Peter Filopoulos elected to Vicsport board

Liam Watson

Vicsport have completed their 2019 Annual General Meeting and confirmed that Peter Filopoulos has been elected as a non-executive Director, along with Jamie Parsons.

Ron Gauci has also been re-elected by Vicsport’s affiliate members as part of a voting process.

Filopoulos and Parsons and will join the Vicsport board consisting of Ron Gauci (Chairman), Catherine Harding, Margot Foster AM, Tim Large (ex-officio), Derek O’Leary, Susan Smith, Simon Brookhouse and Tanya Gallina.

Filopoulos and Parsons have been identified by Vicsport as people who will bring a vast amount of experience from different organisations throughout the sports industry and are both passionate about advancing Victorian sport.

You can read more about Filopoulos, Parsons and Gauci’s background below:

Peter Filopoulos:

  • Has 25 years experience as an accomplished senior C-Suite executive in sports administrations with Australia’s major sports and entertainment brands.
  • Is currently the CEO of Football Victoria (FV), overseeing the state’s 400,000 strong organised participation base across men, women, boys and girls of all abilities across more than 360 clubs.
  • His role at FV has seen a 24% rise in participation for 2018 in line with the four-year strategic plan.
  • Played a key role at Perth Glory before joining FV, having guided them through the salary cap issues they faced in the 2014/15 season, while ensuring he played a role in their business transformation for the future.
  • Has developed a strong reputation as a sports and entertainment executive, with past work including eight years with AFL clubs Hawthorn and North Melbourne, seven years at Marvel Stadium (Etihad at the time) and 18 months with National Sporting Organisation, Swimming Australia.

James Parsons:

  • Has a business degree, a graduate diploma in law and 30 years experience contributing to the sport, recreation, art and cultural sectors.
  • A previous board member at Little Athletics Victoria and Football Federation Victoria, along with leadership roles at Netball Australia, World Swimming Championships and Deaflympics Games.
  • Is the current CEO at Gymnastics Victoria where he has helped coordinate the Women in Sport Breakfast that has become a staple for the Victorian sporting calendar.

Ron Gauci:

  • Initially appointed to the Vicsport board in 2016 and served as Chairman since 2017.
  • Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
  • Significant experience in transformational strategy development.
  • Has held directorship positions with many sport related boards including CAMS Foundation, Softball Australia, Melbourne Aces Baseball Club and is a former CEO and Executive Director of the Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club.

Vicsport has offered its sincere gratitude to outgoing Directors Andrew Walton and Richard Amon.

Source and image credit: https://vicsport.com.au/blog/3487/ron-gauci-re-elected-peter-filopoulos-and-jamie-parsons-elected-to-vicsport-board

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Bundesliga DNA to the Boardroom: German-born Martin Kugeler Takes the Helm at Football Australia

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Image Credit: Stan

German-born executive, Martin Kugeler, shaped by Europe’s football culture and based in Australia since 2009, will step in as Football Australia CEO in February as the game eyes a defining 2026.

Reaching new heights

During the press conference held earlier this morning, Kugeler displayed both confidence and ambition as he prepares to lead a new era for Football Australia next month.

“Football in Australia has a strong foundation for growth. Our national impact is massive,” he said, highlighting both the immense number of participants and local clubs in Australia. He then continued to underline both the Socceroos and the Matildas as valuable assets in the nation’s football sphere.

“We have exceptional national teams that continually make us proud. They perform at a truly global scale and unite not only the football community, but the entire nation.”

With both the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and the FIFA Men’s World Cup both on the horizon in 2026, the year certainly represents a huge opportunity for both the men’s and women’s game to showcase Australian footballing talent on an international scale. But the focus, as Krugeler underlined, will extend beyond the national team and address all levels of football in Australia to help the game grow.

“Football brings people and communities together. For a healthy lifestyle, for connection, for enjoyment, for belonging, powered by a remarkable, passion [and] dedicated players, referees, coaches, volunteers and fans,” he continued.

An inspiring reminder to all those involved in the game across Australia, and one which will hopefully show participants and stakeholders at all levels that 2026 will begin a new period of stability, growth and innovation.

 

Expertise, passion and ambition

Of course, the dawn of a new era for Football Australia cannot be successfully achieved without addressing the past and current issues, while still keeping an ambitious eye on what football can become at both national and international level for Australia.

Alongside Kugeler in the FA leadership team will be Football Australia Chair, Anter Isaac, as well as former Matilda, and current interim CEO of Football Australia, Heather Garriock. With their combined industry expertise and true passion for the game, all fans, players and stakeholders can be optimistic for the future of football governance in Australia.

But while expertise and passion are undoubtedly valuable assets for the FA, it remains essential that these help to inform the decisions and solutions made with the game’s best interests at heart.

 

 

 

 

‘We Can Do So Much More’: Players Take Control of the A-League Women’s Future

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Image Credit: One Nil

Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has launched Ready For Takeoff – The Players’ Vision for the A-League Women, a player-led roadmap outlining the future direction of the domestic women’s competition.

Unveiled on Wednesday at Ultra Football in Melbourne, the initiative places current A-League Women players at the centre of discussion. Elevating the debate around professionalism, sustainability and long-term growth of the league.

The Players’ Vision for the A-League Women – Image Credit: One Nil

The vision, developed through consultation with players across the competition, calls for improved professional standards, greater investment and governance structures that reflect the specific needs of the women’s game. It comes amid ongoing conversations about contract security, season length and the transition toward full-time professionalism.

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch – Image Credit: One Nil

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch said players had been clear about the sacrifices required to continue competing in the league.

“We’ve heard from players about the struggle and sacrifices they continue to make to play the game they love, but we can do so much more than this,” Busch said. “A fully professional game here in Australia is crucial to creating the next generation of Matildas, but also to ensure we reach our potential and win a FIFA World Cup.”

PFA Deputy Chair Elise Kellond-Knight and A-League Women players Grace Maher and Dylan Holmes also addressed media, reinforcing the importance of player voices in shaping the future of the competition.

The PFA said Ready For Takeoff provides a clear, achievable framework for the continued evolution of the A-League Women. The initiative urges stakeholders to work collaboratively with players to ensure the league’s growth matches the talent, ambition and momentum of women’s football in Australia.

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