NNSW Strategic Retreat (All Day Event)

17-10-2014 22:00

On Saturday 18th October, Emma Highwood, FFA Head of Community Football, attended Northern NSW Football’s strategic retreat in Coffs Harbour. Emma was afforded the opportunity to discuss the Whole of Football Plan (WOFP) with key stakeholders from the region and garner their views on the key elements that Australian Football should be addressing.

Some of the key issues that were raised included; 

• Facilities - quality and access to pitches is a key concern for members, furthermore access to facilities with lighting is necessary to service member’s needs. 
• Referees - Access to quality match officials. 
• Community coach development – community coaches need to be supported and afforded opportunities to develop. 
• Cost of football was discussed at length, but the main view is that we should be focused on value as a priority and also providing more flexibility in regards to when and how people pay, for example, payment plans. 
• Grading issues and the drop off after 11 was raised as another key issue.

Emma Highwood commented: 

“I was really impressed by how unified stakeholders were in Northern NSW. Furthermore, the group was extremely knowledgeable about football and provided some useful insights into how we can service the football community.”