Former Socceroo Stan Lazaridis, former Matilda Kim Schaefer and former Australian Institute of Sport Head Coach Ron Smith have been appointed to FFA’s Football Development Committee (FDC), FFA has announced today.
The FDC is a Board sub-committee with a mandate to provide advice to the FFA Board. The FDC is chaired by FFA director Joseph Healy, with fellow directors Moya Dodd and Danny Moulis as members.
FFA Chairman Steven Lowy AM said the appointment of independent members to sub-committees delivers on the Board’s strategy of embracing the broader football community.
“There’s so much expertise and experience to be tapped in the football community,” said Lowy.
“We see the virtue in listening to the advice that comes from independent people who can help us to guide and grow football in Australia, particularly in relation to technical skills and football development at all levels.
“I’m delighted to welcome Stan, Kim and Ron to the Football Development Committee. They each bring unique insights to the game from the international level to community football. They will provide invaluable advice and new perspectives to the deliberations of the FDC.”
The chair of the FDC Joseph Healy said the independent appointments give the sub-committee a wide range of views on important football matters.
“Stan has a wealth of knowledge in international and professional football, while Kim has a lifetime of experiences in women’s and community football,” said Healy.
“Ron has been at the forefront of many innovations in technical and coaching development in Australia over several decades.
“The FDC will benefit from their contribution alongside the input of our National Coaches Ange Postecoglou and Alen Stajcic, the Technical Director Eric Abrams and Head of National Performance Luke Casserly.”
Under the new Board sub-committee structure, the National Referees Technical Committee (NRTC) has been reconstituted as the Referees Committee.
FFA director Chris Nikou will chair the new Referees Committee with fellow director Simon Hepworth as a member.
Four members of the former NRTC have been appointed as independent members of the Referees Committee. They are Jim Ouliaris, Airlie Keen, Nathan Gibson and Simon Przydacz.
Former FIFA referee Mark Shield and outgoing chair of the NRTC informed FFA earlier this year of his intention to step down after five years’ service to the NRTC.
FFA Chairman Steven Lowy has praised Mark for his dedication to the development of refereeing.
“Mark made a significant contribution to the NRTC, which had the task of overseeing the setting of the technical direction of referee development in Australia,” said Lowy.
“The new Referees Committee has a wealth of experience in officiating and comes together at an exciting time for refereeing with Australia at the forefront of FIFA’s Video Assistant Referees trial.”
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION ON INDEPENDENT APPOINTEES TO FFA BOARD SUB-COMMITTEES
Stan Lazaridis
Former Socceroo made 60 appearances between 1993-2006, including selection in the squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals. Played for West Adelaide in the National Soccer League before spending a decade in the UK with West Ham United and Birmingham City. Played one season for Perth Glory in the Hyundai A-League before retiring in 2008.
Kim Schaefer
Former Matildas represented Australia at junior and senior level between 1987-1992 and NSW at junior, senior and Futsal between 1985-95. Extensive community coaching experience, including specialist programs for goalkeepers and disabled players. Recognised for outstanding service to promotion and development of football in NSW.
Ron Smith
Former Head Coach of the Australian Institute of Sport football program (1986-96), former Technical Manager of the Socceroos and club experience in UK, Asia and Australia, including Head Coach of Perth Glory in the Hyundai A-League. Renowned for introducing video and technical analysis to Australian football.
Jim Ouliaris
A FIFA Assistant Referee for six years and a member of the Asian Football Confederation elite panel for two years. An assistant referee in the National Soccer League and the Hyundai A-League. Currently involved as an FFA referees instructor and assessor on the Hyundai A-League. Current Chair of the Football Federation Victoria (FFV) Referees Technical Committee. He is also an AFC assessor and instructor.
Airlie Keen
A former FIFA Assistant Referee (2001-11), former AFC Elite Panel Member (2009-11) and former Westfield W-league assistant referee (2008-11). Officiated at FIFA Women’s World Cup and Olympics Games. Current member of the Football Federation South Australia (FFSA) Referees Committee. Accredited assessor and instructor for Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Assessor on the Westfield W-League.
Nathan Gibson
A referee since 1985, assistant referee on the Hyundai A-League and National Soccer League from 1997-2008. Gained FIFA Badge in 2001, officiated at FIFA World Cup in Germany in 2006 and other FIFA and AFC championships. Officiated at the last NSL Grand Final (2004) and the first three Hyundai A-League Grand Finals (2006-08).
Simon Przydacz
Started refereeing in community football in 1989, officiated in the Hyundai A-League and National Soccer League 2002-08. FIFA Panel and AFC Elite Panel member from 2006-08. A member of the National Referees Technical Committee since 2012. Has a career background in education.
