The Football Federation SA (FFSA) Annual General Meeting was last night held at Coopers Stadium with President Judge Rauf Soulio signing off on what has been an important phase in the history of Football in South Australia. 

In his final speech as President, Rauf Soulio stated that the new Board would take leadership of an organisation which is in a healthy financial position, which is well placed to further develop and promote our sport, and carry on the tasks of developing facilities and of strengthening our clubs and associations. 

Rauf explained that the new Board will be at the helm of an organisation which enjoys strong relationships with state and local government, with the national Federation, with fellow Member Federations, and with FFSA partners and sponsors. Rauf thanked his fellow Directors, present and past, noting that he looks forward to seeing the upward trajectory of our sport in the coming years. 

Along with Judge Rauf Soulio, Oleh Bilyk and Michael Wright’s terms similarly came to a close with the trio to be replaced with three new Directors who were elected to the Board of Directors. Former MetroStars Soccer Club Chairman Tony Taormina, Adelaide Hills Hawks President Estelle Bowman and FFSA Life Member David Hewitson joined fellow Directors Joe Franco, Orazio DiCarlo, Francis Wong OAM, David Pollock, Wendy Barry and newly elected President Sam Ciccarello. 

Sam Ciccarello thanked Judge Rauf Soulio for his time and commitment and welcomed the appointed Directors. 

“On behalf of the football community, we are particularly grateful for the visionary leadership and contribution from retiring FFSA President Judge Rauf Soulio; and the quality of the contribution from past Directors. They have enabled the considerable advancement of football in our State and have provided great service to the game and its participants. 

“The Board’s refreshment includes the appointment of five new Directors, Francis Wong OAM, David Pollock, Estelle Bowman, Tony Taormina  and Dave Hewitson. 

“The new board and I take the reins of an organisation which is well placed to further develop and promote our sport and carry on the tasks of developing facilities and of strengthening our clubs and associations. We will also continue to further cultivate and enhance our relationships and affiliations with the wider-football community.” 

Football Federation SA thanks Judge Rauf Soulio for his time on the Board of Directors along with Oleh Bilyk and Michael Wright. 

2015 Football Federation SA Annual Report