Northern NSW Football is excited to announce the creation of a working group to consider the establishment of senior men’s and women’s regional premier competitions.
NNSWF’s Board of Directors sanctioned the working group as part of its ongoing commitment to providing attractive participation opportunities, enhancing talent development pathways and showcasing the game across regional northern NSW.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
The Terms of Reference outline the working group’s objectives, scope and composition, as well as the consultation process, outcomes and timelines.
The group is made up of regional member zone representatives and identified regional club representatives along with NNSWF staff.
The group will conduct stakeholder consultations and produce a draft operating model for presentation to regional member zones in September before presenting the final model to the NNSWF Board of Directors for approval by October.
The regional premier competitions would commence in either 2025 or 2026.
PURPOSE
The proposed regional premier competitions are intended to offer high level competitive environments for regional football clubs throughout northern NSW. NNSWF aims to extend pathways for talented players in regional areas, ensuring they can compete at a higher level without the need for relocation. The initiative will elevate the profile of football in regional northern NSW, helping to grow and showcase football in regional areas.
The initiative is being driven by the NNSWF Board of Directors, supported by Football Mid North Coast, North Coast Football and NNSWF – Northern Inland. These member zones have been supportive and encouraging of exploring how these leagues could be implemented to better support and develop the game in their regions.
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
This initiative strongly supports the strategic pillars outlined in the NNSWF Strategic Plan 2024-2026.
- Talent Development for All: The regional premier competitions will serve as crucial platforms to identify and nurture regional talent. NNSWF can better support the development of players, coaches and match officials in these areas by offering more structured and accessible pathways.
- Participation for All: These competitions will ensure that football remains an inclusive sport, providing more opportunities for men and women from regional northern NSW to engage in competitive football at a high level.
- Showcase Our Game: Establishing premier leagues for regional clubs will elevate the visibility and reputation of regional football, allowing NNSWF to highlight the skills and competitive spirit of our regional teams.
Consultation Process
NNSWF understands that input from clubs is vital as they are at the heart of competitions. NNSWF is committed to a thorough consultation process to ensure that the needs, wants and challenges for regional clubs are understood and mitigated. This process will help NNSWF design a competition structure that is sustainable and beneficial for all stakeholders.
Next Steps
NNSWF invites all regional football clubs who may be interested in this concept to participate in the consultation process. Details for the first consultation information session are:
DATE: Monday 2 September
TIME: 5.30pm
WHERE: Zoom
This session is an opportunity for clubs to learn more about the proposed competitions and contribute to the ongoing discussion.
Clubs wishing to be part of this important conversation are encouraged to register HERE.
The regional premier competitions working group initiative represents a significant step forward in the development of football in northern NSW. NNSWF looks forward to working collaboratively to create competitions that provide more opportunities for regional players and strengthen football across our community.
David Willoughby
NNSWF Deputy Chairman
Regional Premier Competitions Working Group Chair
On behalf of the Northern NSW Football Board of Directors