PROJECT BACKGROUND

Football Federation SA (FFSA) in partnership with the State Government and Office for Recreation and Sport has commenced the preparation of a strategic plan for football facilities in South Australia, aimed at promoting the enhancement of football facilities and supporting infrastructure across the state. One of the key objectives for facility development is to secure funding for the upgrade of local facilities to enable the sport to grow. 

It was identified that due to the fast growing popularity of the sport and the increasing need for specialist facilities the existing footprint may potentially limit growth opportunities for the sport. Planning for growth in new markets, such as population growth corridors across the state is vitally important for the code. .

FFSA has engaged leading sports consultancy insideEDGE Sport and Leisure Planning to assist in the development of the FFSA Facility Strategic Plan for Football in South Australia. The project will be completed in five key stages between January and June 2012.

The state-wide Facility Strategic Plan aims to review and map all existing football facilities by hierarchy level, identify the sports current gaps and future facility needs and guide the development of football facilities throughout South Australia. 

Football Federation SA invites ALL Football Associations, Clubs, Primary and Secondary Schools, Universities, State Government Departments, and Local Government Authorities to be involved in the development of the Facility Strategy for Football in South Australia. 

NATIONAL FACILITY AUDIT

The FFA National Facilities Audit was conducted in 2009/10 across all states and territories in Australia. The key issues highlighted for facilities in South Australia were:

o             The need for consistency in facility planning and approach to facility provision

o             Increased focus on positive facility management and usage outcomes

o             Better alignment of football facility development with local and state government policy and growth planning

o             Consideration of regional provision to support all levels of football participation and competition

o             Constrained capacity of clubs and facility providers to adequately cater for rapid 
 growth

o             Need for a more coordinated approach to securing “whole of football” infrastructure investment 

WHO IS insideEDGE?

insideEDGE Sport and Leisure Planning is a consulting firm based in Melbourne. They have worked with major sporting leaders and state and local government on various state and national facility audits, feasibility studies and strategic plans. insideEDGE were also instrumental in assisting the FFA, FFSA, FFV and FFT in the execution of the FFA National Facility Audit in 2009/10. www.ieslp.com.au 

WHO WILL BE INVOLVED?

FFSA and insideEDGE will be working with various State Government Departments, Local Government Authorities, as well as associations, clubs and facility operators (FFSA affiliated and non-affiliated) throughout the development of the project.

FFSA and insideEDGE aim to keep all stakeholders informed of the progress and development of the Facility Strategic Plan for Football through regular website updates at key stages of the project.

FFSA encourages all associations, clubs, facility operators, players and coaches alike (FFSA affiliated and non-affiliated) to get behind this very important project. The more we know about our facilities and our clubs, the more we will be able to plan for the future. Over the coming months a range of targeted consultation forums and facility visits will be undertaken by the project team.

“Football Federation SA is taking a lead role in facility development and improvements to enhance the experience of players, spectators, officials, local media and volunteers in a way to promote participation at all levels and spectator attendance at matches. The Facility Strategic Plan is a progressive step towards growing our sport in South Australia for the collective football community. As a state sporting body we invite the entire Football Family to be involved.” 

- Michael Carter FFSA CEO 

 

For more information contact:
 Michael Carter – FFSA CEO
 P: (08) 8340 3088
 E: michael.carter@ffsa.com.au 
 W: www.ffsa.com.au