FFA reveal ‘XI Principles’ for the future of Australian football

Football Federation Australia have released a discussion paper featuring 11 proposed principles they hope will underpin the future development and growth of football in Australia.

A clear identity, a domestic transfer system, a world-class environment for youth development and making football more accessible are just some of the proposals that FFA have put on the table. 

After years of contentious debate about the direction Australian football was heading, FFA have published "a ‘living document’ which will continue to be shaped by FFA as it uses it as a basis for engagement and consultation with the Australian football community," the organization said in a release.

The release comes after FFA received substantial feedback about the state of the game in what has been a tumultuous six months for newly appointed CEO James Johnson. 

“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 Matildas and Socceroos – as the unifying symbols of the sport."

More to come...

The XI Principles:

  1. Build a consistent and strong identity for Australian football which inspires all Australians.
     
  2. 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.
     
  3. Establish an integrated and thriving football ecosystem driven by a modern domestic transfer system.  
     
  4. 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. 
     
  5. Create a world class environment for youth development/production by increasing match minutes for youth players and streamlining the player pathway. 
     
  6. 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.  
     
  7. 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.
     
  8. Create an operating and governance model for the A-League, W-League and Y-League which is fit for the current circumstances.  
     
  9. Ensure that football becomes more open and accessible to the Australian community and that cost does not remain a barrier to participation. 
     
  10. Continue the growth of the game by driving participation of women and girls and enhancing existing competition structures to promote player development. 
     
  11. 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
 


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3 min read
Published 2 July 2020 3:17pm
By SBS The World Game
Source: SBS


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