Annual Report 2007 - Northern NSW Football

NNSWF, through David Smith, have secured an NSWIS Football program in Newcastle,
and not in Sydney, for both female and male Northern players. We acknowledge and
certainly appreciate David Smith’s efforts and expertise, which now enable NNSWF to
provide quality football education for our elite players. The appointment of Garry Phillips
as a fulltime NSWIS Coach, strategically, provides better opportunities, with our own
NSWIS pathway, for players across Northern NSW.
Finally, the Football Department would like to acknowledge the valuable contribution
made by Anthony Richards during his time as Staff Development Coach, particularly
in his dedication in the implementation of grass roots programs such as Telstra
Football Anytime.
Operations
The major initiative this year was the review of NNSWF senior football competitions
and elite pathways.
The NBN League, 2009 – 11, will be refined to eight (8) clubs that will field U/18, U/23
and First Grade. The NEWFM League, 2009, will comprise ten (10) clubs with U/19,
Reserve Grade and First Grade.
It is worthy of note that 2007 is the second year of operation of both the State and First
Division Leagues Standing Committees thereby finalising the tenure of each Committee
Chairman. On behalf of NNSWF we extend our appreciation to Larry Urdarov (State) and
Vic Eather (First Division) for their excellent contributions to football. Elections for the
positions, for which each of the retiring chairmen may renominate, will be held in 2008.
The SYL, with the inclusion of Central Coast, will continue as a six (6) team format in
2008. A further review of the SYL will take place for the 2009 season.
Again, NNSWF gained the accolades from all States for its hosting of the FFA National
Youth Championships at Coffs Harbour during July (Female) and September (Male)
this year. Next year will be the third consecutive and final year at Coffs Harbour under
the current agreement with FFA. The NNSWF team, led by Operations Manager, Alan
Nisbet, have again lifted the benchmark for the conduct of future Championships.
As part of our compliance with the Crawford Report reforms we have developed a
structure to administer Futsal throughout our region. Notwithstanding that sixteen (16)
centres have now affiliated with our Futsal program, there is much yet to be achieved
to have the program effectively operational and FFA compliant.
The Crawford Report further required the establishment of a Referees’ Standing
Committee, of which the Chairman, Glen Gibbs (Lismore), has, with Alan Nisbet,
gradually brought about the changes necessary to comply with FFA policies.
To assist with the changes NNSWF has employed a Referees Development Officer,
Ossie Bellamy, who in a short time has contributed significantly to our programs.
Merchandise performed strongly but volume did not meet expectations. We will
continue to supply a convenient and competitive range of football merchandise for the
benefit of our members and the game. Our new catalogue with a new extensive range
of supplies will assist in ensuring another strong performance in 2008.
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Northern NSW Football