Minister for Sport Mark Arbib today welcomed the release of The Hon Warwick Smith’s report Building Australia’s Football Community: A review into the Sustainability of Football.

Building Australia’s Football Community is the culmination of an extensive process examining football in Australia from the grassroots through to the highest levels.

“Football Federation Australia (FFA) has achieved a huge amount for football in Australia including record levels of participation, capitalising on the success of the Socceroos and Matildas and building the quality of the A-league,” Senator Arbib said.

“But there are still challenges for football in this country and as this report makes clear financial stability must be the key priority for FFA and the A-League.

“Mr Smith points out that the A League has expanded quickly and must now consolidate and ‘must live and grow within its means’.”

The report includes a series of recommendations designed to help make football financially sustainable into the future, including maximising revenues, reducing costs and consolidating on the current strengths of the game. These include:

• Creating opportunities for A-League clubs and owners to contribute to the decision making and strategic direction of the A-League;
• Looking at options to reduce costs, including at head office, player salaries and stadiums; and
• Continuing to invest in grassroots, Indigenous and women’s football, given their strategic importance in maintaining participation rates and promoting the game generally.

“I’m particularly pleased to see the report’s emphasis on grassroots football because the kids who pull on the boots today will be the players, the fans and the volunteers of the future.”

The report’s key findings include the need for the A-League and its clubs to build stronger and deeper links with the community at the grassroots and to convert participation into support.

“The success of football depends on the A-League making greater links to the community and the boys and girls running around playing football every weekend,” Senator Arbib said.

“There is a great untapped supporter-base on which football can build and grow.”

In line with these findings the report recommends that FFA continue to work with clubs and member federations to create clearer pathways from junior football, to state and territory competitions, to the A-League and ultimately the Socceroos.

Mr Smith also provides advice for the governance of the 2015 Asian Cup which provides a great opportunity for the future of football in Australia.

“Mr Smith and his review team undertook more than 50 consultations with stakeholders including state and territory federations, A-League clubs, commentators and others who have been involved with the game,” Senator Arbib said. 

“I want to thank to Warwick Smith and the review team for their hard work and diligence putting together this report as well as the many stakeholders who are passionate about their game and who willingly gave their time to support the development of this report.

“The Government will consider the report and its recommendations over the coming months.”

The report can be found at www.dpmc.gov.au/sport/resources/reports/football_review.cfm

Minister’s media contact: Alison Hill 0407 570 640