue to rise, sustained investment is essential to ensure we are not only increasing the number of referees but also enhancing their skills and confidence.

“By prioritising this investment, we can build a more robust and well-supported sporting community that benefits players, coaches, and referees alike.”

In the coming weeks, Football NSW will be working closely with Referee Branches to identify both mentors and mentees for the program.

This project is proudly backed by the NSW Office of Sport through the NSW Football Legacy Program, and by the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care through its Play Our Way Program.

Football Victoria unveils CoacHER Pathway Program

Football Victoria (FV) proudly launched the CoacHER Pathway Program at The Home of the Matildas on May 10, marking a significant milestone for women in coaching, the largest female-only coaching course ever delivered in the state.

More than 85 passionate women came together for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration. The CoacHER initiative is all about breaking down the barriers women face in coaching, while building a supportive, long-term development pathway for both new and experienced female coaches.

Coach Education Coordinator Emily Sutcliffe reflected on the launch, and its aim to build a sense of community, confidence, and belonging among women in football.

“Seeing such a large group of women all in one space, learning and supporting one another, was incredibly powerful,” she said via press release.

“The day was more than just technical training — it was about creating an environment where women felt genuinely seen, heard, and valued. In a powerful moment, two participants approached staff in tears, overwhelmed by the sense of belonging in a space filled with like-minded women who share their passion for football.

“For many of these women, this was the first time they’d ever been in a coaching space surrounded entirely by other women. It’s hard to put into words how meaningful that is.

“One coach shared her journey in football, recalling the challenges she faced when coaching her son’s team – including repeated derogatory comments questioning her capability simply because she was female. She shared with tutors that this was the first time in years, she felt truly supported.”

Nearly 72 women proudly completed their Foundation of Football course, while 15 advanced coaches took part in FV’s first-ever in-person, female-only CPD workshop, themed ‘Match Day’. The CoacHER Pathway Program is open to women of all ages and experience levels — from seasoned coaches to current players and those completely new to coaching.

Participants also had the special opportunity to attend the Melbourne Victory FC semi-final the past weekend, further strengthening bonds and creating space for meaningful conversations among women in the football community.

With only 14% of coaches in Victoria identifying as female, CoacHER is a key part of FV’s commitment to achieving gender equity in football.

The program is designed to:

  • Remove financial and accessibility barriers to coaching education and CPD
  • Boost female representation across all levels of football — from grassroots to elite
  • Provide meaningful mentorship, peer support, and networking opportunities

“Visibility is critical,” Sutcliffe continued via press release.

“The more women we see in coaching roles, the more we inspire the next generation of girls to step up — not just as players, but as leaders in our game.”

Saturday’s launch was just the beginning. FV is committed to delivering more female-only coaching programs, expanding the CoacHER network, and ensuring every woman involved in football has the opportunity to thrive. With the help of the Growing Football Fund, this program was able to come to life, proudly supported by Football Australia and CommBank.

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