2023 Annual Report Football NSW

CHAIR’S REPORT

GILBERT LORQUET

Three years as the Chair of Football NSW has been an absolute privilege and I sincerely thank my Board colleagues for their ongoing support and commitment to the game.

2023 saw Fiona Lang finish her tenure on the Board and I thank her for the important leadership role provided as Deputy Chair. We also farewelled Morris Iemma who vacated his position and I thank him for his contributions over recent years.

We were, however, delighted to welcome Steve Bond, a highly accomplished communications expert, and Meghan Senior, an experienced government and corporate affairs professional, to the Board through the year. With Stephanie Brantz also filling the role of Deputy Chair, I am filled with confidence at the wide array of expertise among my colleagues on the Board.

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Following COVID-19 and wet weather interruptions in recent seasons, we were thrilled to see junior player numbers reaching record levels and competitions being completed in full across all Associations.

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As always, a massive thank you to each and every Association administrator, club volunteer, coach and referee who help ensure our participants can enjoy a positive football experience for all.

The co-hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ (FWWC2023) was, of course, a highlight for most of us this year. Football NSW was proud to host the Spanish, French and Danish Women’s National teams in the lead-up to and during the tournament, cementing Valentine Sports Park’s reputation as a world-class football facility.

We were overwhelmed by the support from both within and external to the football family throughout the tournament as football illustrated itself, once again, to be unmatched as a truly global game. The Australian Government’s announcement of a $200 million investment into female sport was welcomed by the industry, however it is important that football remains the primary benefactor of such investment.

We have already seen a swarm of new registrations to our Summer Football competitions following the FWWC2023 and all signs indicate we will see the unprecedented interest translate into significant growth in 2024. It is imperative that we, as a sport, can continue to provide opportunities to all who want to play our game. We vitally need more investment in community infrastructure from all levels of Government to achieve this and Football NSW, together with our Member Associations and Football Australia, will continue its strong advocacy to Government.

2023 saw the first 12 months of operation with new CEO John Tsatsimas and the Football NSW Strategic Plan (2023-2026) firmly in place. It has been invigorating to see John instil his deep passion for the sport into the organisation and this is already being reflected with the progress made across the five key growth pillars of the Strategic Plan. Some noteworthy achievements have included the 40% increase in female Summer Football players, the exponential increase in the digital reach of our competitions and the delivery of new coach development initiatives across the state in support of positive player experiences.

A final thank you goes to the entire Football NSW staffing team for your hard work and dedication over the past year. With John at the helm, backed by a strong support team, the Board is incredibly positive about what lies ahead for the Football NSW community.

Throughout 2023, we were proud to continue delivering the $10 million NSW Government investment in community football through the NSW Football Legacy Program. We are thrilled to now have the Hon. Stephen Kamper, an avid football enthusiast, as the Minister for Sport and we look forward to continued support and investment from the Minns Labor Government in our game.

Reflecting upon my first 12 months as CEO of Football NSW, I am incredibly proud of what our community has achieved in one of Australian football’s biggest years to date.

2023 brought a record number of junior participants for Football NSW, illustrating a bright future ahead for our game. Thank you to our Clubs, Associations and the thousands of local volunteers who ensure community football continues to provide enjoyment for participants of all ages and abilities.

Ahead of a monumental year for women’s football, Football NSW was proud to launch the Sapphire Cup women’s knockout competition. Replicating the men’s Waratah Cup, the competition was an important step towards gender parity and I congratulate APIA Leichhardt FC on being crowned the inaugural Champions.

The 2023 season saw our NPL NSW and Football NSW Leagues incorporate an expanded format while introducing promotion/ relegation play-offs in the men’s leagues. We were thrilled to see the community get behind our clubs and competitions throughout the season and look forward to seeing the return of the men’s Championship Series in 2024.

In May, the Football NSW community delivered its largest ever Female Football Week, incorporating 47 community events and celebrating female coaches, referees, volunteers and administrators from across the football family. Additionally, Football NSW was delighted to deliver a series of panels and workshops featuring numerous industry experts to promote the wide variety of opportunities that exist for women in football.

Football NSW hosted the 2023 NAIDOC Cup at Valentine Sports Park in early July. With the support of the NSW Football Legacy Program, the Cup was extended to a three-day event while doubling the number of players and teams participating. It was fantastic to see over 150 First Nations players, coaches and referees representing their culture, with Football NSW’s Cup victory providing an added bonus to a truly uplifting event.

The year was headlined by the co-hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, during which NSW played host to 11 matches. As a

JOHN TSATSIMAS

world-class multi-purpose sports facility, Football NSW’s Valentine Sports Park fulfilled its role as an official FIFA training site, playing host to the French Women’s National team throughout the group stages before welcoming the Danish Women’s National team for the Round of 16.

It was fantastic to see so many Clubs and Associations running community activations throughout the tournament while we witnessed the wider Australian community coming together in support of the Matildas and female football.

It was no surprise to see a record influx of Summer Football registrations off the back of the tournament, with a 34% increase providing positive signs for the 2024 community football season.

In November, I was delighted to see the return of the Football NSW Coaching Conference, bringing together over 600 attendees across two days. Featuring international guests and Australian-based speakers, the Conference provided a valuable development and networking opportunity for Football NSW coaches and I look forward to seeing the 2024 edition take shape.

The NSW Football Legacy Program remained a major focus throughout the year and I thank the NSW Government for their continued support. In 2023 alone, we saw a total of $6.21 million in Legacy grants invested in local infrastructure, participation programs and female football initiatives. We also delivered 381 women’s football scholarships, two women in leadership programs, 18 local Daughters and Dads Football programs and hosted an expanded NAIDOC Cup event.

I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting and getting to know so many of our valued members across the state throughout my first year as Football NSW CEO. Thank you to the Football NSW Board for their trust and unwavering support over the past 12 months.

Finally, a big thank you to the Football NSW staff for their ongoing passion and commitment to the growth of our game. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together thus far and I look forward to continuing our momentum into 2024.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

THANK YOU

Football NSW would like to thank the members of its Disciplinary Committee, General Purposes Tribunal and Appeals Tribunal for their contribution and commitment to the operation of grievance and disciplinary matters in 2023. The members are passionate about football and volunteer a significant amount of time and effort to assist Football NSW in ensuring a level playing field for all participants.

In 2023, the members of the Disciplinary Committee, General Purposes Tribunal and Appeals Tribunal were:

Disciplinary Committee

• Barry Hoare

• Geoff Leverton

• Theo Wisman

• Shane Merry

• Michael Napoli

• Luke Margelis

General Purposes Tribunal

• David Lewis (Chair)

• Ben Jones (Vice-Chair)

• Anthony Scarcella (Vice-Chair)

• Marcelo Valerio

• Robert Iaconis

• Louis Fayd’Herbe

• Mendo Cklamovski

• Duncan Tweed

• Pouyan Afshar

• Lara Nurpuri

• Jane Marquard

Appeals Tribunal

• Anthony Lo Surdo SC (Chair)

• Judge Graham Turnbull SC (Vice-Chair)

• Iain Todd (Vice-Chair)

• Iain Rennie

• Julia Sorbara

• David Stanton

• Ivan Griscti

• Michael Holmes

• Simon Philips

• Peter Mulligan

Gilbert Lorquet Chair

Steve Bond

Stephanie Brantz Deputy Chair

Meghan Senior

Brett Mitchell

Deborah Chapman

Carlos Gonzalez

Fiona Lang (Retired 30 March 2023)

Morris Iemma (Resigned 10 August 2023)

302,477

343,940

17,692

5,621

18,150

JUNIOR PARTICIPATION

Junior participation is the bedrock of future growth in football. Football NSW have continued to show their ongoing support for growing the game across the junior levels through various programs and initiatives.

MiniRoos Club Football

2023 saw more than 102,000 players up to the age of 12 sign up with their local Club to participate in MiniRoos football. The success of the Socceroos in Qatar, in late 2022, drove a surge in boys’ registrations and it is anticipated that the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, together with the excitement around the Matildas and women’s football more generally, will drive a similar surge for girls.

MiniRoos Multicultural Settlement Program

Football NSW has provided new playing opportunities for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) boys and girls aged 4 to 11 years old, including newly arrived migrants and refugees, through the reintroduction of the MiniRoos Multicultural Settlement Program.

The Multicultural Settlement Program is an introductory program that offers football for newly arrived children, aiming to enhance social inclusion and connection.

The re-introduction of the program saw over 130 young participants from CALD backgrounds provided weekly access to football, helping to build their skills through progressive activities and games.

The program will continue to build in 2024, with the key aim being to transition participants into winter club football.

Community Activations

Football NSW visited over 60 local Club presentations, come and try days, as well as other community and promotional events throughout 2023.

In 2024, Football NSW look forward to supporting even more local Club and community events throughout the season as a means of engaging both current and potentially future participants to embrace the beautiful game.

FEMALE FOOTBALL

Football NSW looked to support Clubs and Associations to maximise the benefit of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ (FWWC2023) through the delivery of female football programs and initiatives through the year.

Girls Love Football

With the hosting of the FWWC2023, Clubs and Associations looked at ways to capture the newly engaged girls within their local areas. The Girls Love Football Program was just one opportunity clubs could use to capitalise on the spike of interest to play football.

The Girls Love Football Program engages girls aged 12 – 17 years, focusing on the basic skills and rules of the game. In 2023, 200 new football participants commenced their footballing journey across four hubs.

In April, Football NSW hosted a Legacy Gala Day where participants from our Girls Love Football programs were engaged, seeing 110 participants visiting Valentine Sports Park and interacting with special guest Sydney FC players Cortnee Vine and Charlotte McLean.

Kick-On for Women

Seven Kick-On for Women hubs were conducted across the state in 2023, allowing 230 participants the opportunity to lace up their boots. The programs were successful in engaging women 16 years and above, providing them a fun, social and supportive environment to hone their football skills. Russell Lea Women’s Soccer Club had over 50 women from the local area take part in their program.

Female Football Week

Football NSW was proud to host a record-breaking Female Football Week (FFW) in 2023 as part of an exciting year for female football.

The event, which celebrates and highlights the achievements and hard work of female players, coaches, referees and administrators, saw 47 community events held with over 8,000 participants engaged. The nine-day celebration featured a Festival of Female Football held by Balmain DFC and Leichhardt Saints at Leichhardt Oval.

In addition to the many community events held, Football NSW received community nominations recognising Female Football Champions across a variety of categories including referees, administrators, volunteers, coaches, players and allies.

Football NSW also held a variety of events at Valentine Sports Park as part of FFW, including its Female Football Coaches Update, Referee Panel and Practical, Women in Media Panel and Women in Sport Panel. These events were attended by many eager and excited participants wanting to learn about the various career opportunities in sport.

Football NSW thanks all Clubs and Associations for their incredible support of Female Football Week in 2023.

NSW FOOTBALL LEGACY PROGRAM

The NSW Football Legacy Program has continued to provide investment and support for female football participants, projects and programs.

NSW Football Legacy Fund

Round 1 of the NSW Football Legacy Fund infrastructure and participation grants were announced on the 23rd of January with 21 Football NSW infrastructure projects and 57 participation initiatives receiving funding.

Round 2 was announced on the 23rd of October and a further 22 infrastructure and 41 participation applications from across the Football NSW community were successful. Infrastructure projects included upgrades to lighting, field drainage and amenities improvements, while participation initiatives ranged from come and try events, skills clinics, female cut uniforms, as well as referee and coach development programs.

Daughters & Dads Active and Empowered Football

The Daughters and Dads Program proved to be a massive hit in 2023 with eighteen programs being successfully delivered across ten Associations, seeing a total of 244 families participating and 108 of those indicating they were new to football.

There are currently 67 facilitators trained across Football NSW and plans are underway to schedule another ten programs in 2024 capturing Associations not yet covered.

Women in Football Scholarships

Over 450 applications for scholarships were received from women across all areas of football including coaching, refereeing, administration, and volunteering.

Coaches

• 34 female participants completed their Futsal Certificate or Licence with a scholarship.

• Over 100 women completed their community coach accreditation (Skill Training or Game Training Certificate) courtesy of a Legacy scholarship.

• A total of 95 women have received an advanced coach scholarship to complete their A, B or C Diploma. This is a 45% improvement on the current advanced female coach qualifications and will enable female coaches to progress in the representative coaching space.

Referees

A total of 89 scholarships were provided to participants upgrading their referee qualifications, mentoring other referees, or new to refereeing.

At the Proctor Park Challenge, 37 of the new Legacy referees were coached and mentored at the tournament as they took charge of a match for the very first time.

Scholarship recipients were also invited to FIFA’s ‘Legacy Referee Observer Sessions’, where community match officials of any age or gender could attend FIFA Team One’s Training Hub at Sydney Olympic Park to be involved as sparring players and watch how FIFA referees trained.

Administration & Volunteers

A total of 73 women attended external or online courses to further their education, covering areas of governance, risk, financial performance and strategy. The development opportunity was accessed via the ‘Governance for Not-For-Profit Directors’ Course run by the Australian Institute of Company Directors, or through self-directed online sessions in leadership, budget preparation, human resources, conflict, communication and interpersonal skills.

Scholarship events

Scholarship recipients have been further supported through a range of networking and coach / referee opportunities across 2023 including:

• Attendance at an A-League Women’s training session to network with coaches and support staff.

• FWWC2023 Trophy Tour exclusive evening at Accor Stadium.

• Football NSW State Cup Final panel session with Kelly Jones, Gema Simon & Annabel Martin.

• Catered box at the A-League Women’s season opening derby between Sydney FC v Western Sydney Wanderers.

• Mentoring opportunities for B-Diploma coaches to build confidence and improve session planning.

• Online video analysis of FWWC2023 statistics with David Plowright, Goalkeeper Coach of the Philippines Women’s National team.

• Intimate evening with Lili Bai, AFC Head of Women’s Football, talking about the future of Asian football.

• Discounted tickets to the Football NSW Coaching Conference.

• Behind the scenes access for referees with the allfemale officiating crew of the inaugural Sapphire Cup Final at Leichhardt Oval.

Women in Leadership Program

Two Women in Leadership programs have been completed with 45 women from over 30 different Clubs, Branches or Associations within the Football NSW footprint participating in the program.

Designed by Football Australia in conjunction with Ebru Koksal, the program ran for six weeks and is a mixture of live online, pre-recorded lectures,

self-directed and face-to-face learning. Facilitated by Ebru (first program) and Holly Fuda (second program), the initiative looked to develop an individual’s skills and knowledge, whilst building confidence in women to pursue leadership roles. The feedback was extremely positive and the women involved created strong networking opportunities with spots on future courses already in demand.

First Nations Football

The 2023 NAIDOC Cup was held at Valentine Sports Park in July. Hosted by Football NSW, the expanded event was supported in 2023 by the NSW Government via the NSW Football Legacy Program (more information provided in ‘Inclusion and Diversity’).

INCLUSION & DIVERSITY

Football NSW remains committed to supporting positive football experiences for all participants, seen through the continual growth of various all abilities and First Nations initiatives throughout 2023.

NOVA Employment Football4all Gala Day

The annual NOVA Employment Football4All Gala Day is the highlight of the Football NSW football4all calendar. In 2023, Football NSW celebrated its thirteenth edition of the Gala Day on Sunday 18th June, bringing joy to players, coaches, volunteers and to the wider football community.

Football NSW acknowledges and thanks the 14 Clubs who took to the pitch and participated in small-sided games as well as off-field activities in celebration of inclusive football. Powerchair Football also took centre stage with matches involving Hills United FC, Western Sydney Wanderers, Newcastle Jets and Sydney FC all contributing to a brilliant day of inclusive football.

Off-field activations were a huge hit at Football NSW headquarters as face painting, a jumping castle and inflatable dart board, as well as Special Olympics Australia and Heartbeat of Football marquees on show.

One huge attraction on the day was the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ official mascot Tazuni, who posed for photos and participated in games with lucky participants. 2023 participating Clubs:

• Castle Hills United FC All Abilities

• St George Warriors

• Macarthur Magic Special Needs FC

• Kellyville Kolts

• Nepean Dragons FC

• NWSF Football4All PINK

• Balmain All Abilities

• West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook FC

• Open Goals Kings Langley

• St Ives All Abilities

• Kickaroos Hills Knights

• The Flaming Devils Marrickville

• Active Opportunities – Cromer Park Manly

• Snapparoos

International Day of People with a Disability (IDPwD)

North West Sydney Football (NWSF), Hills Football (HF) and Northern Suburbs Football Association (NSFA) ran their 3rd annual Gala Day celebrating International Day of People with a Disability (IDPwD). On Sunday, 3rd December, the gala day was staged and an inclusive MiniRoos Coaching Certificate took place in conjunction with the activities.

Para Football

The 2023 National Para Football Championships were held in Perth at the WA State Football Centre. For an incredible 13th

consecutive time, Football NSW was crowned National Para Football Champions.

Football NSW also had players take away personal victories with Daniel Campbell taking the Golden Boot and FT3 Player of the Tournament, while Augustine Murphy took out the FT2 Player of the Tournament.

Powerchair Football

2023 was a great year for Powerchair Football in NSW and Australia with Sydney Olympic Park playing host to the FIPFA Powerchair Football World Cup in October. The event spanned five days, with Football NSW supporting the tournament operations for what was a fantastic spectacle. The Poweroos had an exciting tournament, ending up 6th overall against tough competition, while France took out the title in the final against England.

FIRST NATIONS FOOTBALL

NAIDOC Cup

2023 saw the second NAIDOC Cup take place on Darug Land at Football NSW’s Valentine Sports Park.

The NAIDOC Cup provides the opportunity for footballers aged 13 to 16 to be selected in Football NSW First Nations representative state teams to compete against Northern NSW Football.

After the success of 2022, the NAIDOC Cup benefited from NSW Government investment for 2023 via the NSW Football Legacy Program. The Legacy program allowed the expansion of the tournament to a threeday event, with the added inclusion of an U14s category.

The 2023 Cup also saw the development of the new NAIDOC Cup logo, as well as tournament artwork, created by talented First Nations artist Kim Walmsley.

First Nations artist Nikeeta Haverfield designed the Football NSW NAIDOC Cup jerseys for 2023 which made for a fantastic representation of the Football NSW teams. Football NSW reigned champions of the NAIDOC Cup once again, finishing off an uplifting event for all involved.

• 128 First Nations players

• 21 First Nations Coaches & Referees

NSW First Nations Football Festival

Another of Football NSW’s favourite participation events, the NSW First Nations Football Festival was hosted by the Wreck Bay Sharks Football Club in Nowra from the 2nd - 4th November. The tournament showcased some fantastic First Nations talent, with the Newcastle All Stars reigning supreme to take out both the U14 Boys and Girls finals against Dhubu Dinawan.

The celebrity match took place and included players including former Socceroos, First Nations role models, Football NSW and Football Australia staff, and other nonIndigenous athletes. It was Jade North’s side that proved too strong, winning 3-2 in what was a fun and exciting match.

The women’s final saw the Central Coast Mariners come out on top winning 3-1 against the Newcastle All Stars, while in the men’s competition, Newcastle All Stars proved too strong defeating the Northern Nations 7-1.

MODIFIED FOOTBALL

Modified football experiences that offer consistency, reduced time-commitments and a more sociable sporting environment continue to become more prevalent, with the likes of Summer Football showing tremendous promise for the years ahead.

Summer football centres across NSW breathed a sigh of relief in 2022/23 as the absence of lockdowns and easing of various restrictions ensured that Summer Football programs could return to a more ‘normal’ level of operation. Players responded by surging back onto the parks, with a 27% surge in registrations over the COVID-affected 2021/22 season.

Summer Football remains extremely femalefriendly, with girls and women representing more than 30% of all summer footballers. Growth in female summer football is strong and shows the value of bringing football to people in the fashion that suits them.

Social football fits neatly in among busy personal and family schedules; taking place at the same place every week and without the requirement for training. The data shows that many of Football NSW’s summer footballers are not regular players in winter, thus bringing new people to the game. For this reason, Football NSW are working with Associations to offer a similar product in the winter season to bring people to the game who otherwise might not be able to commit to a 20-week season, training and weekend games.

CLUB DEVELOPMENT

2023 was a huge year in the Club Development space as Football Australia proudly launched Club Changer, the national club development program, backed by the Australian Sports Commission.

Club Changer provides tools and resources to Clubs to make them stronger and more resilient, lead them in building welcoming and inclusive cultures, and educate them on positive environments for players, coaches, volunteers and officials while planning for long-term viability and success.

Some of the early success of the program was due to the incentivisation that the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ provided, with 22 Football NSW Clubs able to participate as flag bearers across seven matches, allowing for a tremendously exciting experience for the lucky participants.

With 23 visits and workshops across Metro and Regional Associations, there was plenty of buy-in from grassroots football Clubs and Associations. This is reflected in the strong first year, with 131 Clubs completing their 1-star accreditation, a further 195 clubs completing the Women and Girls module and 259 Clubs registering on the platform.

The momentum is set to continue in early 2024, with Football NSW hosting its inaugural Club Development Conference in February, including topics such as safeguarding, women and girls participation, marketing and communications, infrastructure, grants and funding, retaining and attracting volunteers, and best practice for player and spectator behaviour.

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

The 53rd Football NSW Champion of Champions Finals were played at Valentine Sports Park on Sunday, 22nd of October with seventeen highly entertaining matches.

It was a memorable day for Manly Warringah Football Association who took out an amazing six titles.

There were also Cup wins for Sutherland Shire FA (2), Northern Suburbs FA (2), Football St George (2), Football South Coast (2), Football Canterbury (1), Hills Football (1) and Southern Districts Soccer FA (1).

From a club perspective, it was Northern Suburbs FA’s Lindfield FC who proved strongest, clinching two titles in the Under 16 Girls and Under 17 Boys.

Football St George’s famous Hurstville City Minotaurs, littered with ex-National Soccer League stars, won a record breaking fifth Champion of Champions title in the over 45s competition, etching themselves in the history books as one of the most successful grassroots teams of all time.

2023 CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

13 Boys Horsley Park United

13 Girls Kellyville United FC

14 Boys Balgownie JFC

14 Girls Collaroy Cromer Strikers FC

15 Boys Banksia Tigers FC

15 Girls Wakehurst Football Club

16 Boys Enfield

16 Girls Lindfield FC

17 Boys Lindfield FC

18 Women Cronulla Seagulls Football Club

18 Men Shellharbour JFC

21 Men Brookvale FC

All Age Men Pittwater RSL FC

All Age Women Seaforth FC

Over 30 Women Forest Killarney FC

Over 35 Men Como Jannali Soccer Club

Over 45 Men Hurstville City Minotaurs

NPL NSW MEN’S

It was a monumental year for the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition with the season incorporating a 30 round first-past-the-post Premiership and no Championship series.

Sixteen teams went in search of the elusive 2023 Premiership in what was arguably one of the toughest seasons to date.

The year belonged to Franco Parisi’s APIA Leichhardt FC as the proud Inner West club took out the Premiership six points ahead of their nearest rivals Rockdale Ilinden.

It was a tough year for the Bulls FC Academy who finished at the foot of the ladder, relegating them to Football NSW League One football in 2024.

The 2023 season saw the introduction of the promotion / relegation battle which saw another NPL NSW Men’s club bid farewell to top tier status as the Mt Druitt Town Rangers lost out to League One Men’s outfit St George FC, who took out the two legs 2-1 on aggregate.

On the individual front, the year belonged to Rockdale Ilinden’s star striker and captain Alec Urosevski. The ‘Baker’, as he is commonly known, took out both the Player of the Year and Golden Boot in what was an unforgettable season.

Meanwhile, the APIA Men picked up a double at the 2023 Gala Dinner with veteran shot stopper Ivan Necevski picking up the Goalkeeper of the Year award and Parisi claiming Coach of the Year honours.

St George FC promoted to NPL

NPL NSW Men’s Premiers - APIA Leichhardt FC

It was a huge year all round for the women’s game, setting the scene for an incredible 2023 National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s season.

The year belonged to the APIA Leichhardt FC side as coach Spencer Prior and his squad proved too strong for their rivals across the regular season.

APIA were denied a shot at the double by losing out to Bulls FC Academy in the semi-final and it was the Macarthur Rams who would go on to make it back-to-back Grand Final victories. The Rams defeated the Bulls 2-0 at a packed-out Valentine Sports Park thanks to a double from NPL NSW stalwart Leena Khamis.

At the other end of the table, it was a season to forget for Bankstown City FC who found themselves relegated following a close battle in the 2023 Club Championship table.

On the awards front, it was a massive season for APIA Leichhardt FC’s Ashlie Crofts who scooped both the Golden Boot and Player of the Year award.

Gladesville Ravens keeper Romina Parraguirre took out the Goalkeeper of the Year honours while Stephen Peters was voted Coach of the Year after going back-to-back with the Rams.

NPL NSW Women’s Champions - Macarthur Rams

NPL NSW Women’s Premiers - APIA Leichhardt FC

LEAGUE ONE MEN’S

Sixteen teams locked horns for the 2023 Football NSW League One Men’s season in a year that saw Hills United FC grab many of the plaudits.

Coached by former Socceroos representative, Luke Casserly, Hills booked its ticket to the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition after finishing eight points clear of second-placed St George FC after 30 gruelling matches.

With Hills crowned Premiers and no finals football played under the new competition format, the promotion/relegation battle took centre stage and St George FC also earned themselves top-flight status with a monumental 2-1 aggregate victory over the Mt Druitt Town Rangers. It was a season to forget for Central Coast United who were relegated to League Two Men’s, while the Mounties Wanderers followed the same fate after being knocked out in their two-legged promotion / relegation battle royale against League Two outfit Nepean FC.

St George FC’s Conor Quilligan proved to be the star of the league after being crowned the Player of the Year while Northern Tigers’ Kai Denton notched up the league’s Golden Boot. Hills United’s Ryan Woods took out the Keeper of the Year plaudits while Casserly scooped the Coach of the Year gong.

League One Premiers - Hills United

LEAGUE TWO MEN’S

It was a triumphant year for Football NSW League Two Men’s outfit UNSW FC, who took out the Premiership and won promotion to League One.

UNSW Head Coach Gabriel Knowles had his troops well drilled as his side finished five points clear of second-placed Nepean FC. In the two-legged promotion / relegation playoff, Nepean made it two promotions for the league after downing League One side Mounties Wanderers.

Bankstown United’s Mitchell Cross was a player possessed and, even though his team failed to trouble the top for promotion, his individual efforts alone earned him the Player of the Year honours.

Gabriel Knowles was crowned Coach of the Year following his near-perfect year with UNSW while Nepean’s Juston Biega (Goalkeeper of the Year) and UNSW’s Kevin Lopes (Golden Boot) also scooped awards at the prestigious Gala Dinner presentation.

Nepean FC promoted to League One

League Two Mens Premiers - UNSW FC

LEAGUE ONE WOMEN’S

The League One Women’s Premiership went down to the wire as UNSW FC won promotion to the NPL NSW. Guillermo Rubio’s side reigned supreme with a four-point gap over the strong Central Coast Mariners outfit.

UNSW remarkably went through the year without tasting defeat, such was the season Rubio’s squad experienced.

On a personal level, South Coast Flame FC’s Bronte Trew was a hit up-front as she took out the Golden Boot award, while Blacktown City FC custodian Kiara Rochaix was the standout goalkeeper.

Central Coast Mariners coach Dan Barrett scooped the Coach of the Year award and Mariners ace Kaitlin Murphy claimed the top accolade as the League One Women’s Player of the Year.

League One Women’s Champions - St George FC

FUTSAL COMPETITIONS

2023 provided an action-packed year of top tier state futsal competitions, school championships and state team representation at the National Futsal Championships.

2023 National Futsal Championships

The 2023 National Futsal Championships (NFC) were hosted by Football Victoria at the Parkville Melbourne Sports Centre. Football NSW had around 300 players and team officials representing the Federation across 20 Metro and 7 Country teams.

Football NSW 2023 Champion teams:

• Open Women’s Thunder

• Youth Men’s Metro

• U17s Girls Thunder

• U13s Boys Thunder

Football NSW Runners-Up teams:

• Open Men’s Thunder

• U16s Boys NSW Country

• U15s Girls NSW Country

• AWD Thunder

Winter Futsal League

The 2023 Winter Futsal League ran from April to July at Valentine Sports Park and the Centre Dural, with ten men’s teams participating alongside the return of the senior women’s division.

In the Division 1 Men’s competition, Mountain Majik Futsal Club made it back-to-back titles, while Mosaic Metro Futsal took out the Division 2 Championship.

Eastern Suburbs Hakoah were crowned the Winter Futsal Women’s Champions for

the second consecutive season, defeating Mountain Majok in the grand final.

FUTSAL PREMIER LEAGUES

Futsal Premier League Open Women

On the back of many players from last season appearing in the A-League Women’s competition, a fresh crop of players emerged in the Futsal Premier League Open Women’s competition in 2023.

Just three points separated the top three sides after the regular season with UTS Northside crowned Premiers.

However, the feel-good story of the season was Mountain Majik who claimed the Championship with a grand final victory over Macarthur Quake.

Futsal Premier League Open Men

A star-studded field in the Futsal Premier League Open Men’s competition delivered plenty of thrilling action.

With plenty of Futsalroos gracing the league, the standard was high throughout the entire season.

Mascot Vipers secured the premiership after winning their final five games of the season, while Eastern Suburbs Hakoah prevailed in the grand final with a 4-3 victory over Mountain Majik at Valentine Sports Park.

Futsal Premier League 2 Open Men

It was another wonderful season of Futsal Premier League 2 Open Men’s futsal which saw the South Coast Taipans reign supreme over the rest of the competition.

The South Coast side won both the Premiership and Championship, defeating Raiders Futsal Club in the Grand Final 3-1 at Sydney Olympic Park Halls, capping off a memorable year for the club.

Futsal Premier League 2 Open Women

The Futsal Premier League 2 Open Women’s competition saw another season of highly competitive futsal played across the entire division and it was the South Coast Taipans who lifted both the Premiership and Championship trophies at the end of the season.

The Taipans swept all before them in the regular season for the Premiership, before completing the double with a 4-1 Grand Final win against APIA FC Futsal.

NOVA Employment AWD Futsal

The 2023 Nova Employment AWD season belonged to one club; the South Coast Taipans.

The Taipans totally dominated its opposition, clinching the Premiership with ease before defeating the Sydney City Eagles 4-0 in the Final.

Football NSW thanks NOVA Employment for its continual support of the AWD Futsal competition.

Futsal Schools Championships

The 2023 Futsal Schools Championships saw 14 regional championships delivered across the Football NSW community, including 12 Metro Sydney regions and two in regional NSW.

The Championships provide a unique opportunity for schools to participate in a competition against a variety of schools (state, private, and independent schools) with male and female categories on offer from Primary (10 years) to Secondary (Opens) ages.

A total of 1468 teams were hosted in 2023, with over 11,750 students participating, keeping its status as one of the largest school-based, single sport events in NSW (and Australia).

Hawkesbury PCYC was home to one of the most electric Championships that Football NSW hosted, featuring a jam-packed week filled with tight matches, skills, thrills and passion for the game.

The 14 regions that help 2023 Futsal Schools Championships were:

• Bankstown

• Bathurst / Orange

• Blacktown

• Campbelltown

• Central Coast

• Dural

• Eastern Suburbs / St George

• Liverpool

• Northern Beaches

• Penrith

• South Coast

• Sutherland

• Wagga

• Windsor

Futsal State Championships - State Champions

Primary Schools

• U10 Boys: Oatley West 5 vs Mamre Anglican 0

• U10 Girls: Moriah College 1 vs St Patricks 0

• U13 Boys: Moriah College 3 vs King Park Red 2

• U13 Girls: Oatley West 2 vs Queenwood 3

High Schools

• U14 Girls: William Clarke 4* vs Stella Maris 4 (*Won on penalties)

• U14 Boys: Central Coast Sports College 0 vs Edmond Rice 2

• U16 Boys: Narrabeen 7 vs Bossley Park 0

• U16 Girls: Endeavour Red 1* vs Emanuel College 1 (*Won 5-3 on penalties)

• Open Boys: NBSC Freshwater 3 vs Christian Brothers 2

• Open Girls: Pymble Ladies 2 vs Mackellar 1

CUP COMPETITIONS

It was a milestone year for Football NSW Cup competitions with the return of the State Cup and the addition of a new women’s knockout competition, the Sapphire Cup.

2023 Football NSW State Cup

The weekend of the 15-16th July saw the successful return of the Football NSW State Cup Finals for the first time since 2019.

Following three years of cancellations due to COVID-19 and inclement weather, the highly anticipated return of the finals went ahead at Cromer Park in Manly with fourteen new State Cup Champions crowned.

As well as hosting the 2023 event, Manly Warringah Football Association (MWFA) came away from the weekend with the most State Cup titles, boasting five Champions among their local clubs.

Community clubs from across Football NSW were eligible to enter teams, with Sutherland Shire Football Association (SSFA) also representing strongly and taking home four titles across the weekend. Remarkably, three of those came from the local Cronulla Seagulls FC, representing an outstanding individual club achievement.

The 2023 event was hosted at Cromer Park due to the use of Football NSW’s Valentine Sports Park as a training base for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.

2023 Waratah Cup

Sydney United 58 clinched the Waratah Cup, its seventh in their rich history, in an exhilarating match against APIA Leichhardt. An extra-time flurry secured a 3-1 victory in a dramatic game held at Leichhardt Oval.

Rory Jordan put the 2023 NPL NSW Men’s Premiers ahead with a well taken goal in the 36th minute but APIA were reduced to ten-men following the send-off of Sean Symons in the 39th minute.

United 58 smelt blood in the air and scored their equaliser on the stroke of half-time via Leroy Jennings. The game see-sawed as both teams went back and forth but to no avail as the full-time whistle blew and extra-time set in.

The one-man advantage finally paid off for Miro Vlastelica’s men as Patrick Antelmi and Taisei Kaneko struck late to gift the former NSL giants the coveted Waratah Cup.

STATE CUPS WARATAH CUP SAPPHIRE CUP

2023 Sapphire Cup

Ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, Football NSW launched the new ‘Sapphire Cup’ knockout competition for the 2023 season.

Clubs from the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s, the Football NSW League One Women’s and Association women’s teams from across the state took part in an unforgettable year for women’s football.

The Sapphire Cup replicated the existing men’s Waratah Cup knockout competition, deriving its name from the former ‘NSW Sapphires’ team who were part of the former Women’s National Soccer League.

APIA Leichhardt FC took out the inaugural trophy in a tense affair with the 2023 NPL NSW Women’s Premiers running out 2-1 victors over the Northern Tigers at Leichhardt Oval.

A-League Women’s stars Holly McNamara and Rhianna Pollicina proved to be the difference, cancelling out Caitlin Doeglas’ goal to award them the prestigious Cup; their second piece of silverware for 2023.

2023 Australia Cup

Football NSW had four clubs that represented at this year’s 2023 Australia Cup Round of 32 qualifiers.

APIA Leichhardt FC, Inter Lions, Mt Druitt Town Rangers and Sydney United 58 all flew the flag for Football NSW proudly.

All four clubs progressed to the Round of 16 following their respective victories but were unable to get past the quality opposition that awaited them.

COACH DEVELOPMENT

The 2023 season marked a significant step for Football NSW Coach Development with the launch of new national courses, tutor reaccreditation and the welcome return of key informal learning events such as Expos and the annual Coaching Conference.

During 2023, Football Australia worked with all Member Federations nationwide to support the rollout of new course content and frameworks to align more with the Asian Football Confederation Coaching Convention. This resulted in all current and aspiring Coach Education Tutors (CETs) being reaccredited and trained to deliver the spectrum of courses delivered across Football NSW’s boundaries.

Pleasingly from this rollout, Football NSW were able to continue to meet the high demand for both the C and B Diploma courses, helping to prepare coaches for the season ahead.

In total, the below courses have been completed or have commenced for the cohort of coaches:

• Six B-Diploma courses (including one female only course & one regional based course)

• Eighteen C-Diploma courses (including a return to the Central Coast and continued regional courses across all branches)

Alongside the implementation of new C and B Diploma courses, Football NSW worked with Football Australia to deliver a CET training workshop for the Foundation of Football Course (FOF). The FOF course replaces the Skill Training & Game Training Certificate and becomes a pre-requisite for the C-Diploma. These courses will be delivered in conjunction with respective Metropolitan and Regional Associations, with delivery anticipated from February 2024 onwards.

Evolution also took place around Goalkeeper Coach Education courses, with Football

NSW working alongside former Socceroo Tony Franken and Football Australia to upskill 6 CETs to deliver the Foundation of Goalkeeping course. This course replaces the AFC Level 1 Goalkeeping Licence and the GK C-Diploma as the first step onto the Goalkeeping Coach Education Pathway. The course will be more accessible from a financial and time commitment point of view, helping to grow the network of qualified goalkeeper coaches in NSW. Football NSW has commenced scheduling dates for these courses across the state for 2024.

Peter Nowakowski was appointed to the role of Football NSW’s Legacy Coach Education Officer to support female coaches within the game and provide greater access to education, mentoring and development opportunities. Peter’s role sees him supporting Association Coach Education initiatives on the ground, including the MiniRoos Certificate, Foundation of Football courses and the introduction of Grassroots Football Festivals ahead of the 2024 season. A vital component of the Legacy role is the introduction of the Female Coach Education Tutor Development Program, launched in 2023. The program’s first intake included 14 female coaches who engaged online and in person on their journey to becoming Coach Education Tutors and delivering courses in NSW. Two members of this cohort also went on to deliver their first C-Diploma, becoming the first female CET to do so for Football NSW.

Alongside the formal coach education pathway, Football NSW extended its offerings within the informal space, providing high quality Continued Professional Development

(CPD) events throughout the year. These events ensure the continued upskilling of coaches away from formal courses to maintain their AFC Diplomas and their engagement, with the latest changes and trends in the coach development field. Key CPD events through the year were seen in the reintroduction of the Coaching Expos, led by the Football NSW Coach Development team and involving some external presenters. The roadshow visited zones across Sydney and Regional NSW to deliver face to face workshops, completing 11 Expos in total.

The CPD highlight of 2023 was the return of the annual flagship Coaching Conference which took centre stage at Valentine Sports Park in November. Held over two days, over 600 attendees attended as Football NSW welcomed international guest speakers Lili Bai (Head of Womens Football, AFC) and Greig Paterson (Head of Coach Education and Development, Scottish Football Association). Both Lili and Greig worked alongside a plethora of Australian based speakers to provide a weekend to remember for the coaching community, bringing people together to connect, network and share. Plans have commenced for the 2024 edition to be even better than 2023.

Football NSW would like to thank the entire coaching community for putting your hand up as a coach. It can sometimes be a thankless task, with late nights and evenings away from your family and loved ones. However, please never underestimate the importance of your role and the impact that you have on your players’ lives and Australian football.

Refereeing is often a thankless task but Football NSW would like to acknowledge the hard work, dedication and resilience of match officials across the state both on and off the pitch.

This year, the Football NSW referee capitation fee was removed with the aim to lower the barrier of entry for prospective referees, with the initiative to be continued in 2024. Several referee branches and Associations also ran their own initiatives to increase participation numbers in 2023, including zero registration fees for females, bring a friend referral programs, tiered milestone bonuses and club-wide entry level referee courses.

Community

Football NSW had 125 entry level referee courses encompassing both football and futsal that were conducted throughout the 2023 season (largely facilitated by community referee branches), along with 19 instructor and assessor courses, and 42 referee upgrade courses. The community referee branches, who are often run by volunteers, are the backbone of the refereeing community and the Football NSW Referees Department would like to thank those who selflessly commit their time and energy to growing and developing referees within their area.

To ease the burden on these volunteers, 2024 will see Football NSW employ casual Referee Development Officers (RDOs). These RDOs will assist branches in planning and facilitating training sessions based on a state curriculum and work to build the capabilities of local branches and their committees.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ came to Australia and the referee community had the opportunity to see the best match officials in the world perform on the international stage.

In conjunction with FIFA, Football NSW facilitated ‘Legacy Referee Observer Sessions’, where community match officials of any age or gender could attend FIFA Team One’s training hub at Sydney Olympic Park to be involved as sparring players and watch how FIFA referees trained. This initiative saw over 400 community match officials attend over 20 observer sessions during the World Cup period, with the feedback from individuals being overwhelmingly positive.

Once again, Proctor Park Challenge (PPC) and Bathurst Cup were used as training camps for community match officials; thank you to the Bathurst Football Association for their continued support in this program. PPC saw a particular focus on developing female

REFEREE DEVELOPMENT

The 2023 season saw an increase in the number of registered referees for the year with a total of 5,396 match officials taking charge of outdoor, summer and futsal fixtures.

match officials; 37 brand new Legacy female referees were coached and mentored at the tournament as they took charge of a match for the very first time.

Pathways

In 2023, 22 match officials participated in the Football NSW Referee Academy which prepares talented match officials for success at the state and national level. Eighteen match officials who have graduated from the Academy have gone on to be selected by Football Australia (FA) to be a part of national panels or the newly established Football Australia Referees Academy (FARA). Alexis Johnson and Molly Godsell, both from Nepean Referees Group and graduates of the Football NSW Referee Academy, were selected by FA to join the FARA in 2023. Looking forward, trials have been completed for the 2024 intake of the Academy. From a group of over 100 triallists, 11 match officials have been inducted into the program, the majority of whom had previously been a part of the Football NSW Referee Development Panel (RDP).

The RDP is a training group for junior community match officials to develop their skills on Football NSW Girls and Boys Youth League competitions where they have access to additional referee coaching and mentoring.

In 2023, the RDP consisted of over 150 junior members and over 50 referee coaches.

There was a strong contingent of officials representing NSW at the Girls National Youth Championships (five female match officials,

two referee coaches), Boys National Youth Championships (six male match officials, two referee coaches), NTC (five female match officials), University Sport Nationals (seven match officials) and Futsal Nationals (26 match officials, four referee coaches).

On the A-Leagues front, 22 match officials from Football NSW were selected for the 23/24 season of the Women’s and Men’s competitions. Football NSW match officials made appearances in the Liberty A-League Final, Isuzu A-League Final and the 2023 Australia Cup Final.

Sarah Ho, a trailblazer in refereeing who originally started her refereeing in Western Sydney, made history by becoming the first match official to reach 100 A-League Women’s matches.

Football NSW would also like to recognise the achievements of both Stephen Lucas and Kurt Ams on the national stage who made their debuts on the A-League Men’s competition in the 2013/14 season and 2010/11 season respectively and concluded their A-League careers in the 22/23 season.

Internationally, eight NSW based match officials were appointed to FIFA’s Panel of International Referees for 2023; Kurt Ams (Referee and VMO), Lance Greenshields (Assistant Referee), Sarah Ho (Assistant Referee and VMO), Kearney Robinson (Assistant Referee and VMO), Andrew Best (Futsal Referee), Jonathon Moore (Futsal Referee), Ryan Shepheard (Futsal Referee) and Darius Turner (Futsal Referee).

VALENTINE SPORTS PARK

It was a busy 2023 season with Football NSW’s official headquarters, Valentine Sports Park (VSP), heavily utilised in a memorable year for the precinct.

The likes of A-Leagues clubs Wellington Phoenix, Melbourne City, Perth Glory, Sydney FC and Macarthur FC all graced the VSP training facilities throughout the course of the season.

The world-class multi-purpose sports facility played host to FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ (FWWC2023) winners Spain and was the official Training Base Camp to the French Women’s National team. VSP was also used as the venue specific training site during the tournament’s Round of 16, playing host to the Danish Women’s National team.

VSP received funding from FIFA and the Office of Sport to deliver infrastructure projects in preparation for the FWWC2023, including drainage and lighting upgrades to Field 1. The new infrastructure will provide a legacy for the venue lasting several years.

Throughout the year, the venue hosted the Junior Matildas, the ParaRoos and ParaMatildas ahead of their successful international tournaments.

The facility also continued to provide support to the Football NSW community, National Premier Leagues NSW and Football NSW Leagues clubs, in addition to multiple school and community tournaments.

SUM OF EVENT PAX

Major Bookings in 2023

• FIFA Woman’s World Cup 2023™ Base Camp for France

Women’s National Team

• FIFA Woman’s World Cup 2023™ Venue Specific Training Site for Denmark Women’s National Team

• Winter Futsal League

• Futsal Premier League

• Football NSW competitions and grand finals

• Hills Football grand finals

• Pakuranaga Rugby Club

• National Youth Championship 2023

• Spain Women’s National Team

• Fijiana Drua Women’s Rugby Team

• Australian Defence Force national tournament

• Australia Cup matches

• A-Leagues training (Perth Glory, Melbourne City, Sydney

FC, Macarthur FC, Wellington Phoenix)

• Sydney United 58 Pre-Season Camp

• Softball Australia

• NAIDOC Cup

• APFA Poweroos Camp

• NYC Boys Camp

• Junior Matildas Camp

• Future Matildas Program

• TSP and GTSP Tournament

• Daughters and Dad’s Program

• ParaRoos Camp

• ParaMatildas Camp

• Football Australia Elite Matches

• A Licence

• B Licence

• C Licence

• NSW CP Training & Camp

• Champion of Champions

• Rhythmic Gymnastics state competition

• MFC Cup

Season Hirers

• Hills Football Inc.

• Hills United

• Sydney Olympic FC

• Volleyball NSW

• Mounties Wanderers

• Sydney FC

• Hawkesbury City FC

• Hills Knights

• Football NSW Institute Program

• Football NSW TSP

• Powerchair NSW

• Mountain Majik Futsal

Schools Tournaments played at VSP

• Sydney West

• Sydney Catholic Schools

• CIS

• NSW PSSA

• CSSA

• CDSSA

• Hills Zone

• St Andrew Cup

• AICES

• NSW CIS

• NSW CCC

• NSW All School

INFRASTRUCTURE AND GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

The hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ (FWWC2023) marked an unforgettable year for Australian football.

While enthusiasts within the football community foresaw the magnitude of this tournament, those outside the sport were unaware of the profound impact it would have across the wider community.

Prior to the FWWC2023, New South Wales underwent a change in government, with the Coalition’s three-year term concluding and the Minns Labor government assuming office. Football NSW expresses gratitude to the Coalition for their contributions to football during their tenure and now looks forward to collaborating with Premier Chris Minns, Minister for Sport Stephen Kamper and the Labor team to sustain investment in sports programs and essential infrastructure. The success of the FWWC2023 has generated increased participation in football, emphasising the need for ongoing investment.

The NSW State election campaign saw the Labor party making significant commitments to community football clubs, amounting to over one million dollars. Noteworthy contributions included $250,000 to the Quakers Hill Tigers Soccer Club for new change rooms and storage at Paterson Reserve and $200,000 to JJ Kelly Park, the home of Coniston FC, for drainage installation.

In April 2022, the NSW Government announced a $10 million NSW Football Legacy Program for football in NSW as a result of hosting FWWC2023 matches in Sydney. The Legacy Program has supported football at all levels through facility redevelopment, community initiatives, high-performance programs, leadership and development initiatives, as well as tourism and international engagement. This initiative aligns with Football Australia’s Legacy ’23 plan, aiming to create lasting benefits for the community.

The second round of the NSW Football Legacy Fund – Infrastructure Stream saw an overwhelming response with 86 applications, of which 31 were successful, totalling $2.67 million in funding. Across the two rounds of the Legacy Fund, 57 infrastructure projects received funding, with Football NSW Clubs and Associations receiving $3.75 million (43 projects) and Northern NSW Football clubs receiving $1.25 million (14 projects), resulting in a total investment of $5 million in facility upgrades across the state.

Football South Coast clubs emerged as the largest beneficiaries, securing funding for eight projects totaling over half-a-million dollars. In regional NSW, the Albury Wodonga Football Association received over $350,000 across three projects.

Notably, 35% of successful projects focused on lighting upgrades, emphasising the importance of well-lit playing fields for football. Despite this, 25% of football fields across NSW lack lighting and 67% of fields in the Football NSW footprint have lighting below the required 100 lux for night competition.

Amidst the excitement of the FWWC2023, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Labor Government announced the Play Our Way program, a significant investment of $200 million in women’s sports. The program aims to promote equal access, develop suitable facilities and support grassroots initiatives to encourage women and girls to engage in and sustain participation in sports throughout their lives. While the program will be available for all sports, football, being the most participated sport in Australia, is anticipated to require substantial resources in the aftermath of the FWWC2023. The program is set to launch in early 2024.

Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Football NSW anticipates one of the largest football seasons to date. The commitment to advocating for football will persist, ensuring that football infrastructure keeps pace with the continuous growth of the largest participated sport in NSW and Australia.

ELITE FOOTBALL

Football NSW continues to invest in player pathways through the likes of its TSP programs, state teams and development programs.

Boys TSP

The Boys Talent Support Program (TSP) has continued to evolve to meet core Football NSW player development objectives and provide more holistic development opportunities to those identified.

Despite the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ pausing the program for term 3, the program delivered 72 matches across 24 weeks for three age groups; 2007, 2008 and 2009 born.

Three tournaments were delivered in the January, April and July school holidays to increase the match minutes further and to allow players to experience tournament style football.

Off the back of the April tournaments, Football Australia (FA) and Football NSW staff selected players who had performed well to take part in a position specific session which was run by FA National Technical Director Trevor Morgan, Joeys Head Coach Brad Maloney, FA Elite Player Pathways Manager Ian Crook and Football NSW Boys Player Development Manager Phil Myall.

The program now includes individual player video, individual development plans, term-by-term player feedback and external experts, such as a mindset coach and strength

and conditioning, to support the holistic development of the individuals.

The TSP staff also completed Youth League matchday club reports on every Football NSW Youth League club in tiers 1, 2, and 3, whilst building a database of 1500 player assessments to further support talent identification in the state.

The 2023 A-Leagues season has brought debuts for three former TSP players; Zac De Jesus, Mitch Glasson (Sydney FC) and Zane Schreiber (Melbourne City). There has also been national team representation for several former TSP players through the Joeys, including Rich Nkomo, Nathan Barrie, Zac De Jesus, Mitch Glasson, Aden Green, Jacob McLachlan and Andre Parkes, as well as for the Young Socceroos through Alex Robinson, Jaden Gasking and Zane Schreiber.

Talent Development Matches

In addition to the Talent Support Program, Football NSW hosted six Talent Development Matches (previously ‘Elite Games’) for boys and girls across the 2005 – 2008 age groups. These games bring the best players from TSP together with the best players from the A-Leagues academies and Football NSW Institute to help the national team coaches with their selection process. These games also include GPS data, video coding,

physical testing and biological maturation measurements to further support the decision-making process.

Boys State Teams

In October, the Football NSW boys state teams (2007 and 2008) competed in the National Youth Championships which was played on home soil at Valentine Sports Park.

The 2008 teams were made up of representatives from 10 Youth League clubs; 39% from Youth League / TSP and 61% from A-Leagues academies, while the 2007 teams were made up of representatives from 12 Youth League clubs; 44% from Youth League / TSP and 56% from A-League academies.

Three of the four Football NSW Metro teams qualified for the semi-finals of their respective competition, with the 2007 team, who were looking to retain their title, narrowly losing in the final on penalties.

TSP Regional

The TSP Regional Program was of a high success in 2023 with more opportunities for matches across the TSP Regional Hubs with Regional Game Days in Terms 1 and 2, and further games in TSP Game Days during the School Holidays in January, April and July. The program continued in Term 4 with game opportunities for selected players (against

Marconi and Sydney United 58) to provide more opportunity to observe players in competitive matches. The players continued to train in Training Hubs across AlburyWodonga, Bathurst, Goulburn, Griffith, Nowra, Orange and Wagga in Boys and Girls with six contacts per term.

Regional State Teams

In October, the boys state teams (2007 and 2008) competed in the National Youth Championships (NYC) which was played at Valentine Sports Park and the girls state country teams (2007/2008 and 2009/2010) competed in the National Youth Championships held in Wollongong. There was a strong spread of players from across the three regional branches in the boys and girls teams, with the program being developed in 2023 to include more off-pitch support through the introduction of workshops featuring the likes of Nick Marr and Stephanie Brantz. All the teams were competitive at the NYCs and played positive football representative of the Football NSW brand.

Girls TSP

As the girls program continues to advance to the same level as the boys’ program, player identification and club engagement was one of the key deliverables in this year’s program. Football NSW’s five TSP coaches attended Girls Youth League matches across the season to identify new talent and meet with club officials, completing player identification and match assessments. The aim is to build the database that has been created and continue to support the program and players across the state.

There were 42 ‘best v best’ matches across the 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007 age groups delivered that included Central Coast Mariners, a tournament in April that comprised of Northern NSW, Emerging Jets

and Country TSP squads. A development day was introduced in the July school holiday period that encompassed position specific training and small sided games focusing on developing the technical aspects of the players’ game which was a welcomed modification.

Five players across both age groups were selected in the respective Football NSW State Team, whilst four were selected as shadow players. In total, nine players from Girls TSP were selected and exposed to the National pathway, highlighting the importance of the program for these players and its place in the pathway.

Girls State Teams

The National Training Centre Challenge (NTC) was held in Melbourne in July. Football NSW had two teams represented, one Country and one Metropolitan. The NTC Challenge is primarily an identification tournament for the Young Matildas. NSW Metro comprised of players representing seven different clubs in the NPL NSW. The tournament was challenging for the players as states had both Junior and Young Matildas representatives across their squads, so the level of competition was highly respectable. A jersey presentation was conducted with special guests, Anissa Tann and Teresa Polias, who shared their experiences in Football NSW State Teams and the importance of those experiences in contributing to the footballers they became.

The Football Australia National Youth Championships for Girls proved to be another successful tournament for Football NSW. Both teams performed outstanding throughout the tournament and were successful in making the final, with the Under 16s going on to take out the title. The teams showed creativity, resilience and a winning mentality throughout and should be proud of their achievements. It is undeniably a great experience for the girls, in an environment where they can learn,

develop and prepare for the next level.

There were seven clubs represented across the age groups, including five players from the Girls TSP program. The increase in player identification processes and club engagement has allowed for an increased number of talented players to be identified for these opportunities.

Football NSW Institute

The Football NSW Institute program continued to grow and deliver on its development principles. A detailed Football Plan was finalised and the products of that plan were brought to life by the dedicated and talented team of coaches. The program continues to align with and support Football Australia’s talented player pathway with a constant focus on player wellbeing, education and safety, as the program delivers educational workshops to ensure holistic player development is met.

In August, a group of Under 16s players travelled to Hiroshima, Japan to compete in an invitational tournament that involved the Under 15 Japanese National team. This was a fantastic experience for these young players not only from a football perspective, but holistically and culturally.

Across the program and teams, a total of 20 players were called in to the Junior and Young Matildas over the course of the year for various camps and international tournaments including AFC qualifiers. The program and Football NSW are well represented in National teams, accounting for 30-50% at any one time. In addition, 12 players from the program have progressed into A-League Women’s environments for the current season. This demonstrates the progress and development of players in the program and shows a continued effort to provide these players with an environment for them to flourish and achieve their goals and dreams of playing football at the highest level.

6,946,335

10,533

16,514

16,954,392

1,408,477

144,210

BANKSTOWN DAFA

Bankstown District Amateur Football Association enjoyed a very successful 2023 season marked by great weather, improved participant numbers in the small-sided and women’s space, as well as the opening of the Association’s Home of Football, Padstow Park synthetic.

After a very long wait, Bankstown Football finally had its very own synthetic football pitch which is available to local grassroots clubs and players.

The 2023 Winter competition season featured 178 games played out of Padstow Park including three all-day grand final days for our female and male grand finalists.

Bankstown Football looks to continue to improve facilities at Padstow Park to make special events, such as local grand finals, a more improved experience for the 2024 season.

Off the back of the Socceroos’ successful 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup campaign in Qatar, the number of small-sided players in Bankstown Association had a 26% increase compared to the 2022 season. With female football also continuing to grow rapidly, Bankstown Football saw an 18% increase in the number of female participants compared to the 2022 season.

Bankstown made female football a significant focus in 2023 to continue to grow the number of female participants in the competition, improve retention rates in older female age groups as well as make female football a more enjoyable experience. Through the successful application of grants, Bankstown Football was able to run a free female junior development clinic over the course of two days which saw over 90 female participants train with female and male Bankstown United accredited coaches to develop their skills.

The excitement continued for female football with an amazing FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ on home soil.

Bankstown Football will aim to run more free programs in 2024 to give females the opportunity to further develop their skills and further strengthen Bankstown’s female competitions in order to build off the legacy the FIFA Women’s World Cup has left.

The Association also saw an increase in referee numbers as well as the quality of referees by implementing several strategies in 2023 to increase referee participation. Bankstown Football developed a referee incentives program to encourage people to take up refereeing as well as to encourage existing referees to cover more games and regularly attend referee training sessions. Bankstown Football also welcomed a new referee branch coach and assistant coaches to help mentor

junior referees as well as provide support to referees who need it. The Bankstown referee branch is looking forward to a positive and big 2024.

Overall, 2023 was a successful season and the Association thanks Football NSW for their continued support. Thank you also to

all the Association’s affiliated Clubs and their volunteers who continue to go above and beyond to make sure grassroots football in Bankstown continues to grow and providing an enjoyable experience to members of the community who love playing the beautiful game.

The 2023 grassroots season was back to ‘business as usual’ without the pandemic or inclement weather interrupting the delivery of competitions in Blacktown.

The Blacktown & Districts Soccer Football Association (BDSFA) enjoyed a full year of football once again in 2023.

The challenge for the Association this term was to maintain consistent delivery to its member base of approximately 11,000 in the absence of key personnel, as well as relishing the role of a change of staff during the season.

Adam Fairley, the BDSFA’s General Manager, departed in December 2022 following three seasons where he ably guided the Association through some unprecedented working conditions, including the 20192020 bushfires, the COVID-19 pandemic and one of the wettest years on record. The Association was extremely grateful for his leadership during those tough times and wish him all the very best in his new role with the Parramatta Eels.

During December 2022, Alex Hanna replaced former MPIO Officer Sue Sim at the BDSFA office and had to hit the ground running, learning on the job as he navigated his first full season in football administration.

Alex is a ‘football lifer’ though and no stranger to the BDSFA landscape, having played for and, after hanging up his boots, serving as Club President for Marayong FC. He is also an accomplished referee, representing the BDSFA at NPL level.

The absence of a General Manager placed a strain on the office and the Board, who all had to assume additional responsibilities in relation to operations. Non-delivery in our industry is not an option and all involved stepped up to the mark, ensuring that the BDSFA was able to keep the competitions ticking over.

Owen Liiv joined the BDSFA in July 2023 as the new GM which helped to ease some of the burden but again, there was a need for the new staff member to hit the ground running and get up to speed quickly, especially with the final series’ looming.

The decision was taken by the BDSFA to host the Finals on ‘one epic weekend’ at Blacktown Football Park, which saw 60 games

played across three days, with all the dramas you could expect from finals football.

Congratulations to all our Champions, it was certainly a memorable event for those who took part.

In closing, the BDSFA would like to acknowledge the volunteers who make the Association’s 24 Member clubs tick. The work they do, often behind the scenes, in the evenings, at the weekends or even stealing a little bit of time during the working day is really what keeps our game going and without them, we are nothing. The Association would also like to say a huge thank you to our referees branch who were able to cover the overwhelming majority of the games played in 2023.

Onward and upward to 2024, with a renewed focus on the BDSFA providing quality competitions, an environment that allows community clubs to thrive, pathways to the top for our people and equity of access to football for all.

CENTRAL COAST FOOTBALL

Delivering value back to the Central Coast Football (CCF) community was the overarching goal for the 2023 season, with an optimistic look towards the first uninterrupted season in many.

CCF aimed to get back to the basics in order to provide value for money to its 14,000+ players and create a touchpoint for as many participants as possible. The development of key community football priorities was centred around what most people are seeking from their football experience:

• A referee appointed to games

• A coach that knows what to do

• Open facilities to train and play

With the help of member clubs, referees branch and coach educators, Central Coast Football excelled in the execution of its three-layered approach, delivering:

• The highest referee coverage in CCF history (over 92%)

• Most coach engagements in a single year through courses, workshops and training (554 coaches)

• $260,000 investment into drainage upgrades, resulting in the least number of cancelled games in over a decade

The Winter season saw an extraordinary number of games played, totalling 12,035, which reflects strong engagement and enthusiasm among participants of all ages. CCF’s player base has soared to 14,301 and the commitment to fair play and sportsmanship has been upheld by 239 referees, who are integral to the spirit of the game.

The Association’s community age group days at Pluim Park united over 2300 local footballers, who don’t regularly have the opportunity to play on the pristine surface. The Heartbeat of Football O45 day, in particular, was a testament to the lifelong passion for the game.

The inaugural CCF Future Leaders Community Program saw junior participants from across the coast improve their leadership skills in a sporting environment (on and off field). Meanwhile, the establishment of CCF’s Volunteer of the Year awards highlighted the unsung heroes who go above and beyond for their clubs and teams.

The North vs South Men’s and Women’s Premier League All-Stars event showcased the remarkable talent CCF have fostered in its premier competitions.

The Central Coast Mariners’ win in the A-League Men’s and the excitement of the 2023 Mariners Finals Series have been moments of immense pride and joy for the local community, holding the Association in good stead for a boom in participation next season.

A special acknowledgment goes to the members of CCF’s Women’s Standing Committee who all contributed an immense workload and level of expertise to the development of the recommendations report and 2024 initiatives. The committee’s commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration with clubs will undoubtedly set the stage for a more thriving and equitable women’s football community on the Central Coast.

Across all these areas, the Association has advanced in many ways through 2023 and is ready for continued and inevitable growth and passionate interest in the sport.

Looking forward to 2024, CCF is excited about the launch of the MiniRoos Coast Kick packs with Wyong Leagues Group, which promises to engage the youngest local players in innovative ways.

Thank you to the great clubs, committee members, supporters, referees, volunteers, coaches and, once again, thank you to the CCF team on a great year.

2024 is set to be a huge season for the entire community. Interest has never been greater.

EASTERN SUBURBS FA

Looking back on 2023, the Eastern Suburbs Football Association (ESFA) are most proud of the collective efforts to successfully deliver the Association’s core product for all players, clubs and stakeholders.

The year proved to be a well-organised, smooth-running season, with competitive leagues and cups for players of all ages and grades.

In addition to the fundamental role of governing and regulating the Association’s clubs and competitions, ESFA have taken on the direct role of referee appointment and administration with great coverage achieved on all matchdays.

This year, ESFA have stimulated player development (and enjoyment) through excellence in coaching programs and through representative teams. Across all these areas, the Association advanced in many ways through 2023 and are ready for continued and inevitable growth and passionate interest in the sport.

ESFA has several clubs making an amazing contribution towards the development of the game amongst kids and many (large and small) expressing an active interest in harnessing the community’s growing interest and fascination in female participation. It is great ESFA can play a part in their delivery.

The Association boasts a significantly diverse club membership, where some of the largest and some of the smallest clubs are bringing quality football experiences together in the Eastern Suburbs.

ESFA Clubs utilise the grounds and amenities on offer from numerous Councils and authorities across our district. The task, off the

field, is significant and the Association thanks these passionate and capable administrators.

The Men’s and Women’s Premier League competitions continue to be widely regarded amongst the most competitive Associationbased leagues in NSW. In fact, many ESFA clubs have had great success this year challenging others in the National and Statebased Cup competitions.

The Association has started to make some important changes to refresh the approach to community/club SAP in order to improve the

experience for boys and girls, keeping them active in community football. ESFA is doing this in consultation with clubs and are looking forward to leading more change in 2024.

Thank you to the great ESFA clubs, players, volunteers, referees, patrons, supporters, sponsors and the Board for its unwavering support of the Association’s team and efforts in 2023.

2024 is set to be a huge season for the entire community, with interest having never been bigger.

FOOTBALL CANTERBURY

2023 commenced a new century for the Association, in its 101st season of Winter football, by achieving the biggest ever recorded participation.

More than 18,000 players took part in an uninterrupted season – the first since 2019.

The 3,000 volunteers and officials that gave their time during the year added to the tremendous growth for the Association’s 101st season.

The Association did not stop with just seeing participation grow in the traditional Winter season. The inter-club Summer football

competition ‘FC Sixes’, which operates October to December, jumped from 1,500 to 2,600 players in just its second year. Most notable was the increase in female football across all ages.

The success of the Socceroos at the FIFA Men’s World Cup, followed by the Matildas phenomenal run in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ on home soil, has no doubt

benefitted the sport at the community level, growing registrations of the youngest participants especially.

With increasing demand, there is a need to ensure the participants are catered for adequately for them to enjoy their choice of pastime.

Football Canterbury has continued its recent trend of seeking infrastructure development of the limited available space within the Inner West of Sydney. Playing catch-up in many LGAs to bring facilities and playing fields up to modern standards incurs a significant cost. It is important for the game to work to gain access to funding for the community arm of the game. Too much, at times, is seen directed into facilities for the elite from State and Federal funding leaving the local Councils doing too much of the heavy lifting. This is a long-term process with limited funds.

Over the past year, the Association has seen improvements made to the playing surfaces at Earlwood Oval, Rosedale Park, King George Park and Easton Park. Additionally, amenity upgrades have occurred at Bennett Park and Ewen Park. The largest of the capital works has occurred at Ewen Park with a complete knock-down re-build of a modern building for use by Hurlstone Park Wanderers as they enter their centenary year in 2024.

Each of these facility upgrades and developments aid Football Canterbury’s community clubs to build and consolidate their players of all ages and the volunteers that support them. While there is much focus on the growth in the youngest of participants, there remains continued expansion of older football divisions with the over 50 male competitions in 2023 fielding two divisions for the first time.

The Association has in 2023 not just seen a remarkable year on the playing field, there has been noticeable differences off it as well. After 100-years of operating, the Canterbury and District Soccer Football Association formally changed its name to Football Canterbury. A new Chairman, and a Board in transition, started the second century with a fresh outlook for the future while maintaining respect for its past as its foundation.

FOOTBALL SOUTH COAST

After two years of COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021, in addition to the wet weather disruption in 2022, it was fantastic to see things go back to normal in 2023.

A full playing season and a final series was welcomed by Football South Coast (FSC) players, coaches, supporters and clubs.

Despite the disruption over the last three years, the Association experienced a 6% growth on participation numbers in 2023 due to the hard work of all the football family, especially member clubs.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ (FWWC2023) certainly took centre stage across the country and it was no different locally with a significant focus on the Association’s strategy to grow female football.

As a result of Ian McLennan Park being shortlisted as a Training Base Camp (TBC) for the FWWC2023, NSW Government funding facilitated the commencement of construction to build a training and development centre, change rooms and refurbishment of the grass pitch to compliment the region’s only existing synthetic pitch.

A number of clubs also received funding from NSW Government Legacy Funding which will provide much needed upgrades for the installation of upgraded change rooms, irrigation, drainage and lighting.

FSC would also like to acknowledge Eddy De Gabriele who will be stepping down as Chair this year. Eddy was recently awarded the Football NSW State Award for his 20-year contributions to football as a player, coach and administrator. Eddy was instrumental in unifying five different associations in the Illawarra which resulted in the creation of Football South Coast and the football family thanks him for his significant dedication and commitment to football in the region.

Some of the key highlights of the year include:

Competitions

• FSC launched the inaugural Women’s Premier League with six clubs participating consisting of three grades (Youth, Second and First Grade), with Woonona FC crowned First Grade League Champions and Shellharbour FC Grand Final winners.

• The introduction of a girls only U6/7 competition was historical as 2023 was the first year the Association had female only teams across all age groups.

• The Men’s Premiership Grand Finals were held at WIN Stadium with Coniston FC claiming their first Grand Final win to end a 22-year grand final drought, with a victory over Cringila FC.

• Two teams had amazing success in winning the Football NSW State Cup and Champion of Champions competitions. Well done to the U14 Boys Balgownie Junior FC and the Shellharbour Junior Football Club Youth Grade teams (U18s).

Football Development

• Numerous ‘Come and Try’ sessions were facilitated across grounds and schools and has been the focus of our Football Development Manager.

• Female football programs were conducted including; girls only development programs, Kick-On for Women, Girls Love football and the inaugural over 40s small-sided competition.

• Pre SAP and SAP Development programs continued, as did the partnership with Sydney FC for the Skills Training Program and School Holiday Clinics.

• FSC continued to support other community organisations including the Disability Trust and Multi-Cultural Communities Council Illawarra to ensure continued inclusiveness of the sport across the region.

FOOTBALL ST GEORGE

Football St George (FSG), its clubs, referees and participants experienced a great deal of success in 2023.

FSG engaged with the football community and Football NSW to amend and update the framework documents that govern the sport locally, including the FSG Constitution, By-Laws, Competitions Regulations and Disciplinary Regulations.

FSG implemented a new organisation structure, which was developed to better align resourcing with the programs, competitions and services offered by the Association.

For the first time, FSG released the full season draw ahead of the opening round, which was a great administrative achievement by the Competitions Department.

The Association recorded its highest ever number of registered winter football players, with 10,724 players in the 2023 competitions, representing a 5.5% increase on 2022. Summer Football also experienced growth with over 330 registered teams and a 20% increase on registered players compared to 2022.

Off the field, FSG engaged with Clubs and the St George Football Referees Association to introduce electronic funds transfer for payment of referee match fees in 2023. This removed the administrative burden from local club volunteers and risk associated with paying cash on the day, providing a safer and more accountable payment method for young referees at football grounds each weekend.

FSG extended its inclusive football programs, introducing powerchair football and announcing a partnership with Special Olympics Australia that enhanced the opportunities to players and coaches in the Football4All program. The success in 2023 was thanks to a community effort, across multiple stakeholder groups. FSG extends a sincere thanks to;

• Its partners McDonalds, Pigeon Football, WT Sports and Recognition, Heartbeat of Football and Sydney FC, whose support of local football makes a real difference to the experience of coaches, players, referees, and volunteers.

• The FSG Board for their hours of commitment across meetings and attending matches. The Directors, led by Chair and Executive Director Irene Hatzipetros, provide a significant amount of support and guidance to the FSG staff, clubs and the game in general.

• The FSG staff, for their dedication and commitment to growing and servicing football in the St Goerge region.

• To the Clubs and St George Football Referees Association for their commitment and drive. The club volunteers and referees are the local face of football. The sport, from the Matildas and Socceroos down through Football Australia, Football NSW and Football St George, rely on the club volunteers and referees to ensure players have a safe, welcoming, and fun experience. It is a big responsibility and one that they deliver extremely well.

Looking ahead to 2024, being the Association’s centenary year, Football St George will continue to engage with the local football community through annual reviews with club delegates, surveys of participants, broader community engagement and as the Association commences the drafting of the new strategic plan that will come into effect late 2024.

GRANVILLE DSFA

Granville District Soccer Football Association (GDSFA) experienced a full season with no disruptions, the weather allowing the year to roll through.

Due to ongoing issues with referee availability, a different approach was used this year and grand finals were played across two weekends to alleviate the burden of referee availability and from all accounts it worked.

GDSFA ladies once again participated in the Phoenix League competition within the Blacktown District Soccer Football Association. A total of 36 GFSFA competitive teams participated in the competition, with 23 finishing in the top four and four of those teams going on to win their Grand Finals.

The 2023 season saw the introduction of the Women’s Premier League competition, a collaboration between GDSFA, BDSFA and the Hills Association. GDFSA entered two teams, Holroyd Rangers and Greystanes FC, and is extremely proud to advise that Holroyd Rangers were the inaugural Minor and Major Premiers of the competition; an amazing achievement.

Congratulations to all GDSFA women’s teams and we look forward to seeing more compete in 2024. There is no doubt with the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ cohosted by Australia and the achievement of the Matildas, that the women’s game is growing.

The 2023 Cottam Cup competition, where external Association teams are invited to compete against 16 GDSFA teams, grew in numbers with 26 out-of-Association teams entering, meaning a preliminary round was needed. It was great to see other Associations supporting Australia’s oldest Cup competition, with the final providing a fitting end to the season.

The final itself was a fiery one which saw Brighton Heat and Hurlstone Park Wanderers clash. Unfortunately, ‘Johnny’, as the trophy is affectionately known, did not return home and was snatched up by Hurlstone Park after a tight match won in extra-time. GDSFA look forward to continuing this prestigious competition with an even bigger 2024 Cottam Cup expected.

The GDSFA 2023 annual presentation night was another great success, with volunteers and players being awarded for their achievements throughout the season. It is a night where all clubs come together to celebrate as a football family and are acknowledged for the efforts put in and for the hard work it takes to run a Club, especially with the difficulties in attracting volunteers.

A great night was had by all those who attended and congratulations to all award winners for 2023. A special mention to the Club Persons of the Year, Mahmoud Chekchok and Allan Barnes, a joint award as it was too difficult to split the two candidates. Congratulations to ‘Chooky’ and Allan.

GDSFA congratulates all the teams that represented the Association in the Football NSW Champion of Champions competition, especially Merrylands U16s for making it to the final. The Association is extremely proud of all your efforts. GDSFA looks forward to a successful 2024 season.

HILLS FA

The 2023 season saw Hills Football’s largest season yet, breaking through the 13,000 registered player mark for the first time since the Association was formed.

Growth was seen across all areas of the game, including a huge spike in player development and Summer Football competitions, which shows a clear indication that residents of the Hills are looking for any reason to be on the pitch.

Summer Football numbers in 2023 have grown by 1,000 players since 2022, again capping registrations only weeks after opening. This highlights the even higher expected growth within the Hills for future seasons to come.

A joint Women’s Premier League Competition with Blacktown District Soccer Football Association (BDSFA) and Granville District Soccer Football Association (GDSFA) was launched in 2023 which saw success for all Clubs involved. The initiative brings together the top competing teams within the Women’s League across all three Associations. The joint competition will again run in 2024 and 2025, which will see an even larger number of teams competing and, therefore, a larger talent pool to be showcased.

The Hills Cup for both Men (Ray Williams Cup) and Women (Michelle Byrne Cup) was reintroduced for the first time since 2019 which saw both Castle Hill United ladies and Kellyville United FC men claim the title in 2023. Both Grand Final matches were a great display of what the Association’s top tier competitions are all about.

Referee numbers were at an all-time high with several groundbreaking referee initiatives being rolled out in 2023 which included:

• $0 course fee

• $0 membership fee

• Heavily subsidised uniform fees of $150 (normally $340)

Further support for female referees and coaches continued to be rolled out as the Association embraced the impacts and hype of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™. A number of Clubs joined in the celebrations while Hills Football continued to support female coaches and players by providing upskilling opportunities and continuing to run the established Referee and Coach Networks to assist with support and communication.

Community based initiatives rolled out in 2023 in support of several causes including:

• PlayinPurple Round in support of awareness and research for Pancreatic Cancer (14-16 July)

• The newly introduced Mental Health Awareness Round (23-25 June)

• Female Football Week (19-28 May) which saw the introduction of a new Volunteer Champion (Female Football) award

• National Volunteer Week (15-21 May) which saw the introduction of a new Volunteer Champion award

The Walking Football League continued to run in 2023 which saw 20 players participating each Sunday at Kenthurst Park. This program ran into the Hills Football Summer Football competition and will see new Clubs join in 2024.

The 2023 Association Youth League season was its most successful to date with three of five teams making it to the finals stage of the competition, and one making the Grand Final. The program will continue to thrive into the 2024 season which had seen an influx of interest compared to previous years.

MACARTHUR FA

The 2023 season has been a very rewarding one for what was the 40th year since the inception of the Macarthur Football Association (MFA).

From the jubilant cheers of junior matches to the nail-biting finishes of senior finals, the year was a testament to the passion and dedication of the Macarthur football community.

One of the MFA’s biggest achievements in 2023 was the continued growth of grassroots football. The Association Development Program (ADP), aimed at developing technical skills in young players aged 5-12, saw a significant increase in participation. This program, along with initiatives like the Daughters & Dads Football program, played a crucial role in fostering a love for the game in the next generation.

On the competitive front, the MFA’s senior leagues showcased some thrilling matches throughout the year. The M League, the premier competition for men’s and women’s teams in Macarthur, provided a platform for the region’s best players to shine. The inception of a Super League competition in collaboration with the Southern Districts Soccer Football Association, was a huge success from club and player feedback, with a Macarthur club taking home the trophy in each of the age groups. The association continued to build on the success of the M-SAP league with the addition of the U10s competition.

However, the MFA’s impact extends far beyond the results on the pitch. The year saw a renewed focus on player development, with coaching clinics and referee workshops held throughout the region. Over 135 participants expanded their knowledge with the MiniRoos Certificate, ensuring that children aged U6-U8 have the best possible experience through quality coaching. The Association added the Squadi competition management platform to its resources, revolutionising the way players, clubs and officials accessed competition information.

As the year drew to a close, the MFA celebrated its 40th anniversary with a gala event. The room was filled with players, coaches, and officials reminiscing about their journeys and the Association’s legacy built over the years.

With a robust foundation in grassroots development, an unwavering commitment to competitive excellence and a relentless focus on community engagement, the MFA is poised to build upon the triumphs of this year towards an even brighter future.

MANLY WARRINGAH FA

In 2023, Football does the talking.

After three years of COVID-19 and rain disruptions, football was the primary focus in 2023 and the Manly Warringah Football Association teams, clubs and players led the way, doing the talking with their boots!

2023 was a record year for the MWFA with their teams and clubs taking out six Football NSW Champion of Champions competitions and five Football NSW State Cup titles; dominating both competitions.

The Champion of Champions triumph was a record, not just for the MWFA but any Association since the inception of the Football NSW tournament. The six titles beat the MWFA’s previous record of four, which was previously claimed in 2010, 2014 and 2019.

Pittwater RSL FC (men’s all age) and Seaforth FC (women’s all age) made it a quinella for the MWFA in the two senior age groups, an achievement the MWFA has now claimed seven times (1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2011, 2012 and 2023).

Also reaching the highest peak in grassroots community football in 2023 were the Collaroy Cromer Strikers U14 Girls, Wakehurst FC U15 Girls, Brookvale FC U21 Men and Forest Killarney Over 30 Women.

The MWFA had a further five teams qualify for the finals with the Belrose Terrey Hills (BTH) U13 Boys, Forest Killarney U15 Boys, Pittwater U16 Girls, Wakehurst U18 Boys and Manly Vale FC U18 Girls all going down on finals day at Valentine Sports Park.

Earlier in the year, five MWFA Clubs took out the Football NSW State Cup titles with BTH claiming a double in the U13 Girls and Boys, Pittwater winning the U16 Girls, Forest Killarney the U15 Boys and Seaforth taking out the State Cup / Champion of Champions double in the all age women competition.

Such was the MWFA’s dominance in the women’s and girls’ State Cup competition that they featured in all five finals, with two of those (All age women and U13 Girls) all MWFA affairs in the decider.

The MWFA also takes pride in giving talented players a pathway to achieve their goals at a higher level and this year 12 local MWFA players represented Australia (and New Zealand) in national teams.

Lewis Miller (Pittwater) and Gianni Stensness (CC Strikers/ Pittwater) played for the Socceroos, Remy Siemsen (BTH) played for the Matildas, Ally Green (Harbord) played for the New Zealand Senior National Team, Jake Holman (Seaforth), Calem Nieuwenhoff (Curl Curl), Patrick Wood (CC Strikers) and Cam Peupion (Wakehurst) played for the Olyroos (U23s), Kahli Johnson (Dee Why/CC Strikers) and Shay Holman (Seaforth) played for the Australian U20s, Nathan Barrie (Seaforth) played for the Australian U17s (Joeys) and Sienna Dale (Wakehurst) played for the Australian U17s.

Off the field, the MWFA hosted the Football NSW State Cup Finals, an A-League Women’s match, two ParaRoos internationals against the USA, a successful Mini World Cup to help inspire local girls to drive a passion for football, and a live site that saw 2,000 people at Cromer Park for the Matildas’ World Cup semi-final against England.

None of this happens without volunteers and the greatest recognition in the grassroots football ecosystem should go to the committee members, Presidents, coaches, BBQ helpers, gear stewards, groundskeepers, team referees, registrars and managers. They are the lifeblood of our game and ensure 19,500 people can enjoy their weekend football matches every weekend.

NEPEAN FA

In 2023, Nepean Football Association’s (NFA) focus was on recruiting and retaining players, as well as working to ensure that the Association’s underpinning framework is strong and NFA were not recruiting for the sake of recruiting.

It was also important to focus energies on delivering a consistent, quality product, striving to deliver a quality game day experience for all participants and their families, and in doing so, giving retention as

The NFA continues its commitment to listening to the community in many different ways. This year, the Association met with clubs in small focus groups which provided a more intimate insight into the challenges faced by clubs on a regional basis. It also allowed clubs access to Directors, Association staff and the opportunity to network with one another, building stronger community ties.

Coupled to this community consultation process, NFA also embarked on a 3-5year strategic reflection project, where the Association recorded drone footage of all venues and captured club information and goals, which will be used to reflect on again in the coming years. The collected information and footage will be used in the ongoing lobbying and advocacy work on behalf of NFA clubs with local, state and federal governments as well as prospective sponsors.

Along with community consultations, NFA commenced work on a Youth Advisory Standing Committee. The Association believes that it is important to listen to all points of view, from as many sectors of the sport as possible. This includes a focus on mentoring young people to become involved in the direction football takes in the future, while introducing them to governance levels within the organisation.

The NFA has increased its Coach & Player Development department, engaging more community coaches, under the expert supervision of Community Football Development Manager, Lachlan Smith. Lachlan and his team have done an excellent job in delivering coach education and reigniting NFA’s player development programs.

The Association has had a positive response to the Club Changer program launched in 2023 by Football Australia and continue to encourage all clubs to get on board with the program, along with other initiatives available to them, such as the CCC program (Club Coach Co-ordinator) and the Good Sports Program.

The NFA would like to acknowledge Penrith Rovers FC who were the 2023 winners of the Excellence in Club Administration Award.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ was a whirlwind that only required a few tweaks to local competitions to ensure that the NFA community got to watch and/or attend as many games as possible. Nepean was fortunate to be chosen as the only Football NSW Association to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy Tour, bringing the coveted trophy to Jamison Park for the public to see up close. NFA combined the Cup visit with the happiest of Gala Days for the Association’s younger players.

Alternative Football Formats, such as Summer Football, continues to gain a solid following and grows year-on-year, enjoying a 20% growth on 2022. In 2024, the NFA is looking forward to introducing alternative formats to 11 v 11 in a Social Football environment.

Halftime Heroes Harmony Week

Excellence in Club Administration Penrith Rovers FC

FWWC Trophy Tour

NORTH WEST SYDNEY FOOTBALL

After enduring three consecutive years of interruptions caused by COVID-19 and extreme wet weather, 2023 saw a welcome change.

Blue skies and sunshine were the perfect tonic for North West Sydney Football’s (NWSF) 15,465 registered players. The season culminated with our Champion’s finals weekends resulting in both Premiers and Champions being crowned for each age group.

NWSF’s Walking Football continued at North Epping Bowling Club and continues to be well received by members, while Masters’ Football on Friday nights continues to go from strength to strength. The Association looks forward to seeing these programs continue to grow in 2024.

NWSF continued to support community events throughout 2023 including Female Football Week, School Holiday clinics, Gala events and our All-Abilities Program.

2023 will long be remembered for the amazing effort of the Matildas at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™. Their performance captured the imagination of the nation, and NWSF are very much looking forward to welcoming more girls and women to the sport in the coming years.

The Association’s World Cup Working Party worked tirelessly in the lead up to and during the tournament, coordinating informative and well supported forums and events.

Accompanying the success of the 2023 football season, NWSF also enjoyed success off the field by moving into its new home at Christie Park. New office space, function rooms and technical rooms now provide staff and players with the best possible environment to continue to achieve success.

The Association’s representative program at NWS Spirit FC also saw a great deal of success in 2023. One of the core aims was to get the Mixed Youth League into the NPL NSW, with a focus on achieving this with over 90% of players being local. NWSF squads were represented with both a high local percentage and female players in the majority of teams and the Association was proud to achieve success by winning the Club Championship. This now means that, for the first time in the Association’s history, all parts of its pathway sit in the NPL NSW.

The NWS Spirit Men’s and Women’s teams also did the Association proud in its first year

of both teams being in the NPL NSW. The Men finished mid-table in their first year competing in the top division, defeating NPL greats in the process. Meanwhile, the Women performed phenomenally, taking out 3rd place on the 1st Grade table, 3rd place in the Club Championship, and the Reserve Grade team being crowned Premiers and Champions.

NWSF’s Youth League teams also joined in the fun with eight youth teams making it through to the finals, and the U14s Boys finishing as Premiers and Champions. The NWSF pathway is strongly supported by the NWSF Academy, which continued to go from strength to strength in 2023. The Academy had over 600 local Association players develop their skills, mentored by Spirit FC coaches. For the first time ever, the development program was extended to support parents with a series of workshop sessions to develop their knowledge of the footballing pathway, as well as providing new resources to enhance their understanding of the NWSF DNA.

NORTHERN SUBURBS FA

The Northern Suburbs Football Association (NSFA) marked a pivotal year of recovery in 2023, returning to complete an uninterrupted season after enduring two years impacted by the global pandemic followed by the wettest season in the Association’s history.

The football community embraced the dry season, fostering a renewed enthusiasm for the sport.

The NSFA’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity was evident through the introduction of the men’s over 55s competition and the revival of the Tiger Cubs program for 2-5-year-olds through XLR8. Concurrently, Walking Football’s continued growth, along with the second year of the Women’s Cup competition, showcased football’s appeal to community members of all ages and ability levels.

The unifying power of football was on show during the Matildas’ FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ campaign which brought the broader Australian community together like no other sport can. The NSFA expresses gratitude to the Councils of Ku-ring-gai, Willoughby and North Sydney for organising vibrant live sites for the Matildas matches.

In terms of player numbers, 2023 saw a slight decrease in senior players after three interrupted seasons. However, junior player

numbers remained robust, with nearly 17,000 winter competition registered players, positioning the NSFA as the fourth-largest member association of Football NSW. The MiniRoos competitions for juniors were widely enjoyed and facilitated by dedicated volunteer coaches and parents. The junior, all age and overage competitions were back in full swing, with the welcomed return of Cup competitions and Finals Series’.

The strength of NSFA competitions manifested in the impressive performance of NSFA teams in the Football NSW State Cup and Champion of Champions competitions. Seven NSFA teams made it to the State Cup semi-finals, with Lindfield FC mixed U17s and girls U14s winning their age groups. Nine NSFA teams made the quarterfinals of Champion of Champions, with Lindfield FC U16 girls and U17 mixed winning their finals.

In the marquee Premier League competitions, Willoughby Dalleys FC clinched the men’s title in a remarkable comeback, while Lindfield FC dominated the Women’s Premier League

with an undefeated season. The Northern Tigers continued to provide a tangible pathway for NSFA players into higher State League competitions, with notable successes in various categories. Summer Football has continued to provide opportunities for members to enjoy more football, experiencing an 8% growth in team numbers. Improvements made by the five NSFA Councils to grounds and amenities have significantly enhanced the frequency and quality of playing surfaces. Notable projects include the returfing and new amenities at Samuel King Oval, new lighting at Warrimoo Oval, returfing of Anderson Park, upgrades of amenities at Naremburn Park, and enhancements at Pottery Green Oval. The NSFA expresses gratitude to all Councils for providing quality facilities in 2023.

The NSFA, through XLR8 player development programs, impacted more members than ever, engaging 11 clubs and 2,000 players. INSPIRE FC expanded beyond the NSFA, reaching thousands of coaches in the Central Coast and South Coast Associations, alongside over 500 Association coaches regularly accessing high-level video sessions and training plans to enhance the football experience for players.

The NSFA expresses gratitude to its club volunteers, including committee members, coordinators, team managers and coaches. The dedication of these individuals, alongside the NSFA staff, enables football to be enjoyed by all members. The Association also recognises the remarkable contributions of Bookkeeper Alan Clarke and Board Members Ian Plant (President) and Mick Da Silva, who concluded their terms of service in 2023. Their commitment and stewardship leave the NSFA in an excellent position as the Association looks forward to an even more promising 2024.

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS SFA

Finally, season 2023 brought back some stability to competitions, without effects from COVID-19 or extreme weather conditions.

Southern Districts Soccer Football Association (SDSFA) increased the number of junior competition matches played to 20 rounds for the season, giving players more football than any previous season. This was met with positive responses from member clubs and their teams, and the approach is something that will continue in future seasons.

SDSFA, in conjunction with the Macarthur Football Association, created joint competitions for U14 to U16 Division 1 boys’ teams, thus giving top-level players a strong, challenging competition which benefitted player development and further improved skill levels. There were many tight matches that could have gone either way and these competitions are expected to continue in 2024 for the benefit of all.

To recognise the efforts that clubs, coaches and players themselves put in to develop youth teams, SDSFA introduced special presentation evenings, where the Minor Premiers were celebrated and presented with their medals. This new initiative was well received by clubs and the Association is looking to continue this in the future.

SDSFA is committed to player development and will continue to assist clubs with coaching courses throughout 2024, including MiniRoos/ Grassroots, Skills Training and Game Training courses. The Association Technical Director, Rod Galic, ran some successful courses in 2023. Good coaches create good players, something all clubs strive for, and SDSFA remains committed to the technical development of coaches, especially the new coaches, across the community.

The year brought the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ to Australia and what an extravaganza that was. SDSFA held Matildas’ watch parties at Cirillo Reserve in conjunction with Liverpool Council, with all matches well received and attended by many club members and the wider

public. The hype of the Women’s World Cup and particularly the success of the Matildas has generated massive interest in not only women’s football, but football in general.

On the back of this, the Association’s summer football participation has surpassed any other year for the 2023 summer season, providing a great indicator for 2024.

SDSFA would like to thank and congratulate all club committees and volunteers who put in all the hard work to make a successful season. Without them, the Association would not have had the success it has enjoyed.

SUTHERLAND SHIRE FA

2023 was a memorable football season where the Sutherland Shire Football Association (SSFA) witnessed remarkable achievements, unparalleled teamwork and the unceasing dedication of its football community.

Each of the SSFA’s 26 clubs has contributed to the vibrancy and spirit of the local football community, with countless volunteers having dedicated their time and effort to ensure the smooth operation of the Association. From organising events, to maintaining facilities, to managing game day, to sorting out equipment and uniforms, the commitment has been invaluable and is appreciated by all members, players, coaches and supporters alike.

The unwavering support of our generous sponsors has also been instrumental in making this season a success, including Green Options, The Tradies, Katrina Wright Property, Deploy Footballs, Sophie B Photography, CSM and more.

The efforts of the elected volunteer SSFA Board / Executive Committee (EC) members also need to be recognised. Having attended 27 Executive Committee Meetings and 10 Club General Meetings, their dedication, guidance, leadership and passion for the sport have been instrumental in shaping the direction of the SSFA Association.

It is worth considering a few high-level statistics from the year.

• The Judiciary Committee (JC) met 23 times in 2023 with a few lengthy suspensions handed out for threatening referees and

knowingly playing ineligible players (both types of behaviour that will not be tolerated). In total, the JC handed out sentences totalling 49 matches in addition to the lengthy sentences of 15 months, two years and three years mentioned previously.

• The Disciplinary Panel (DP) met on 21 occasions in 2024, handing out a total of 468 matches worth of suspensions for red cards and an additional 135 matches for double yellow cards. Compared to previous years, the DP dealt with an increase in the number of incidents relating to coach and manager behaviour; a trend we hope does not grow.

• Of 19,367 registered participants, making up 1,564 teams, 66% were male and 34% female; broken down by 7,363 MiniRoos, 6,549 youth and 5,456 senior players.

• The Sutherland Shire Referees Association (SSFRA) are to be commended for achieving a coverage rate of 95.2% in 2024 (6109 matches were covered during the season) and for the introduction of 112 new referees to their cohort. The relationship between the SSFA and the SSFRA could not be stronger and is a testament to a collegiate and open relationship.

• The SSFA has 26 clubs and uses 52 fields. All 18 Saturday rounds and 17 Sunday rounds were played in 2024, with a total of 13,411 matches played across all formats (competition and MiniRoos) with 270 forfeits. A total of 68,481 goals were recorded.

• Women and Girls represented 34% of the playing population, 38% of all coaches, 37% of Committee members and, in 2024, 33% of the SSFA EC.

For 2024, SSFA witnessed the nomination and election of its first female President. This is a momentous occasion, and (in addition to the percentages stated above) is a testament to the inclusivity and progressiveness of the Association.

It is also appropriate to thank Sutherland Shire Council for the fields that are made available for use week in and week out at no charge (undeniably our largest sponsor). Finally, a thank you to Football NSW for their guidance and support when called upon.

2024 is likely to be bigger and better than ever before and the Association looks forward to another season of providing an opportunity for local affiliated club players to be the best that they can.

REGIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

WESTERN BRANCH

2023 was a positive year with all Western Branch Associations running successful competitions in a season that has allowed continued growth since the COVID-19 disruptions. The Branch is pleased with an improved number of coaching courses/certificates and also in the holding of a further C Licence at the start of the year, showing the growing interest in coaches wanting to develop and influence more players within the Branch.

In the region’s flagship competition, the Western Premier League, Bathurst 75 FC took out both the Premiership (regular season) and the Championship (finals series).

In the Western Youth League, there was good competition displayed in all the age groups. The Dubbo FA had a particularly strong year in the Western Youth League, taking out all five age groups through boys and girls.

Thank you goes to Peter Mitchell for his organisation of both the Western Premier League as well as the Western Youth League.

TOURNAMENT RESULTS

Western Premier League

PREMIERSHIP Bathurst 75 FC CHAMPIONSHIP Bathurst 75 FC

Western NSW Youth League

AGE GROUP

WINNER RUNNER-UP

Under 12 Boys Dubbo Orange

Under 13 Boys Mudgee Bathurst

Under 14 Boys Dubbo Bathurst

Under 15 Boys Dubbo Orange

Under 16 Boys Dubbo Orange

Under 12 Girls Orange Lachlan

Under 14 Girls Lachlan Bathurst

Under 16 Girls Dubbo Bathurst

BATHURST CUP

A record number of 102 teams participated in the 2023 Bathurst Cup at Proctor Park which showcased some of the best talents ranging from the Under 13 to the Under 18 Boys categories.

Competing clubs from the Football NSW Boys Youth League and AYL competitions were joined by Association club and representative teams as well as teams from Capital Football and Northern NSW Football.

The action was intense, with the Cup acting as the final pre-season tournament hit out before all leagues commenced for the 2023 season.

The Under 13 category saw the Macarthur Rams grab the plaudits defeating the NWS Spirit FC 4-0 in a dominant display of football. Coached by former Socceroo Brett Emerton, the Rams were one of the stories of the tournament.

NWS Spirit FC went one better in the Under 14 category, defeating Nepean FC 3-1.

It was high drama in the Under 15s as Northern NSW Football’s Mid Coast FC edged the Macarthur Rams on penalties 4-2 after the match ended 2-2.

A penalty shootout was once again required in the Under 16s as NWS Spirit secured their second club title for the day defeating Nepean FC 5-4 after regular time ended 0-0.

Finally, Bankstown City Lions proved far too strong for the NWS Spirit FC side winning 3-0 to clinch the pre-season title.

PROCTOR PARK CHALLENGE

Proctor Park and Police Paddock were packed to the rafters as a record number of teams descended on Bathurst for the 2023 Proctor Park Challenge which pitted the best players ranging from the Under 12 to the Under 18 Girls categories

The Under 12s saw the Sutherland Shire FA grab all the plaudits, APIA Leichhardt FC took out the Under 14s while the Blacktown Spartans grabbed a famous double title in the Under 15 and 16 categories. West Canberra Wanderers took out the Under 18 title.

Sutherland Shire FA U12 Girls

NWS Spirit FC U14 Boys

Macarthur Rams U13 Boys

Blacktown Spartans U16 Girls

Blacktown Spartans U15 Girls

APIA Leichhardt FC U14 Girls

Bankstown City U18 Boys

REGISTERED PLAYER COMPARISON

*0.0965%

FEMALE PLAYER COMPARISON

MALE PLAYER COMPARISON

FUTSAL REGISTERED PLAYER COMPARISON

NUMBER OF CLUBS COMPARISON

*The inclusion of ‘State League Clubs’ in the table results in some club entities being counted multiple times when they also operate in community football competitions. This accounts for the variance to the 637 clubs quoted on page 7.

^The interpretation on club numbers has changed for the Association between 2022 and 2023.

Louie Apostolovski

Vince Balzan*

Cec Barlow*

Ron Beaumont

Leonard Bolden OAM*

William Brackenbury*

Howard Bradley

Frank Broughton*

Aulden Brown*

Lionel Brown*

Andy Burton*

George Churchward*

Jack Cirjanic*

Robert Clark

Robert Colombo

John Constantine AM, OAM*

Lindsay Cosgrove

David Crampton

William Cullinan*

Kevin Darcy*

Harrie Dening OAM*

George Dick OAM*

Tom A. Doumanis OAM

Eric Drury*

Trevor Elliott*

Brian Emery

Les Fairclough*

Ken Ferguson*

William Ford*

Jim Forrest

Ron Garvin*

Keith Gilmour*

David Goodman

Peter Gray*

John Hedison

Ian Holmes

Stan Jones MBE*

Ross Kelly

Steve Kenny

Rob Laws

Joe Leffley*

Peter McCann*

Douglas McCarron*

Bill McIlveen*

A. Raahauge*

Anthony Raciti

Doug Rennie OAM

Joan Robertson*

Jim Ronis

Laurie Simpson

Florence Stephenson

Arthur Sidney Tanner BEM*

Jack Thomas*

John Thomson OAM*

Peter Thorne

Jack Toole*

Ray Tweedie OAM

Charles Valentine*

Sam Vella OAM*

L. Williams*

Bill Wilson*

Frank Wilson*

Rod Woods*

*Deceased

AWARD RECIPIENTS

STATE AWARDS

CHARLES VALENTINE MEDAL

Jon Pillemar

GEORGE CHURCHWARD MEDAL

Armando Gardiman AM

FAIR PLAY AWARD

Wilberforce United U6 Bears

FUTURE LEADERS AWARD

Jason Broadbent

ASSOCIATION

Bankstown District Amateur Football Association

Bankstown District Amateur Football Association

Eastern Suburbs Football Association

NOMINATION NAME

Daniel Metcalfe

Dimitri Hursalas

Ian Robinson

Eurobodalla Football Association Inc. Andre Gmur

Football Canterbury

Football South Coast

Football St George

Macarthur Football Association

Manly Warringah Football Association

Manly Warringah Football Association

Nepean Football Association Inc

Northern Suburbs Football Association

Vicki Belton-Crowe

Eddy De Gabrielle

Irene Hatzipetros

Matt Spalding

Suzy Broughton

Greg Dick

Ben Chesterman

Roy Ashpole

Shoalhaven District Football Association Inc. Terry Haberley

Southern Districts Soccer Football Association

Jonathon Clark

Southern Tablelands Football Association Inc. Jason Broadbent

Sutherland Shire Football Association

Jim Hankins

HONOUR ROLL

ROLL

WARATAH CUP

SAPPHIRE CUP STATE

12 Boys Albury Wodonga FA Dubbo & Districts FA

13 Boys Southern Tablelands FA Albury Wodonga FA

14 Boys Albury Wodonga FA Dubbo & Districts FA

14 Girls Albury Wodonga FA Southern Tablelands FA

15 Boys Dubbo & Districts FA Albury Wodonga FA

16 Boys Albury Wodonga FA Griffith FA

16 Girls Albury Wodonga FA Eurobodalla FA

15 Girls Football Victoria NSW Country

15 Boys Football Queensland NSW Metro

16 Boys Football Queensland NSW Country

17 Girls NSW Thunder Captial Football

Youth Men NSW Thunder Captial Football

Open Men Football Victoria NSW Thunder

Open Women NSW Thunder Captial Football

Open AWD Mixed Football Queensland NSW Thunder

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Your directors present this report on the entity for the financial year ended 31 October 2023.

DIRECTORS

The names of each person who has been a director during the year and to the date of this report are:

Gilbert Lorquet

Stephanie Brantz

Carlos Gonzalez

Deborah Chapman

Brett Mitchell

Meghan Senior (elected 28 June 2023 - filing casual vacancy)

Steve Bond (elected 9 October 2023 - filing casual vacancy)

Fiona Lang (retired 30 March 2023)

Louie Apostolovski (retired 31 December 2022)

Stephen Hayes (retired 31 December 2022)

Morris Iemma (resigned 10 August 2023)

Directors have been in office since the start of the financial year to the date of this report unless otherwise stated.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

The principal activity of the entity during the financial year was the fostering of the game at all levels from the Premier L eagues to grassroots community football for its members. Its primary objectives are to grow participation and enjoyment across the Football NSW footprint and m anage a Premier League and State league competition that drives the development of its players, coaches and referees for the longer term objectives of building a world class footballing nation.

Its supplementary objectives are to promote the game, service its membership and act cohesively with Football Australia to pr ovide a unity in purpose.

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS

The net surplus for the year ended 31 October 2023 before Other Comprehensive Income was $865,146 (2022: $77,291). The land and buildings at Valentine Sports Park is independently valued each year and any unrealised movement is recorded in Other Comprehensive Income in accord ance with Australian Accounting Standards. The amount recorded in Other Comprehensive Income for the year is $375,059 (2022: loss of $3,612,732).

Football NSW facilitated a record number of junior player registrations in 2023, with a 7% increase on 2022 numbers. Register ed referees increased by 8%, supported by over 125 entry-level courses, 19 instructor and assessor courses, and 42 upgrade courses being conducted across the community. In the coaching space, 18 C-Diploma and 6 B-Diploma courses were completed or commenced, while Football NSW delivered 11 Coaching Expos to both Sydney Metropolitan and regional areas.

The continued rollout of the NSW Football Legacy Program saw $6.21 million in grants awarded to community football infrastruc ture projects and participation programs, while also allowing Football NSW to deliver 381 women’s football scholarships among various other ini tiatives in support of female participation at all levels.

Valentine Sports Park received funding from FIFA and the Office of Sport to deliver infrastructure projects in preparation fo r the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 , including drainage and lighting upgrades to Field 1, allowing for the successful hosting of France and Denmark during the t ournament.

Dividends

In accordance with the Company’s constitution no dividend has been paid to members or declared to be paid to members during t he financial year (2022: $Nil).

INFORMATION ON DIRECTORS

GILBERT LORQUET

Chairman, Football NSW Limited (elected 19 March 2021)

Chief Executive Officer, NORTH Foundation

Member, Remuneration and Nominations Committee, Football NSW

Chair of Legal and Regulatory Committee, Football NSW

Member, Audit & Risk Committee, Football NSW

Ex Officio Member, Associations Standing Committee, Football NSW

Ex Officio Member, NPL Men's Standing Committee, Football NSW

Ex Officio Member, Futsal Standing Committee, Football NSW

Chair, Cultural and Linguistically Diverse Network, Northern Sydney Local Health District

Academic, UTS Business School

Former Director and Deputy Chairman, Canterbury District & Soccer Football Association

Life Membership Abbotsford Juniors Football Club

Graduate, Australian Institute of Company Directors

STEPHANIE BRANTZ

CARLOS GONZALEZ

DEBORAH CHAPMAN

Deputy Chair, Football NSW Limited (Appointed Director from 14 January 2021, then was appointed to fill a casu al vacancy from 4 May 2021)

Member, Remuneration and Nominations Committee, Football NSW

Ex Officio Member, Women's Standing Committee, Football NSW

Ex Officio Member, NPL Women's and League One Women's Standing Committee, Football NSW

Ambassador, Australian Indigenous Education Foundation & The Chappell Foundation Respected Media Professional

Chair of the DFAT Sports Diplomacy Advisory Council

Director, Football NSW Limited (elected 31 March 2017)

Ex Officio Member, Coaches and Technical Advisory Committee, Football NSW

Ex Officio Member, League One Men's Standing Committee, Football NSW

Director, Football NSW Limited (appointed 2 November 2021)

Chair of Audit and Risk Committee, Football NSW

Member of Remuneration Committee, Football NSW

Ex Officio Member, Referees Advisory Panel, Football NSW

Ex Officio Member, Associations Standing Committee, Football NSW Chartered Accountant

Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors

Chief Financial and Operating Officer of Infrastructure NSW

BRETT MITCHELL

Director, Football NSW Limited (appointed 1 November 2021)

Member of Audit and Risk Committee, Football NSW

Member, League One Men's Standing Committee, Football NSW

National Partner in Charge, KPMG Enterprise - Tax Advisory, Deals and Specialist Services

Board Member and Audit Committee Chair, KPMG

Chartered Accountant, Registered Auditor, Registered Tax Agent

Member, Australian Institute of Company Directors

MEGHAN SENIOR

Director, Football NSW Limited (elected 28 June 2023 - filing casual vacancy)

Member, Legal and Regulatory Committee, Football NSW

Head of Public Affairs, Ausgrid

Board Member, Souths Cares

Corporate Affairs/Communications/Government Relations Professional

Former Chief of Staff, Office of the Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade

STEVE BOND

FIONA LANG

LOUIE APOSTOLOVSKI

STEPHEN HAYES

Director, Football NSW Limited (elected 9 October 2023 - filing casual vacancy)

Deputy Chair, Football NSW Limited (appointed 29 August 2018 - retired 30 March 2023)

Member of Remuneration Committee, Football NSW

Member, Legal and Regulatory Committee, Football NSW

Ex Officio Member, Futsal Standing Committee, Football NSW

General Manager/MD of BBC Studios, ANZ

Solicitor, admitted to practice in Supreme Court of New South Wales

Director, Football NSW Limited (elected 14 March 2014, appointed 11 May 2016, retired 31 December 2022)

Director, itravel

Life Member, Football NSW Limited

Ex Officio Member, NPL Men's Standing Committee, Football NSW Foundation Life Member, Bankstown City Lions

Director, Football NSW Limited (appointed 10 November 2010, elected 11 August 2011, appointed 11th May 2016, retired 31 December 2022)

Ex Officio Member, Coaches and Technical Advisory Committee, Football NSW

Ex Officio Member, Referees Advisory Panel, Football NSW

Self Employed

George Churchward Medal Winner

Life Member, Riverina Branch

Life Member, Boomers Football Club (Albury Wodonga)

Life Member, Albury Wodonga Football Association

Life Member, Albury Wodonga Soccer Referees Association

MORRIS IEMMA

Director, Football NSW Limited (elected 20 March 2020 - resigned 10 August 2023)

Chair of Legal and Regulatory Committee, Football NSW

Ex Officio Member, League Two Men's Standing Committee, Football NSW

Chairman, Clean Energy Partnerships

Chairman, Cancer Institute NSW

Director Ingham Medical Research Institute

Former Premier of New South Wales

MEETINGS OF DIRECTORS

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

During the financial year, 12 meetings of directors were held. Attendances by each director were as follows:

MEMBERS' GUARANTEE

The entity is incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 and is an entity limited by guarantee. If the entity is wound up, the constitution states that each member is required to contribute a maximum of $20 each towards meeting any outstanding obligations of the entity. At 31 Octob er 2023, the total amount that members of the company are liable to contribute if the company is wound up is $1,160 (2022: $1,160).

INDEMNIFICATION OF AUDITORS

To the extent permitted by law, Football NSW has agreed to indemnify its auditors, Ernst & Young, as part of the terms of its audit engagement agreement against claims by third parties arising from the audit (for an unspecified amount). No payment has been made to indemnify Ernst & You ng during the financial year or since the financial year end.

INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

During the financial year, the Company paid a premium in respect of a contract insuring the directors of the company, the com pany secretary and all executive officers to the extent permitted by the Corporations Act 2001. The contract of insurance prohibits disclosure of the nature o f the liability and the amount of the premium.

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE STATE OF AFFAIRS

There was no significant changes in the state of affairs by the company during the year.

LIKELY DEVELOPMENTS

Football NSW will continue to pursue its principal activities in future financial years and will continue to focus on the del ivery of its strategy.

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS AFTER BALANCE DATE

Other than that disclosed in this report and to the knowledge of directors, there has been no other matter or circumstance th at has arisen since the end of the financial year that has significantly affected, or may affect Football NSW's operations in future financial years, the result s of those operations or Football NSW's state of affairs in future financial years.

ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION

Football NSW's operations are not subject to any particular or significant environmental regulation under a law of the Common wealth or a State or Territory in Australia.

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023

FINANCIALS

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(a) Capital Profits Reserve

The capital profits reserve records profits on sale of land.

(b) Asset Revaluation Reserve

The asset revaluation reserve records the revaluations of property, plant and equipment.

( c ) Sinking / Capital Fund

After a review of the Sinking Fund, the Board and Management of FNSW have come to the conclusion that the Sinking Fund is no longer required as it did not have specific programs or expenditure identified and there were no specific monies or bank accounts set aside for these funds. The Sinking Fund amount has been reversed back to Retained Earnings.

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023

FINANCIALS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023

NOTE 1: STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial report of Football NSW Limited for the year ended 31 October 2023 was authorised for issue by the Directors on the 27th of February 2024. The financial statements are for Football NSW Limited as an individual not for profit entity, incorpor ated and domiciled in Australia. Football NSW Limited is a company limited by guarantee.The registered office and principal place of b usiness is at Valentine Sports Park, 235-237 Meurants Lane, Glenwood, NSW 2768.

Basis of Preparation

These financial statements are general purpose financial statements that have been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards – Simplified Disclosures adopted by the Australian Accounting Standards Board and the Corporations Act 200 1.

The financial report is presented in Australian dollars. The financial report is prepared on the historical cost basis except for, where applicable, by the measurement at fair value of freehold land and buildings and selected financial assets and financial liabilities. The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently by the company to all periods presented in the financial report.

The financial report has been prepared on a going concern basis which assumes continuity of normal business activities and realisation of assets and settlement of liabilities in the ordinary course of business.

The directors evaluate estimates and judgements incorporated into the financial report based on historical knowledge and best available current information. Estimates assume a reasonable expectation of future events and are based on current trends and economic data, obtained both externally and within the company.

Accounting Policies

(a) Changes in Accounting Policy, Disclosures, Standards and Interpretations

The new and amended Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations that apply for the first time in 2023 do not material ly impact the financial statements of the entity.

(b) Revenue and Other Income

Revenue from contracts with customers is recognised when control of the goods or services are transferred to the customer at an amount that reflects the consideration to which FNSW expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. FNSW has generally concluded that it is the principal in its revenue arrangements. The specific recognition criteria described below m ust also be met before revenue is recognised.

Revenue from the rendering of a service is recognised upon delivery of the service to the customers. Capitation and insurance fees are recognised as revenue based on actual number of player registrations. Membership fees are recognised as revenue based on actual number of associations and competitions registered. Revenue from Valentine Sports Park is recognised across the accommodation period or hire period.

Sales of goods is recognised as revenue at a point in time for each transaction.

Grant revenue is recognised in the income statement when the entity obtains control of the grant and it is probable that the economic benefits gained from the grant will flow to the entity and the amount of the grant can be measured reliably.

Interest revenue is recognised using the effective interest rate method, which for floating rate financial assets is the rate inherent in the instrument. Dividend revenue is recognised when the right to receive a dividend has been established.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023

(c) Property, Plant and Equipment

Each class of property, plant and equipment is carried at cost or fair values as indicated, less, where applicable, accumulat ed depreciation and impairment losses.

Freehold Property

Freehold land and buildings are shown at their fair value based on periodic, annual valuations by external independent valuer s.

Increases in the carrying amount arising on revaluation of land and buildings based on estimate of the developable area and n umber of potential sites that could be accommodated within the developable area, are recognised in other comprehensive income and accu mulated in the revaluation reserve in equity. Revaluation decrements that offset previous increases of the same class of assets shall be recognised in other comprehensive income under the heading of revaluation reserve. All other decreases are charged to the statement of c omprehensive income.

Plant and equipment

Plant and equipment are measured on the cost basis less depreciation and impairment losses.

The carrying amount of plant and equipment is reviewed annually by the entity to ensure it is not in excess of the recoverabl e amount from these assets.

Depreciation

The depreciable amount of all fixed assets is depreciated on a straight -line basis over the asset's useful life to the entity commencing from the time the asset is held ready for use. Buildings are depreciated on a written down value basis.

The depreciation rates used for each class of depreciable assets are:

The assets' residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period.

Asset classes carrying amount are written down immediately to their recoverable amount if the asset's carrying amount is grea ter than its estimated recoverable amount.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with the carrying amount. These gains or losses are included in the income statement.

(d) Leases

The Company applies the short-term lease recognition exemption to its short -term leases of machinery and equipment (i.e., those leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less from the commencement date and do not contain a purchase option). It also applies the lease of low-value assets recognition exemption to leases of office equipment that are considered to be low value. Lease payments on short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognised as expense on a straight -line basis over the lease term.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023

FINANCIALS

(e) Financial Instruments

Initial recognition and measurement

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of th e instrument. For financial assets, this is equivalent to the date that the entity commits itself to either purchase or sell the asset (ie trade date accounting is ad opted). Financial instruments are initially measured at fair value plus transaction costs except where the instrument is classified ‘at fair value through profit or loss ’ in which case transaction costs are expensed to profit or loss immediately.

Classification and subsequent measurement

Finance instruments are subsequently measured at either fair value or amortised cost using the effective interest rate method or cost. Fair value represents the amount for which an asset could be exchanged or a liability settled, between knowledgeable, willing parties. Where available, quoted prices in an active market are used to determine fair value. In other circumstances, valuation techniques are adopted.

Amortised cost :

Amortised cost is calculated as the amount at which the financial asset or financial liability is measured at initial recogni tion; less principal repayments, plus or minus the cumulative amortisation of the difference, if any, between the amount initially recognised and the maturity amount calculated using the effective interest method; and less and reduction for expected credit loss.

The effective interest method is used to allocate interest income or interest expense over the relevant period and is equival ent to the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments or receipts (including fees, transaction costs and other premiums or discounts) through the ex pected life (or when this cannot be reliably predicted, the contractual term) of the financial instrument to the net carrying amount of the financial asset or fi nancial liability. Revisions to expected future net cash flows will necessitate an adjustment to the carrying value with a consequential recognition of an income or e xpense in profit or loss.

(i) Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Financial assets are classified at fair value when they are held for trading for the purpose of short -term profit taking, or where they are derivatives not held for hedging purposes, or when they are designated as such to avoid an accounting mismatch or to enable performance evaluation whe re a group of financial assets is managed by key management personnel on a fair value basis in accordance with a documented risk management or investment st rategy. Such assets are subsequently measured at fair value with changes in carrying value being included in profit or loss.

(ii) Receivables

Receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently at amortised cost. Normal terms of settlement vary from 30 days. FNSW assesses expected credit losses upon initial recognition of the financial asset with a forward -looking expected credit loss (ECL) approach. For trade and other receivables, FNSW applies the simplified approach permitted by the standard, which requires expected lifetime losses to be recognised from init ial recognition of the receivables.

(iii) Financial Liabilities

Non-derivative financial liabilities (excluding financial guarantees) are subsequently measured at amortised cost.

Fair value

Fair value is determined based on current bid prices for all quoted investments. Valuation techniques are applied to determi ne the fair value for all unlisted securities, including recent arm's length transactions, reference to similar instruments and option pricing models.

Impairment

FNSW recognises an allowance for expected credit losses (ECLs) for all debt instruments not held at fair value through profit or loss. ECLs are based on the difference between the contractual cash flows due in accordance with the contract and all the cash flows that FNSW expects to receive, discounted at an approximation of the original effective interest rate. The expected cash flows will include cash flows from the sale of colla teral held or other credit enhancements that are integral to the contractual terms.

De-recognition

A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled or expires. When an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modifi ed, such an exchange or modification is treated as the derecognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability. The difference in the respecti ve carrying amounts is recognised in the statement of profit or loss.

(f) Impairment of Assets

At the end of each reporting period, the entity reviews the carrying values of its tangible and intangible assets to determin e whether there is any indication that those assets have been impaired. If such an indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, being the higher of the a sset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use, is compared to the asset’s carrying value. Any excess of the asset’s carrying value over its recoverable amount is expensed to the statement of comprehensive income.

Where the future economic benefits of the asset are not primarily dependent upon the asset’s ability to generate net cash inf lows and when the entity would, if deprived of the asset, replace its remaining future economic benefits, value in use is determined as the depreciated replacem ent cost of an asset.

Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of a class of assets, the entity estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the class of assets belong.

Where an impairment loss on a revalued asset is identified, this is debited against the revaluation surplus in respect of the same class of asset to the extent that the impairment loss does not exceed the amount in the revaluation surplus for that same class of asset.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(g) Employee Benefits

Provision is made for the entity’s liability for employee benefits arising from services rendered by employees to the end of the reporting period. Employee benefits that are expected to be settled within one year have been measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabi lity is settled.

Employee benefits payable later than one year have been measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflows t o be made for those benefits.

Contributions are made by the company to an employee superannuation fund and are charged as expenses when incurred.

(h) Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held at-call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments wi th original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. These are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.

(i) Finance Costs

Finance costs are recognised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred.

(j) Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except where the amount of GST incurred is not recover able from the Australian Taxation Office. In these circumstances the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of an item of the expense. Receivables and payables in the statement of financial position are net of GST and the overall GST position is remitted to the Australian Taxation Office and recognised as a separate balance

Cash flows are presented in the statement of cash flows on a gross basis, except for the GST component of investing and finan cing activities, which are disclosed as operating cash flows.

(k) Income Tax

No provision for income tax has been raised as the entity is exempt income tax under Division 50 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

(l) Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the entity has a legal or constructive obligation, as a result of past events, for which it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will result and that outflow can be reliably measured. Provisions recognised represent the best estimate of the amou nts required to settle the obligation at the end of the reporting period.

(m) Comparative Figures

Where required by Accounting Standards comparative figures have been adjusted to conform with changes in presentation for the current financial year.

(n) Trade and Other Payables

Trade and other payables represent the liability outstanding at the end of the reporting period for goods and services receiv ed by the company during the reporting period which remain unpaid. The balance is recognised as a current liability with the amounts normally paid within 30 days of recognition of the liability.

Assets and liabilities are presented in the statement of financial position based on current and non -current classifications.

An asset is current when: it is expected to be realised or intended to be sold or consumed in normal operating cycle; it is h eld primarily for the purpose of trading; it is expected to be realised within twelve months after the reporting period; or the asset is cash or cash equivalent unless restricted from being exchanged or used to settle a liability for at least twelve months after the reporting date. All other assets are classified as non -current.

A liability is current when: it is expected to be settled in normal operating cycle; it is held primarily for the purpose of trading; it is due to be settled within twelve months after the reporting period; or there is no unconditional right to defer the settlement of the liability for at least t welve months after the reporting period. All other liabilities are classified as non-current.

(o) Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements

As at 31 October 2023, an independent valuation was performed on the freehold land and buildings at Valentine Sports Park. This valuation was conducted by Colliers International. The valuation was based on the fair value less cost to sell.

The key assumptions and estimates used in the valuation approach include:

- Comparable property market evidence

- Demand for land in the area

- Rate per square metre of developable site area

The potential effect of an increase or decrease in the rate per square metre of developable site area of $10 would have the e ffect of increasing or decreasing the fair value by $0.9 million respectively. The valuation has been prepared by an external valuer based on the information that is available at 31 October 2023.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023

(p) NAB Business Markets Loan Facility

FINANCIALS

The NAB Business Markets Loan facility has been extended to 28 June, 2024. The interest rate applicable on funds drawn on the loan is 7.14% (Business Lending Rate 6.34% + Customer Margin 0.8%) as at 31 October 2023.

The current facility limit reduced to $3,000,000 as at 31 October 2023 and was unused in this financial year.

2023 2022

The carrying amounts of non-current assets pledged as security on the NAB business markets loan facility are:

2023 2022

Freehold land and buildings

(q) Contingent Liability

From time to time Football NSW is subject to legal claims. At this point in time, management do not believe any exposure woul d be material and therefore no provision has been raised.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023

(a)

(b)

FINANCIALS

NOTE

NOTE

NOTE

(a) The provision balance of $1,260,602 represents the total annual leave and long service leave employee entitlement payable.

(b) Provision for Long-term Employee Benefits

A provision has been recognised for employee benefits relating to long service leave. In calculating the present value of future cash flows in respect of long service leave, the probability of long service leave being taken is based on historical data. The measurement and recognition criteria for employee benefits has been included in note 1(g).

NOTE 11:

NOTE 12:

2023

Key management personnel are those persons having authority for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the entity, directly or indirectly, including any director of that entity. Short-term benefits include salary & fees, superannuation and non-cash benefits.

NOTE 13: RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

There are no transactions between related parties.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023

FINANCIALS

NOTE 14: FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

The company's financial instruments consist mainly of cash and cash equivalents, short -term investments, trade and other receivables, trade and other payables and borrowings.

The totals for each category of financial instruments, measured in accordance with AASB 9 as detailed in the accounting polic ies to these financial statements, are as follows:

Held for trading listed investments has been sold at market price during the year, and gain on sale of equity recorded in other income (as disclosed in Note 6).

NOTE 15: COMMITMENT & CONTINGENCIES

There are capital commitments of $1.3m as at 31 October 2023 (2022: nil) relating to the synthetic resurfacing of Field 2 at Valentine Sports Park. There are contingent liabilities of nil as at 31 October 2023 (2022: nil)

NOTE 16: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Other than that disclosed in this report and to the knowledge of directors, there has been no other matter or circumstance th at has arisen since the end of the financial year that has significantly affected, or may affect Football NSW's operations in future financial years, the results of those operations or Football NSW's state of affairs in future financial years.