Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) released their 2024 to 2026 Strategic Plan which focuses on collaboration and a shared vision for football in the region.
NNSWF announced in August of 2023 that the federation would partner up with global sports and entertainment consultancy Gemba to assist them in developing the plan aimed at nurturing football’s growth and sustainability in the community.
NNSWF and Gemba consulted with member zones, clubs, volunteers and staff to create the plan, with feedback taken on board to provide an exciting roadmap for football in northern NSW over the next three years.
There are four pillars that have the goal to ‘inspire and unite everyone in Northern NSW to reach their potential in football’
These include:
- Enjoyable Football Experience – Goal is to minimise barriers for participation (KPI: 90,000 total registered players) and improve facilities in the area to ensure the sport advances (70%+ of facilities rated acceptable or above)
- Talent Development – Providing clear and comprehensive talent pathways for all participants (KPI: 1,500 participants engaged in NNSWF Talent programs) as well as increasing numbers in non-playing roles (KPI: 15,000 registered coaches, match officials, volunteers and administrators)
- Champions in Excellence – Setting the benchmark for excellence in sports through effective governance and beneficial partnerships. (KPI: is 90% staff retention across NNSWF’s business)
- Showcase our game – Improving the promotion of the sport from grassroots to the elite level. Leveraging the stories of the game to grow the sport is vital. (KPI: 4,000 positive media articles/segments on football across Northern NSW)
NNSWF chairman Mike Parsons explained how the strategic plan was a representation of their core values.
“These values, which include integrity, inclusivity, transparency, respect, innovation and ambition, are the bedrock of our approach and will guide our actions and decisions moving forward,” Parsons explained in a statement.
“The role of our board of directors has been pivotal in this journey. We have worked closely with our member zones, clubs and other stakeholders to understand their needs, aspirations and the challenge they face.
“This collaborative approach has been instrumental in shaping a strategy that is not only ambitious but also grounded in the realities of our football community.”
NNSWF CEO Peter Haynes expressed his excitement in implementing the plan and seeing the huge benefits it brings to the federation.
“The plan revolves around four core pillars – Enjoyable Football Experience, Talent Development for All, Champions in Excellence and Showcase Our Game, with each aligning to our mission to create an inclusive and thriving football community,” Haynes added via a statement.
“This is not just a strategic plan for Northern NSW Football but more a strategic plan for football in northern NSW. It’s not just about our organisation. We are dedicated to supporting our member zones and clubs to enhance facilities and ensure football remains a positive, respectful experience for everyone.
“This plan is a pledge from us to our players, coaches, volunteers, match officials, spectators and all who love the game that, together, we will work tirelessly to ensure football in northern NSW is not just a sport but a source of community, pride, unity and inspiration.
“We want football to reach its potential in our region and I look forward to embarking on this exciting journey alongside our football community.”
Northern NSW Football have laid out a really detailed and direct plan of attack to improve in the areas that are lacking within the organisation. Within the next three years, they have set ambitious goals but are determined to achieve them.
You can view the 2024 to 2026 Strategic Plan here.
