Football Federation Australia CEO David Gallop has today announced a restructure of FFA’s community football programs.
Football Federation Australia CEO David Gallop has today announced a restructure of FFA-s community football programs.
The key objectives are to improve participation growth in all forms of football, enhance community engagement and better integrate FFA-s activities with grassroots stakeholders.
"My priority is to maximise the opportunities that flow from Australian football-s single biggest advantage in a very competitive sports landscape - the popularity of the game at the grassroots and our huge participation base,” said Gallop.
“Our Member Federations, Associations and Clubs across the nation deserve the credit for making football such a vibrant part of Australian society, but it-s the right time to take the next big step forward.
“My review of community football has identified a need to change the way FFA consults, engages and implements its plans.
“The huge growth of indoor football largely outside of the formal structures of the game is one case which shows why we need to adapt if the game is to continue to grow and prosper.”
The overhaul will change FFA-s management structure, priorities and strategies covering a wide range of grassroots activities, including;
• Player retention and participation growth in club, school, indoor, beach and social football • A national facilities development plan in conjunction with all tiers of government • Implementation of a Multicultural Football Strategy • Collaboration with Member Federations and associations • Club development and the roll out of the National Competitions Review • Coach and referee recruitment and education • Women-s football from juniors to over-age • Engagement via digital channels, in particular MyFootballClub • Inclusive initiatives for indigenous and disabled communities
The changes will see the establishment of a new Community Football department within FFA, replacing the existing Game Development structure.
Leading the new department will be Emma Highwood, who is promoted to the role of Head of Community Football and has been appointed to FFA's Senior Management Team.
Highwood has been with FFA for four years in the role of National Club Development Manager. In that time, she has driven the roll out of the MyFootballClub national online registration portal, which this year will cover more than 500,000 participants.
Emma played a pivotal role in implementation of the National Premier Leagues model.
“I-m delighted to promote Emma Highwood to this new position and have her join my Senior Management Team,” said Gallop.
“Emma is a highly motivated and intelligent operator who has vast experience in community football, including women-s football.
“Her work with Member Federations, associations and clubs on the MyFootballClub and National Premier Leagues projects has earned her respect among our stakeholders and that will give Emma a head start as she begins this new challenge.”
Emma Highwood has thanked David Gallop for the opportunity to develop fresh national strategies for community football.
"The popularity of football is huge, but it's now much more than a traditional outdoor experience,” said Highwood.
“Whether it's in schools, indoor, corporate or social park football, FFA needs to respond to the changing preferences of the football community and provide a connection to the game's formal structures."
Emma Highwood-s appointment is effective immediately.