Sydney FC Confirmed Changes to Executive Leadership

Avatar
A-League reach scoring and viewership record
Image Credit: IOIO IMAGES / Shutterstock.com

Sydney FC has made structural changes to its executive leadership team, as Chief Executive Officer Mark Aubrey steps down.

The board and the CEO jointly undertook a management restructure process to realign the club for the future.

The aim is to leverage the Board’s extensive expertise and strengthen the club’s position in an increasingly global football market.

The restructure will enable Sydney FC’s commercial and football divisions to connect directly to the Board through dedicated sub-committees.

This move will establish a more active, hands-on connection with the club’s leadership and enhance the quality of governance.

Executive Vice Chairman Sebastian Gray will serve as the main liaison between the club’s executive team and the Board.

Additionally, this new model will allow the club to benefit from the diverse expertise of its directors across key areas, including international business, finance, technology, brand, legal, professional football, and strategic growth.

Sydney FC Chairman, Dr Jan Hendrik Voss, commented on the implications of the restructure.

“We are very excited about the future and this decision creates a more dynamic structure that draws on the significant skills of our directors, ensuring a more direct impact on the Club’s growth,” he said via press release.

“With the expertise of our Board more closely connected to the Club than ever before, there is exciting work already underway to strengthen our football division, elevate our commercial partnerships and fan experiences, and expand our international reach.”

“Mark has been an excellent CEO, I want to thank him for his invaluable contributions over the past two years and the incredible professionalism and selfless dedication to the future of Sydney FC.”

Sydney FC CEO, Mark Aubrey reflected on his time leading the club.

“It was an incredible privilege for me to lead this great Club and team over the past two years and I am proud of our achievements,” he said via press release.

“There is so much opportunity ahead for Sydney FC and I wish the Club and Board every success in the future as I cheer on from the sidelines.”

Aubrey will remain for the next month to ensure a thorough handover.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Football NSW calls on clubs to Make It Red for Heart Health Round

Avatar
Image Credit: Shutterstock

Football NSW is calling on clubs and associations across the state to register for the 2026 Make It Red campaign, joining a national awareness movement aimed at reducing heart-related deaths on sporting grounds ahead of Heart Health Round on the weekend of June 5 to 7.

The campaign, developed by the Heartbeat of Football Foundation, asks sporting clubs to wear red, raise funds and build awareness around heart disease and sudden cardiac arrest, which is the leading single cause of disease burden and death in Australia for both men and women, and one that health authorities say is largely preventable through modifiable risk factors.

The call to action comes as the Foundation continues its work to map and register Automated External Defibrillators across NSW sporting facilities, a project that has already engaged twelve football associations and fed data into both the NSW Ambulance GoodSAM registry and NSW Health’s public AED map. The availability of a functioning, registered AED on site is among the most significant determinants of survival following sudden cardiac arrest, with survival rates declining sharply for every minute without defibrillation.

Football NSW is encouraging clubs to engage with the campaign across three areas. Clubs can register for the Make It Red campaign to help fund research, education and prevention programs. Participants, particularly those aged over 35, are encouraged to seek a free heart health screening test from their local GP or enquire about hosting a Heartbeat of Football testing day. Clubs are also urged to ensure their grounds have active, accessible AEDs in place, with guidance available through Football NSW’s Rescue Ready Guide.

The Make It Red campaign runs from June 5 to July 12, with Heart Health Round taking place across the opening weekend. Clubs can register and access participation resources at makeitred.org.

Community Spirit Shines on AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026

Avatar
Image credit: Football Australia

This week, Football Australia (FA) celebrated AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026, championing the people and communities who continue to hold up a safe, inclusive and supportive environment in the football landscape.

‘For all, for life’

In collaboration with Football NSW, Canterbury Football Association and community club, Balmain & District Football Club, the day reflected the very best of what football provides.

The event brought in participants of all ages – from 4-74 years-old – and reached a total of 400 people. Girls-only programs, all-abilities sessions and over-age football ensured all were catered for.

Such a diverse range of participants builds on a wider drive during FIFA World Football Week, which seeks to promote the sport not just as the dazzling lights of 100,000-seater stadiums, but as a way to foster community spirit and social development.

Furthermore, FA support through its Club Changer program was a welcome addition to the action, emphasising the organisation’s commitment to nurture a real love for the game across communities in Australia.

“Through Club Changer we support our clubs to provide a safe, fun and enjoyable environment where everyone is welcome; whether that be as a player, volunteer, referee or supporter,” explained National Program Manager Club Development at FA, Grace Lambourne.

“Everyone should feel they belong and are welcome to play, stay, and love the game.”

 

A welcome celebration

While the upcoming FIFA World Cup will no doubt inspire millions of future Socceroos and Matildas, events like the AFC Grassroots Football Day represent something beyond just inspiration.

It is a platform. An opportunity to express a love for football and to connect with others while doing so.

And connections between the professional and grassroots game is more important than ever if Australia is to nurture the next generation of talent.

This is particularly clear in the rise of women’s football across the nation. Since the FIFA Women’s World Cup, female participation rose by 32%, and registrations for the MiniTillies Program skyrocketed from 264 in 2023, to 1223 in 2024.

The professionals spark passion. But communities turn that passion into playing time.

That is why celebrating grassroots football – and the volunteers and families who sustain it – is a vital part of Australia’s football future. Together, FA and the AFC are creating strong foundations built on positivity, engagement, and inclusivity for all with a love for the beautiful game.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend