Northern NSW Football engages Sports Advisory Partners Australia to develop next strategic plan

Northern NSW Football has engaged Sports Advisory Partners Australia (SAPA) to lead the development of its 2027 to 2029 Strategic Plan, marking the next step in shaping the future of football across the region.

The new strategy will build on the success of NNSWF’s 2024 to 2026 Strategic Plan, which has driven strong participation growth, strengthened competitions and delivered significant progress across key areas of the game. The 2027 to 2029 plan will aim to sustain that momentum while continuing to build a legacy for football in northern NSW.

NNSWF will engage extensively with the football community to ensure the plan reflects the voices, priorities and ambitions of the game at every level.

All registered participants, member zones and standing committees will be invited to contribute throughout the process along with NNSWF’s board of directors, executive leadership team and staff.

SAPA is a full-service sports advisory firm that has provided expert strategic planning, commercialisation, advocacy, leadership, legal, integrity and people advisory services to a number of high-profile organisations including Football Australia, Golf Australia, AFL, Supercars, Oceania Football Confederation, A-Leagues, NBL and Rugby Australia.

SAPA has a deep understanding of football having worked with regional confederations, national governing bodies, professional leagues, state member federations and professional clubs. For more information on SAPA, click HERE.

NNSWF CEO Peter Haynes said he looked forward to working closely with SAPA to deliver a forward-thinking and community-driven strategy.

“We are excited to partner with SAPA as we begin this important process,” Haynes said.

“We have a long working relationship together and their strong understanding of our business as well as expertise in strategic planning within the sporting landscape will contribute significantly to this process as we build on the strong foundations we’ve established over the last three years.

“Our focus is clear in that, while we want to continue growing the game, strengthening our competitions and delivering meaningful outcomes for our football community, this plan will do more than that. It will play a critical role in shaping the future of football in our region.

“This new plan will give us a platform to raise football across northern NSW to even greater heights. We are going to be bold, ambitious and take this opportunity to really push our sport forward to reach its potential.”

NNSWF Chairman Mike Parsons said collaboration and consultation would sit at the heart of the process.

“This will be a strategy for the entire football community and it is vital that we hear from as many voices as possible,” Parsons said.

“We encourage everyone connected to the game to take part and help shape the direction of football across our vast and diverse footprint.

“Through genuine consultation and collaboration we will ensure the next strategic plan reflects the needs and aspirations of our community while positioning our game for continued success.”

SAPA Executive Director Sam Chadwick said the organisation was proud to partner with NNSWF and looked forward to bringing the new strategy to life.

“Northern NSW Football has built a strong platform through its 2024 to 2026 Strategic Plan and we are delighted to support the next phase of its journey,” Chadwick said.

“We look forward to engaging with stakeholders across the region and developing a plan that captures the passion, ambition and potential of the football community.

“Our goal is to deliver a clear and actionable strategy that will guide continued growth and long-term success for the game.”

Northern NSW Football will roll out a series of consultation opportunities in the coming months, with the 2027 to 2029 Strategic Plan scheduled for release in September.