Football Federation Australia (FFA) Chairman, Mr Frank Lowy AC, has hailed the Whole of Football Plan as an unprecedented initiative that will give Australian football a long-term plan for the first time.

 

In his formal address to FFA’s 11th Annual General Meeting in Sydney today, Lowy said it was time for all tiers of football’s governance to clearly understand “who does what and who pays for it”.

 “Australian football has many mouths to feed, but not always the resources to go around,” said Lowy. “That’s why it’s crucial to be efficient in the way we operate.

 

“The Whole of Football Plan will give us a roadmap and a unity of purpose to achieve our objectives.”

 

Speaking to representatives of FFA’s Member Federations and Hyundai A-League clubs, Lowy confirmed the establishment of the Presidents’ Advisory Group.

 

This forum of the nine State and Territory Member Federations will act as the voice of community football. Member Federation presidents will have regular meetings with the FFA Chairman, CEO and FFA senior management.

 

“Grassroots participation is the strength of Australian football and the Presidents’ Advisory Group will ensure a collective approach to the issues and opportunities in the football community, in particular with the implementation of the Whole of Football Plan,” said Lowy.

 

“FFA has regular consultation with the Hyundai A-League clubs and the Presidents’ Advisory Group will give us another important forum.”

 

Lowy nominated Australia’s move to join the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in 2006 as “the game-changing moment” that has delivered the success Australian football enjoys today.

 

“The Asian connection was the catalyst for a decade of achievements from the professional tier to the grassroots,” he said.

 

“Look around today and see how far we’ve come. Football in this country has never been in a better position.

“Not even in 2006 when the Socceroos did so well in Germany was there so much recognition and excitement about the game.

“The reason for that is there has been wholesale transformation across every aspect of the game.”