Football Federation SA’s Football Department is set to receive a huge boost with three significant appointments courtesy of continued funding from the Office of Recreation and Sport.

Geoff Hargreaves has been appointed as Head Coach of the FFSA NTC Girls squad until October 31, 2013, former Adelaide United striker Cristiano joins FFSA’s Game Development team, as does Susan Bassett, who has been appointed to the role of Female Participation Officer. 

Hargreaves won the 2012 Bob Bush Award for the Women’s Premier Division Coach of the Year after leading Fulham United to the Adelaide Airport Cup Semi-Final and a fourth-place finish in the Adelaide Airport Women’s Premier League.

Hargreaves also coached the FFSA U14 Girls State Squad in 2011, Cumberland United’s Premier League side in 1999 and 2000, where he steered the club to promotion, as well as assisting the SASI Women’s Program in 1998 until 2000.

After joining FFSA in 2009 as a Development Officer, Hargreaves’ appointment illustrates the pathways available to coaches looking to progress through the system.

Hargreaves has also been a Football Federation Coach Education Instructor since 2009.

Cristiano’s appointment sees him join the Game Development Department as a full-time employee in a role which is strongly focused on Regional Development in SA. 

The Brazilian’s experience will be a welcome addition to football in the state, with Regional Development already identified as a facet of football with massive potential.

In a further boost for Women’s Football, FFSA has appointed Bassett as its Female Participation Officer, a role charged with increasing participation numbers in the Girls and Women’s game, engaging with Girls and Women’s Clubs and schools, as well as assisting with the Education of Female Coaches.

The ex-Stoke City Women’s and Macclesfield Town Women’s player holds an English FA Level 2 Coaching Certificate and has had vast experience in her home country including coaching her former side Macclesfield Town and in the Cheshire FA.

“We’ve identified that these are key areas within our organization,” said FFSA CEO Michael Carter.

“Junior Girls participation will be targeted and in particular through independent secondary schools and Regional areas need a greater football presence. Cristiano’s profile is perfect for this role.”

“With these appointments I have no doubt we will see further development in Regional and Women’s Football.”