NNSWF Strategic Plan 2021-23 by Northern NSW Football

Strategic Plan 2021-2023

We are pleased to provide an overview of Northern NSW Football’s (NNSWF) Strategic Plan 2021-2023 – Play On! The plan has been amended in response to the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and on a more positive note to incorporate the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 as a focus area to ensure the event, which will be hosted on home soil delivers an enduring legacy. Our plan will also align with Football Federation Australia’s recently released XI Principles for the Future of Australian Football. Our aim is to cascade the identified focus areas and priorities to our seven Member Zones and ultimately through to our 230 affiliated clubs, who are primarily responsible for providing enjoyable football experiences to their respective communities. Unity of purpose is critical to the plan’s success and the sport’s continued growth, development and prosperity throughout northern NSW. Unity is increasingly important following the crushing impact inflicted by the pandemic on the game’s finite financial reserves and bleak economic outlook. Unfortunately, we simply will not have the capacity to do everything that we set out to achieve when the plan was first released in 2020. Everything’s important, however some activities are just more important than others as the sport recovers and operates with less capacity. This three-year plan builds on the momentum gained throughout the previous strategic cycle, which delivered unprecedented participation, investment in community facilities, stakeholder engagement and financial stability. Season 2020 was challenging to say the least, however with your support we will recover and make huge strides towards our bold vision of being the largest and most popular sport for males and females by 2023. NNSWF has committed to amended values which will dictate behaviour, shape our culture and determine the way we do business. Living our values in our behaviours, actions and decisions is fundamental to achieving our vision and fulfilling our mission for football. In accordance with our commitment to accountability, we will do what we say we are going to do and imbed this principle throughout the game.

We are confident that the identified priorities and ensuing actions outlined in the plan are reflective of the game’s needs and expectations. Our progress and performance will be monitored continually by the Board of Directors to ensure that the organisation responds proactively to opportunities and threats which have the potential to derail our vision. We look forward to your ongoing contribution and support. It’s a great time to be part of the region’s largest sport. With your help, we will deliver an enduring legacy for future generations and build better and stronger communities through football. NNSWF’s ongoing appreciation is extended to the thousands of selfless volunteers and resolute Match Officials throughout NNSW who facilitate opportunities for people in their respective communities to play and enjoy our great game. Play On!

Helene O’Neill

David Eland

Chairperson

Chief Executive Officer

Vision “Football will be the largest and most popular sport for males and females throughout Northern NSW.”

Mission “We will lead the sustainable development, growth and promotion of the sport in collaboration with our members and clubs for the benefit of communities throughout Northern NSW through effective governance and a resolute focus on our stakeholders’ needs and expectations.”

Values United – We will stand together in defence of the game’s reputation, keeping our differences in-house and accepting the ‘ref’s’ call. Transparent – We will communicate openly throughout the game to build trust and acceptance of change. Collaborative - We will acknowledge and appropriately utilise our members’ and stakeholders’ expertise to efficiently achieve our objectives. Respectful – We will be respectful of stakeholders who have different opinions. Best Practice – We will seek, identify and adopt continuous improvement measures throughout the game. Accountable – We will do what we say we are going to do and imbed this principle throughout the game.

Participating Leading Talent Development

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Legacy

Alignment - XI Principles for the Future of Australian Football Focus Area

Participating

FFA XI Principle/s I - Build a consistent and strong identity for Australian football which inspires all Australians. II - Develop a new narrative for football which signifies a fresh start for the game in Australia, successfully ties together all new initiatives and distinguishes it from other sporting codes in the country. IV - Ensure the Australian Football pyramid is aligned and connected through optimised competition structures. VI - Create a strong culture around coach and referee development by emphasising the importance of the role as a skilled position and a vital link in player development. IX - Ensure that football becomes more open and accessible to the Australian community and that cost does not remain a barrier to participation. X - Accelerate and enhance the growth of the game by driving participation of women and girls and enhancing existing competition structures to promote player development.

Strategic Priority ✓ Women & Girls ✓ Building Capacity

✓ Places to Play

Alignment - XI Principles for the Future of Australian Football Focus Area

Leading

Strategic Priority ✓ Governance ✓ People and Culture

Alignment - XI Principles for the Future of Australian Football Focus Area

Talent Development

FFA XI Principle/s

Strategic Priority

IV - Ensure the Australian Football pyramid is aligned and connected through optimised competition structures. V - Create a world class environment for youth development / production by increasing match minutes for youth players and streamlining the player pathway. VI - Create a strong culture around coach and referee development by emphasising the importance of the role as a skilled position and a vital link in player development. X - Accelerate and enhance the growth of the game by driving participation of women and girls and enhancing existing competition structures to promote player development.

✓ Empowering Clubs to be at the Heart of Player Development ✓ Increasing Opportunities for Talented Girls ✓ Increasing Depth and Quality of Talented Players ✓ Developing Better Coaches

Alignment - XI Principles for the Future of Australian Football Focus Area

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Legacy

FFA XI Principle/s Strategic Priority X - Accelerate and enhance the growth of the game by driving participation of women and girls and enhancing existing competition structures to promote player development. XI - Elevate even further the Westfield Matildas and the Socceroos as the unifying symbols of the game and heroes who epitomise the Australian football identity to inspire every young Australian regardless of their ability or background.

✓ Community Facilities ✓ Participation ✓ Leadership and Culture ✓ Player Development ✓ International Engagement

Participating “Improve the experience for all participants.”

Our Priority: Lead and facilitate high quality participation experiences for all participants through the provision of guidance and relevant resources for clubs, coaches, match officials and volunteers.

Women & Girls

Building Capacity

Places to Play

Strategic Goals Focus Area: Participating By 2023 we will have………….. 1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6. 7.

Significantly increased the participation of females throughout the sport; Increased the number of clubs that are equipped to provide safe and enjoyable football experiences for their local communities; A vibrant, satisfied and engaged volunteer network who are empowered to better meet their members’ needs and expectations; Significantly increased the number and competency of match officials throughout NNSW; Significantly increased the number and competency of accredited community coaches throughout NNSW; Addressed why participants leave the game and implemented initiatives which will make the game more inclusive and accessible by addressing the barriers to initial participation Increased the number of football facilities that are fit for purpose, welcoming and support the growth of the game;

Focus Area: 1. Participating “Improve the experience for all participants”

Implement female advanced coach education scholarships Appoint women and girls advisory group Establish club female development coordinator program Align with FFA’s Gender Equity Plan Establish alternate participation opportunities (e.g. Kick-On, Kick-Off & modified formats)

Focus Area: 1. Participating “Improve the experience for all participants”

Expand National Club Development Program

Develop and enhance administration systems (e.g. PlayFootball & CMS) Establish annual volunteer training calendar Equip clubs to better connect with CALD communities Identify opportunities to expand the Football 4 All program Expand the utilisation of online coaching and development for Match Officials

Focus Area: 1. Participating “Improve the experience for all participants”

Release and implement State and Regional Infrastructure Strategies Facilitate State Government budget submission in conjunction with FNSW Collaborate with FFA and MF’s towards Federal Government budget submission

Develop LGA budget cycle calendar and key contact database Identify future 711 Facilities Projects Update Facilities Audit

Leading “Lead towards a unity of purpose.”

Our Priority: Leading change and improving governance throughout the game to gain efficiencies which make the game better and more accessible.

Governance

People & Culture

Strategic Goals Focus Area: Leading By 2023 we will have………….. 1.

2. 3.

4. 5. 6. 7.

Clear and agreed roles and responsibilities underpinning the effective and efficient implementation of football activities and strategic initiatives; Clear and agreed communication protocols throughout the game which facilitate effective working relationships and good governance; Monitored and mitigated risks which have the potential to undermine the game’s reputation, financial stability and status; and Judiciously deployed the game’s valuable resources and finances according to identified priorities whilst avoiding duplication and waste; A sport which is underpinned by best practice governance principles; Established and maintained consistent HR and WHS policies, procedures and programs which protect, empower and retain the game’s dedicated workforce. Facilitated the appointment of more women to decision making roles across all levels of the game and advanced the 40:40:20 principle.

Focus Area: 2. Leading “Lead towards a unity of purpose”

Establish Roles and Responsibility Matrix (FFA,MF,Zone,Club) Review and amend Constitutions in accordance with guiding principles provided by National Governance Working Group Identify and implement opportunities for aligned and integrated structures, systems, processes and reporting structures Restructure organisation to align with priorities and amended strategy Assist Member Zones to establish aligned strategic and operational plans Assist Zones to implement consistent financial reporting and operating budgets

Focus Area: 2. Leading “Lead towards a unity of purpose”

Establish Employee Assistance Plan Define organisation and remuneration structure Facilitate staff feedback and consultation Establish professional development register

Talent Development “Developing clubs and opportunities which nurture talent and develop future professional players”

Our Priority: Development of future professional players through commitment to: • Building the capacity of clubs and regional zones engaged in the Talented Player Pathway (TPP); • Talent identification; • The development of coaches; and • Appropriate competitive environments.

Talent Development Strategic Priorities:

Empowering clubs to be at the heart of player development

Increasing opportunities for talented girls

Increasing the depth & quality of talented players

Developing better coaches

Strategic Goals Focus Area: Talent Development By 2023 we will have………….. 1. Developed clubs which are at the heart of player development; 2. Increased the opportunities for talented players to be engaged in the Talented Player Pathway; 3. Improved the technical standard of players at every level of the game, creating a larger pool of talented players; 4. Developed coaches who have the capacity to develop players’ technical, tactical, physical, psychological and social attributes; 5. Enhanced and increased the opportunities for talented girls throughout the Talented Player Pathway; 6. Improved the capacity of coaches to identify talented players;

Focus Area: 3. Talent Development “Developing clubs and opportunities which nurture talent and develop future professional players”

Establish NPLW NNSW

Implement technical director accreditation course Evaluate technical standard of youth football connected to TPP Integrate TSP with Jets Academy and FFA Elite Games Program Review NPL & NL1 Youth League structure Review Regional TPP Propose realignment of Regional TD’s with NNSWF

Focus Area: 3. Talent Development “Developing clubs and opportunities which nurture talent and develop future professional players”

Establish coach education and development calendar Establish a network of coaching expertise including Newcastle Jets Coaches Increase opportunities for coach professional development Identify and accredit regional advanced accreditation presenters Establish a coaches committee Implement TSP for girls and Premier Club (9’s to 12’s) Facilitate girls’ participation in Boy’s Premier Competitions Implement female advanced coach education scholarships

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Legacy “Partner with government to secure a once-in-a lifetime legacy for our game and our community”

Our Priority: Develop and implement a legacy strategy in collaboration with FFA and FNSW which prioritises government investment in: ➢ community facilities; ➢ participation; ➢ player development; ➢ leadership and culture; and ➢ international engagement

Participation

Player Development

Community Facilities

International Engagement

Leadership and Culture

Strategic Goals Focus Area: FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Legacy By 2023 we will have………….. Partner with government to secure a once-in-a lifetime legacy for our game and our community to: 1. Improve community facilities specifically for females; 2. Significantly increased the number of women and girls playing football; 3. Increased opportunities for talented girls; 4. Promoted the benefits of females fulfilling leadership roles including coaching, governance, administration and refereeing; and 5. Position northern NSW as a destination for football related tourism and events.

Focus Area: 4. FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Legacy “Partner with government to secure a once-in-a lifetime legacy for our game and our community”

Implement State Infrastructure Strategy Highlight female specific projects Consider repositioning NNSWF Facilities Fund to be female project specific Lobby State and Federal Government for a FWWC Facility Legacy Fund Primary School FWWC 2023 themed MiniRoos Gala Days

FWWC 2023 themed Come and Try clinics and Festivals (including CALD) FWWC 2023 themed Kick-Off Programs

Focus Area: 4. FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Legacy “Partner with government to secure a once-in-a lifetime legacy for our game and our community”

Expand female advanced coaching scholarship fund Seek investment to support the development of underprivileged talented players Profile female role models fulfilling non playing roles

Establish a local FWWC 2023 Ambassador Program Establish a female football network to identify potential leaders and directors Investigate hosting an annual youth international tournament Promote Team Base Camp sites in northern NSW Establish “Sister Federation” relationships in NZ and beyond

Underpinning Principle – Financial Stability We will operate from a position of financial stability by becoming as efficient as possible and driving investment in the game by: • • • •

• • • •

Deploying resources in accordance with identified priorities; Driving and leading efficiencies throughout every echelon of the game; Eliminating the duplication of programs and services; Growing the value of sponsorships and provide value through effective servicing; Commercialisation of Premier Competitions and livestreaming; Rigorously evaluating the terms of all commercial agreements with suppliers and providers; Continuing to grow the value of the commercial activities implemented at the LMRFF; and Continuing to identify and build the value of new and existing alternate revenue streams;

“We’re committed to collaborating with our stakeholders to achieve our objectives. We strongly encourage you to consider the plan and contact us if you have any ideas which align with the strategy and have the potential to grow, develop and promote our great game in your community.”

Head Office

Postal Address

(02) 4941 7200 reception@northernnswfootball.com.au Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday

Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility 13 Park Rd Speers Point NSW 2284

PO Box 149 Boolaroo NSW 2284