2024 Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT 2024

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF MEMBERS NORTHERN NSW FOOTBALL LIMITED ACN 001 887 467 (Company)

An annual general meeting of members will be held at Opal Cove Resort, Coffs Harbour or is accessible by Zoom on Saturday 31st May 2025 at 11:00am to consider and if thought fit pass resolutions on the below matters.

BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED:

1. Apologies

2. Confirmation of Minutes from previous AGM

3. To receive and consider the 2024 Report of the Chairman

4. To receive and consider the Annual Financial Report for the period ending 31 December 2024

5. To consider nominations for Life Membership

6. Appointment of Directors - Voting on each of the 3 positions vacated by retiring directors Michael Parsons, Lauren Edwards and Mark Trenter. All 3 directors are eligible to re-stand.

7. To transact any business that may be transacted at an Annual General Meeting to which due notice has been given.

Dated: Wednesday 16th April 2025

By order of the Board:

Peter Haynes Company secretary

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

CHAIR REPORT

It is my privilege as chairman of Northern NSW Football to present this report to our valued members and stakeholders on behalf of the NNSWF Board of Directors.

It was a transformative year for NNSWF, with 2024 marked by continued growth and significant achievements on and off the field. Our organisation remains committed to strengthening the foundations of football in our region, ensuring a bright and prosperous future for the game.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The NNSWF Board of Directors have remained steadfast in our mission to guide the game forward. Our board has worked diligently over the last year to uphold our strategic vision, ensuring that our priorities align with the football community’s best interests.

Our dedicated volunteer board members of Lauren Edwards, Lisa Evans, Paul Sandilands, Mark Trenter and deputy chair David Willoughby bring a wealth of experience and professionalism. Their unwavering commitment to growing the game across our region continues to drive positive change within our sport.

I am incredibly grateful for their leadership and dedication. Their collaboration with the NNSWF executive and staff has been instrumental in fostering a strong, forward-thinking organisation.

2024-26 STRATEGIC PLAN

A major focus for 2024 was the implementation of our 2024-26 Strategic Plan.

The plan was developed in partnership with key stakeholders including our CEO, executive leadership team, member zones, standing committees,

MIKE PARSONS NNSWF CHAIRMAN

clubs and volunteers and helped establish a clear and ambitious roadmap for the future.

While aligning with Football Australia’s overarching principles, our strategy is uniquely tailored to the needs of NNSWF. The CEO Report will delve into the details of our progress but I would like to extend my gratitude to all who have contributed. Your input and collaboration have ensured that our strategy is not only comprehensive but also reflective of the needs of our football community.

NNSWF achieved a number of objectives in 2024. Among so many initiatives and improvements of service delivery over the last two years, I am incredibly proud to note that reference groups that I promised at the start of our board’s tenure have been actioned and concluded. These included:

• The return of promotion/relegation to senior men’s football and the connecting of the men’s premier competitions pyramid

• Review of our Junior Development League

• Review of NNSWF Women and Girls’ Premier Competition Structure

• Review of Peak Steering Committee Structure

These working groups have all enacted positive change and made ongoing commitments to the peak steering committee to maintain our levels of excellent support and inclusivity.

I am delighted with how much our organisation achieved across the first third of our strategic plan and I am so excited to think what we can achieve in the next two years.

RECRUITMENT & RETENTION

In 2024, NNSWF achieved a record 96,264 total registered participants, up an incredible 17.4 per cent.

This included 85,706 registered players (up 16 per cent), 5,719 registered coaches (up 37 per cent), 963 registered match officials (up four per cent) and 3,876 registered volunteers (up 23 per cent).

Winter players were up 10 per cent to 59,585, with 46 per cent of winter players coming from regional areas.

Our Coles MiniRoos also grew 11 per cent to 29,946.

These numbers demonstrate the strength of our game right across the northern NSW region.

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL & PARTICIPATION

We also had a strong focus on women’s football in 2024. This included the creation of our new Women’s Football & Participation department, headed by Allana Neeve as its general manager. As well as women’s football, the team have focused on accessibility and inclusivity as well as non-traditional formats.

My thanks and congratulations also to director Lauren Edwards who headed up the reference group tasked with investigating the future potential of women and girls’ football in our region. NNSWF will decouple its NPLW NNSW and PYLG competitions from 2026 to

enable increased accessibility to the highest level of football for aspirational clubs as well as targeted improvements at each level.

ON THE PITCH

NNSWF brought to life a number of innovations on the pitch in 2024.

In February we announced equal prize money for our NPL Men’s NNSW and NPL Women’s NNSW competitions, as we also celebrated our inaugural HMRI Charity Shield.

NNSWF also invested in new trophies for our NPL Men’s NNSW and NPL Women’s NNSW competitions and created the inaugural Joey Peters Medal for the player of the NPL Women’s grand final.

We launched our Zero Tolerance to Match Official Abuse policy to take the lead as football’s governing body in our region, with our goal to remove match official abuse from our sport across northern NSW.

Promotion and relegation was reintroduced to NNSWF’s men’s premier competitions to much success, as well as the connecting of the men’s elite football pyramid in northern NSW for the first time.

Our inaugural Northern NSW Regional Super League was confirmed in December following extensive communication and collaboration with member zones and clubs, with the men’s and women’s competition to kick off in May 2025.

We also undertook a comprehensive review of our Junior Development League to improve pathways for players and coaches as well as raise standards for clubs.

NNSWF STAFF

The remarkable success of 2024 would not have been possible without the dedication and expertise of our NNSWF staff. Their passion for the game and commitment to delivering outstanding programs and initiatives have been key to our continued growth.

Our team works tirelessly alongside member zones, clubs, volunteers and match officials to ensure the best possible outcomes for football across the region. Their dedication to inclusivity, innovation and community engagement is a testament to the strong culture within our organisation.

We have also expanded our team in a number of areas this year to continue to better serve our football community. These included roles around regional talent development, government relations, futsal and referee development. These were all examples of us listening to our member zones and responding to their needs and priorities.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our CEO, Peter Haynes, his executive leadership team and all our staff for their incredible efforts throughout the year. Their commitment to bringing our strategic vision to life is integral to our success. They have continued to deliver programs and services to our members at such a high, professional standard while remaining so passionate about our beautiful game. NNSWF is well-positioned for continued growth and success. With a strong foundation, a dedicated team and a clear strategic direction, I have no doubt that the future of football in northern NSW will be even brighter in the years to come.

FOOTBALL COMMUNITY

Thank you to all our members zones and affiliated clubs, their players, coaches, volunteers and our match officials. You are the backbone of our game and I wish you all the very best moving forward.

We have had a strong regional focus, evidenced by NNSWF holding its annual general meeting in Coffs Harbour, a regional area, for the first time.

We continue to foster strong relationships with our football community. We have put great importance on our peak steering committee meetings to facilitate involvement from all member zones and standing committees.

Consultation, transparency and open lines of communication to all our member zones and clubs has been a cornerstone of our approach as NNSWF’s Board of Directors, something we promise to continue.

We have also managed to maintain registration fees while providing even greater support and assistance to our member zones and football community. Our mission is to inspire and unite everyone in northern NSW to reach their potential in football. Our vision is to empower everyone in northern NSW to be part of a thriving community. We

are clearly on track to achieve these aims while embracing our core values.

FA

We have also forged strong relationships at the highest levels of our game in our country. My personal friendship with and access to Football Australia CEO James Johnson and chair Anter Isaac has elevated our profile within the national governing body as well as the recognition of our status in the Australian football landscape.

We have had direct involvement in FA’s constitutional review process and other high priority committees and advisory groups.

We have also enjoyed great success on the national stage on the pitch and I would like to recognise our numerous representatives across various senior and junior national teams.

VALE

We lost a number of wonderful people from our football community in 2024. Everyone at NNSWF was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of former Newcastle Football CEO Russell Henry in August following a brave battle with illness.

Russell’s dedication to community football for more than 40 years left an indelible mark on many lives.

I would like to acknowledge there were other personal losses throughout 2024 and my heartfelt condolences and appreciation go to their respective clubs, organisations and families for their various contributions to our football community.

SUMMARY

It has and continues to be one of my greatest honours to chair the board of NNSWF. We will continue to look to be innovative and forward thinking, always striving to leave a legacy to be proud of. I extend my appreciation for the ongoing personal support and trust that I have been afforded for the last two and a half years since my election and appointment as chairman.

MIKE PARSONS NNSWF CHAIRMAN

CEO REPORT

CEO’S REPORT

It is with great pride that I present this report following my second year as CEO of Northern NSW Football.

The 2024 season was a landmark year for NNSWF, with record-breaking registration numbers and strong representation at national level. We also continued to strengthen our financial position, ensuring long-term sustainability and potential for growth of the game in our region.

I worked closely with our Board of Directors, my executive leadership team and the dedicated NNSWF staff to bring our shared vision for football in northern NSW to life.

Together, we have followed through on our commitment to championing football in our regional areas as well as grow the game through providing the best possible support to our players, coaches, match officials, clubs and volunteers.

Football is more than just a sport. It is a community, a passion and a force for positive change. I am honoured to lead NNSWF and am deeply passionate about our football community. I look forward to building on this momentum as we continue to elevate the game for everyone who loves it.

NNSWF STRUCTURE

We restructured a number of NNSWF departments and added several critical staff to help better serve our football community and deliver our strategic priorities, particularly in regional areas.

A new Member Services department, led by its general manager Ross Hicks, was created to explicitly provide direct support for member zones and clubs. While there was also a focus on women’s

A new Member Services department, led by its general manager Ross Hicks, was created to explicitly provide direct support for member zones and clubs. While there was also a focus on women’s football, with the creation of our new Women’s Football & Participation

PETER HAYNES NNSWF CEO

players to access NNSWF’s Talented Player Programs, with more than 1,200 taking part.

cent of Jets Academy players who are developed in northern NSW and 15 individuals developed within northern NSW to be selected for national teams.

We exceeded the 550 coaches to engage in development and education provided by NNSWF with almost 700 coaches connecting with programs.

football, with the creation of our new Women’s Football & Participation department, headed by Allana Neeve as its general manager.

department, headed by Allana Neave as its general manager.

We also expanded our team in a number of areas to continue to better serve our football community, particularly regionally. These included roles dedicated to regional talent development, government relations, futsal and referee development.

While we had 715 regional players engage with NNSWF’s Talented Player Pathway Programs, a huge success given our goal of 450 players.

We also exceeded our goals of 90 per cent of Jets Academy players who are developed in northern NSW and 15 individuals developed within northern NSW to be selected for national teams.

To further highlight the strength of northern NSW talent, 18 local players played professionally for Newcastle Jets men’s and women’s team in 2024 with 25 northern NSW representatives featuring for Australian national teams.

While we had 715 regional players engage with NNSWF’s Talented Player Pathway Programs, a huge success given our goal of 450 players.

ENJOYABLE FOOTBALL EXPERIENCE

We also expanded our team in a number of areas to continue to better serve our football community, particularly regionally. These included roles dedicated to regional talent development, government relations, futsal and referee development.

We achieved all of our 2024 Operational Plan goals in the Enjoyable Football Experience pillar.

ENJOYABLE FOOTBALL EXPERIENCE

It was also a big year for the ParaMatildas, with northern NSW quartet Lainee Harrison, Tahlia Blanshard, Rae Anderson and Georgia Beikoff part of the squad crowned IFCPF Women’s World Cup 2024 champions in November.

To further highlight the strength of northern NSW talent, 18 local players played professionally for Newcastle Jets men’s and women’s teams in 2024 with 25 northern NSW representatives featuring for Australian national teams.

CHAMPIONS IN EXCELLENCE

We achieved all of our 2024 Operational Plan goals in the Enjoyable Football Experience pillar.

We exceeded our goals of 21,000 registered female participants and 20,000 participants registered in non-traditional formats by reaching almost 25,500 and 22,000 participants respectively.

We smashed our goal of 77,500 registered players with 85,706 lacing up their boots across the region in 2024. And we achieved our player retention rate of 73 per cent.

TALENT DEVELOPMENT FOR ALL

We also saw great success in our Champions in Excellence pillar.

It was also a big year for the ParaMatildas, with northern NSW quartet Lainee Harrison, Tahlia Blanshard, Rae Anderson and Georgia Beikoff part of the squad crowned IFCPF Women’s World Cup 2024 champions in November.

We achieved a quarterly satisfaction rating of three stars or better and achieved a positive actual v budget result for the financial year.

CHAMPIONS IN EXCELLENCE

We also saw great success in our Champions in Excellence pillar.

Talent development was a huge success in 2024.

We smashed our goal of 77,500 registered players with 85,706 lacing up their boots across the region in 2024. And we achieved our player retention rate of 73 per cent.

TALENT DEVELOPMENT FOR ALL

We almost doubled our goal of 650 players to access NNSWF’s Talented Player Programs, with more than 1,200 taking part.

Talent development was a huge success in 2024.

We almost doubled our goal of 650

We exceeded the 550 coaches to engage in development and education provided by NNSWF with almost 700 coaches connecting with programs.

We also exceeded our goals of 90 per

We also had a huge win in terms of funding, smashing our goal of securing $500,000 of external funding by receiving $6.49 million largely via federal and state government investment directly into community football facility projects throughout the region.

We achieved a quarterly satisfaction rating of three stars or better and achieved a positive actual v budget result for the financial year.

We also received $420,000 in funding from the state government linked to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and through the Play Our Way grant.

SHOWCASE OUR GAME

We also had a huge win in terms of funding, smashing our goal of securing $500,000 of external funding by receiving $6.49 million largely via federal and state government investment

Another key focus for NNSWF in 2024 was showcasing the game across our region. Part of this saw us deliver

directly into community football facility projects throughout the region.

our most successful recruitment and retention marketing campaign to date which underpinned our record-breaking registration numbers.

We also received $420,000 in funding from the state government linked to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and through the Play Our Way grant.

The team also elevated our annual NNSWF awards night, hosting the largest ever van Egmond Jennings Awards event in October.

SHOWCASE OUR GAME

Congratulations to Maitland FC’s Bronte Peel, who was named the second-ever van Egmond Medal recipient, and to Seth Clark from Edgeworth FC, who secured the Graham Jennings Medal as the NPL Men’s NNSW Player of the Year.

Another key focus for NNSWF in 2024 was showcasing the game across our region. Part of this saw us deliver our most successful recruitment and retention marketing campaign to date which underpinned our record-breaking registration numbers.

The team also elevated our annual NNSWF awards night, hosting the largest ever van Egmond Jennings Awards event in October.

We also shone a light on the JDL and Women’s Premier Competitions reviews, the feasibility of the new Northern NSW Regional Super League, the implementation of equal prize money between men’s and women’s NPL NNSW competitions, our partnership with the Newcastle Jets, the reintroduction of promotion and relegation and the inaugural Promotion/ Relegation Play-Off Finals Series, Female Football Week, the National Youth Championships and the Local Champion Awards.

Congratulations to Maitland FC’s Bronte Peel, who was named the second-ever Emily van Egmond Medal recipient as the NPL Women’s NNSW Player of the Year, and to Seth Clark from Edgeworth FC, who secured the Graham Jennings Medal as the NPL Men’s NNSW Player of the Year.

FINANCE

implemented to increase efficiency, reduce expenses and provide deeper business insights, ensuring NNSWF remains well-positioned for sustainable growth in the years ahead.

I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of NNSWF’s dedicated executive team and staff. Their unwavering commitment and passion drive the delivery of essential programs, services and competitions that underpin the region’s largest club-based sport.

I have the privilege of working alongside a talented and enthusiastic team every day whose love for football is matched only by their dedication to serving our football community. Their efforts ensure that the game continues to thrive and grow across northern NSW.

We saw the benefits of the new segmented profit and loss system introduced in 2023, alongside enhanced board reporting procedures, which have improved financial oversight. Business segment owners also took greater accountability by developing their 2025 budgets, reinforcing a culture of financial responsibility across the organisation.

SUMMARY

A heartfelt thank you also goes to our member zones for their role in shaping the game in our region. Our clubs remain the backbone of football, creating positive environments where players of all ages and abilities can develop and succeed. Your dedication is the foundation of our sport’s success.

I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of NNSWF’s dedicated executive team and staff. Their unwavering commitment and passion drive the delivery of essential programs, services and competitions that underpin the region’s largest club-based sport.

I can say with certainty that by using our 2024-26 Strategic Plan and 2024 Operational Plan to guide us, we were able to support our member zones and clubs to a level unseen previously. By supporting our member zones and clubs, we are ensuring that football in northern NSW is more than just a sport. It is a source of community pride, unity and inspiration. Our commitment is clear, to make football a game that everyone can play, enjoy and be proud of.

genuine collaboration with our football community, this means we have achieved countless outcomes to improve the game for our stakeholders. The plan reflects our shared vision for the future of the game and is built upon our core values of integrity, inclusivity, transparency, respect, innovation and ambition. These principles guide everything we do, ensuring that football in northern NSW is welcoming, progressive and forward-thinking.

The strategy is structured around four key pillars:

■ Enjoyable Football Experience

I look forward to working alongside you all to continue growing the game and delivering success for football across our region.

■ Talent Development for All

■ Champions in Excellence

PETER HAYNES NNSWF CEO

■ Showcase Our Game

I can say with certainty that by using our 2024-2026 Strategic Plan and 2024 Operational Plan to guide us, we were able to support our member zones and clubs to a level unseen previously.

We also shone a light on the JDL and Women’s Premier Competitions reviews, the feasibility of the new Northern NSW Regional Super League, the implementation of equal prize money between men’s and women’s NPL NNSW competitions, our partnership with the Newcastle Jets, the reintroduction of promotion and relegation and the inaugural Promotion/ Relegation Play-Off Finals Series, Female Football Week, the National Youth Championships and the Local Champion Awards.

NNSWF again posted a healthy financial position at the end of the financial year and successfully met our sustainability targets. With a strong focus on longterm financial stability, new and improved structures and processes were implemented to ensure NNSWF’s assets continue to support the organisation well into the future.

Several system upgrades were implemented to increase efficiency, reduce expenses, and provide deeper business insights, ensuring NNSWF remains well-positioned for sustainable growth in the years ahead.

FINANCE

We saw the benefits of the new segmented profit and loss system introduced in 2023, alongside enhanced board reporting procedures, which have improved financial oversight. Business segment owners also took greater accountability by developing their 2025 budgets, reinforcing a culture of financial responsibility across the organisation.

NNSWF again posted a healthy financial position at the end of the financial year and successfully met our sustainability targets. With a strong focus on longterm financial stability, new and improved structures and processes were implemented to ensure NNSWF’s assets continue to support the organisation well into the future.

SUMMARY

Several system upgrades were

I am pleased to report that NNSWF remains in a strong financial position, well-equipped to navigate challenges and deliver on 2024-26 Strategic Plan. The ongoing support of our long-term community football partner, Newcastle Permanent, is instrumental in our continued success. Their trust, collaboration, and commitment over the last 18 years have been invaluable and we look forward to strengthening our partnership in the years ahead.

I have the privilege of working alongside a talented and enthusiastic team every day whose love for football is matched only by their dedication to serving our football community. Their efforts ensure that the game continues to thrive and grow across northern NSW.

A heartfelt thank you also goes to our member zones for their role in shaping the game in our region. Our clubs remain the backbone of football, creating positive environments where players of all ages and abilities can develop and succeed. Your dedication is the foundation of our sport’s success.

The first year of our Strategic Plan 2024–2026 was a huge success. Having been developed through genuine collaboration with our football community, this means we have achieved countless outcomes to improve the game for our stakeholders. The plan reflects our shared vision for the future of the game and is built upon core values: integrity, inclusivity, transparency, respect, innovation and ambition. These principles guide everything we do, ensuring that football in northern NSW is welcoming, progressive and forwardthinking.

The strategy is structured around four key pillars:

■ Enjoyable Football Experience

I am pleased to report that NNSWF remains in a strong financial position, well-equipped to navigate challenges and deliver our 2024-2026 Strategic Plan. The ongoing support of our long-term community football partner, Newcastle Permanent, is instrumental in our continued success. Their trust, collaboration and commitment over the last 18 years have been invaluable and we look forward to strengthening our partnership in the years ahead.

■ Talent Development for All

■ Champions in Excellence

By supporting our member zones and clubs, we are ensuring that football in northern NSW is more than just a sport. It is a source of community pride, unity and inspiration. Our commitment is clear, to make football a game that everyone can play, enjoy and be proud of.

I look forward to working alongside you all to continue growing the game and delivering success for football across our region.

The first year of our 2024–2026 Strategic Plan was a huge success. Having been developed through

■ Showcase Our Game

20 24 OPERATIONAL PLAN

TOTAL

REGISTERED PLAYERS

59,585

TOTAL WINTER PLAYERS

5,719

REGISTERED COACHES/MANAGERS

TOTAL REVENUE

TOTAL EXPENDITURE

20

KEY MEASURES OF SUCCESS

96,264

25,870

TOTAL FEMALE PLAYERS

3,876

REGISTERED VOLUNTEERS/ ADMINISTRATORS

26,121

TOTAL MODIFIED FORMATS

963

TOTAL REFEREES

$10.29m

$9.99m

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