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NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

CHAIRMAN REPORT

CEO REPORT

KEY MEASURES OF SUCCESS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 3 4 6 8 9

CHAIRMAN REPORT

It is my privilege as chairman of Northern NSW Football to present this report to our members and stakeholders on behalf of the NNSWF Board of Directors.

In 2025 we built on strong momentum and continued to grow the game across our region. We focused on delivering our strategic priorities, strengthening our competitions and supporting our football community at every level. The year reinforced our position as a progressive and ambitious organisation committed to long-term success.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors continued to provide strong leadership and governance throughout 2025. We remained aligned in our vision and worked closely with the CEO and executive leadership team to guide the organisation through a period of growth and opportunity.

My fellow directors again demonstrated professionalism, experience and a deep commitment to football in northern NSW. Their contribution ensures we continue to make decisions in the best interests of the game and the communities we serve.

I thank each member of the board for their dedication and support and for the collaborative approach we have maintained.

2024 to 2026 STRATEGIC PLAN

2025 marked a critical phase in the delivery of our 2024 to 2026 Strategic Plan. As we moved beyond the foundation phase, we shifted our focus to implementation, outcomes and long-term impact.

We delivered key initiatives across competitions, participation, governance and engagement. Our work remained guided by clear priorities and shaped by consultation with our member zones, clubs and stakeholders.

We created the role of Government Relations Manager which has already played a critical role in creating and implementing processes, procedures and resources to advocate and secure funding for infrastructure, programs and initiatives that increase access to quality playing spaces.

The position will be integral moving forward in fostering strong, collaborative and lasting relationships with stakeholders at all levels of government, member zones and football clubs.

We also welcomed fresh faces to the Northern Inland region, with Regional

MIKE PARSONS NNSWF CHAIRMAN

Football Officer and Club Development Officer roles created to support clubs in the area.

As we approach the final year of the current strategy, we have already turned our attention to the future. We will begin planning the next strategic cycle to ensure we continue to evolve, respond to growth and set ambitious targets for the game in northern NSW.

RECRUITMENT & RETENTION

Participation remained strong in 2025, reflecting the health of football across our region. We continued to attract new players while improving retention across key age groups to once again achieve recordbreaking retention numbers.

NNSWF also launched its new “Football is Everywhere… in northern NSW!” recruitment and retention marketing campaign to coincide with the opening of 2025 registrations.

The campaign was seen by more people than ever before and included new bespoke television commercials , featuring registered players from across NNSWF’s seven member zones.

But our focus extended beyond player numbers. We invested in coach education, referee development and volunteer support to strengthen every part of the game. These efforts ensure we not only grow participation but also improve the quality of experiences for everyone involved in football.

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL & PARTICIPATION

Women’s and girls’ football continued to be a major growth area in 2025.

We strengthened our competition structures, expanded opportunities and supported clubs to meet increasing demand. The ongoing evolution of our premier competitions and pathways reflects our commitment to creating accessible, high-quality

environments for female players.

We will continue to build on this momentum and ensure women’s and girls’ football remains central to our future growth.

Together with our football community we also celebrated Female Football Week, Mental Health Week and Pride Round and cheered on our NNSWF - Indigenous teams at various tournaments and competitions.

INCLUSIVITY

We continued to prioritise inclusivity by supporting programs and facilities that provide opportunities for participants of all abilities.

Through collaboration with member zones, clubs and partners, we expanded access to inclusive football programs and improved the environments in which they operate. These initiatives reflect our commitment to ensuring football remains a game for everyone.

We were also absolutely thrilled that NNSWF won its first NAIDOC Cup since the tournament’s inception in 2022 in October. It was a proud day for our players, their families and communities and we congratulate them once again.

We also secured fifth place at the 2025 National Para Football Championships at the Home of the Matildas in Melbourne in December, with Carly Salmon, who represented NNSWF, awarded Female Player of the Tournament.

MATCH OFFICIALS

We were delighted to announce the establishment of the inaugural NNSWF Referee Academy in June.

The purpose of the two-year academy program is to further referees’ knowledge, skills and advancement so they can be given opportunities to be selected for important tournaments and events and perform at their optimal level.

We also created the roles of High Performance Referee coach and Regional Referee Education and Development Coordinator to further demonstrate our commitment to supporting our match officials.

ON THE PITCH – HIGHLIGHTS AND INNOVATIONS

Our competitions continued to evolve in 2025, supported by innovation and a commitment to high standards.

We built on recent reforms to our premier competitions and continued to strengthen pathways for players and clubs. The ongoing implementation of structured entry processes, competition reviews and new initiatives ensured our leagues remained competitive, sustainable and aligned with long-term goals.

We also maintained a strong focus on integrity, respect and the overall matchday experience with the continuation of the Zero Tolerance Policy.

Our NPL Men’s and NPL Women’s competitions were two of the most competitive seasons in recent memory, while our HIT106.9 Northern League One competition again provided plenty of highlights.

The connection of the men’s football pyramid via the return of promotion and relegation has continued to be a huge improvement for the game. The jeopardy in every match at both ends of the table has produced exciting, competitive football across the board and an opportunity for ambitious clubs to strive for excellence, while also not allowing clubs to rest on their laurels.

The launch of the UNE Regional Super League was also a huge triumph, culminating in the finals weekend in Tamworth. We will continue to provide strong pathways and look to enhance the football experience for regional clubs and players as we build on the success of the Regional Super League’s inaugural campaign.

On the national stage, Broadmeadow Magic did our region proud in the inaugural Australian Championship, while Cooks Hill United and Weston FC represented northern NSW in the national rounds of the Australia Cup.

NNSWF STAFF

Our staff again delivered outstanding results in 2025.

Their professionalism, expertise and passion for the game drive everything we achieve as an organisation. They continue to support our member zones and clubs while delivering programs, events and services to a high standard.

I thank our CEO, executive leadership team and all staff for their commitment and contribution throughout the year. We also announced in November that our CEO, Peter Haynes, has been reappointed for three years. Peter’s retention highlights the strength and stability of our organisation. We congratulate Peter on the outstanding work he and his team have done over his tenure so far.

FOOTBALL COMMUNITY

Our football community remains the foundation of our success.

We continued to strengthen relationships with member zones, clubs, volunteers, players, coaches and match officials. Open communication, consultation and collaboration remained central to our approach.

We were proud to keep NNSWF’s portion of registration fees on hold for a fifth year in a row in 2025. We have worked hard to make sure football is as affordable as possible and will continue to do so while still expanding our capacity, programs and services available to our football community. We were also able to announce in November that registration fees would remain on hold for a sixth year-ina-row in 2026.

Our Local Champion Awards also returned in 2025 to showcase the efforts and commitment of our community football volunteers.

We value the contribution of every individual involved in the game and remain committed to supporting our community as it continues to grow.

FUTSAL

Futsal continued to play an important role in our participation and development landscape.

We strengthened program delivery and created additional opportunities for players, coaches and referees to engage with the format. Futsal remains a valuable tool for skill development and an important complement to the outdoor game.

Our teams represented Northern NSW Football with distinction and pride at the 2025 Football Australia National Futsal Championships in Melbourne in January and we will continue to explore opportunities to grow futsal across the region.

RELATIONSHIP WITH FOOTBALL AUSTRALIA

We maintained strong relationships with Football Australia throughout 2025. We continued to contribute to national discussions and represent the interests of northern NSW across key committees and working groups. Our engagement ensures our region remains well represented and connected to the broader direction of the game in Australia.

We also acknowledge the achievements of players, coaches and officials from our region who continue to perform on the national stage.

LIFE MEMBERS

Northern NSW Football was delighted to announce Kerry Conquest and John Hughes as its newest life members at our Annual General Meeting in Coffs Harbour at the end of June.

It was also the first time NNSWF had ever

taken the event to a regional area, again demonstrating our respect for our football community across all of northern NSW.

VALE

We acknowledge with respect those members of our football community who passed away during the year.

Each made a meaningful contribution to the game in northern NSW. We extend our sincere condolences to their families, friends and clubs and we thank them for their lasting impact on our football community.

We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Northern NSW Soccer Federation President, Football Australia Hall of Fame Inductee and Weston Bears FC legend Stefan Kamasz at the age of 76 in January.

We were also deeply saddened by the passing of former Socceroo cap #120, West Wallsend SFC and Toronto Awaba goalkeeper David Bone at the age of 94 in February.

Born and raised in Adamstown, Bone was a talented goalkeeper who carved out a distinguished career in Northern NSW Football.

I would like to acknowledge there were other personal losses throughout 2025 and my heartfelt condolences and appreciation go to their respective clubs, organisations and families for their various contributions to our football community.

SUMMARY

2025 was a year of progress, growth and opportunity.

We continued to strengthen our foundations while embracing innovation and planning for the future. Our strategic direction remains clear and our ambition remains strong.

It is an honour to serve as chairman of Northern NSW Football. I thank our board, staff and football community for their ongoing support and commitment to the game.

Together, we will continue to build a strong and sustainable future for football in northern NSW.

MIKE PARSONS Chairman

Northern

NSW Football

2025 ANNUAL REPORT

CEO REPORT

The 2025 season marked a year of momentum, progress and purpose for Northern NSW Football.

We set new benchmarks for participation, strengthened our financial position and expanded the reach and impact of football across our region. Just as importantly, we reinforced our role as a leader in community sport. One that connects people, builds capability and creates opportunity at every level of the game.

Our growth reflects the strength of our football family. Players, coaches, match officials, volunteers, clubs and staff continue to drive the game forward with energy and commitment. Their contribution underpins everything we achieved this year.

Working alongside a highly engaged Board of Directors and a committed executive leadership team, we delivered on key priorities within our strategic plan. We focused on sustainable growth, inclusive participation and strengthening the systems that support football from grassroots through to performance pathways.

Football in northern NSW continues to evolve and 2025 demonstrated our capacity not only to keep pace with that change but to lead it.

PARTICIPATION AND COMMUNITY IMPACT

Participation reached record levels in 2025, with growth across junior, youth and senior competitions. The continued rise in women’s and girls’ football remained a defining feature of the season, reflecting increased demand and the success of targeted development programs.

We maintained a clear focus on accessibility and inclusion. Programs designed for participants of all abilities, backgrounds and communities continued to expand, ensuring more people could experience the benefits of football. Our commitment to regional communities also remained a priority, with ongoing support delivered to clubs and competitions across our geographically diverse footprint.

We received a record number of responses to our Annual Participant Survey which provided us invaluable insights as to what is most important to our football community. Football plays a critical role in building healthier, more connected communities. The sustained growth of the game across northern NSW highlights its importance as a sport and a social driver.

PETER HAYNES NNSWF CEO

TALENT DEVELOPMENT AND PERFORMANCE PATHWAYS

Our performance programs again delivered strong results on the national stage.

At the Emerging Socceroos Championships in Melbourne, our under-16s secured a sixthplaced finish, while the under-15s gained valuable experience against the country’s best emerging talent.

At the Emerging Matildas Championships in Sydney, our teams achieved second and seventh-placed finishes, with the under-15s delivering a standout campaign culminating in a hard-fought defeat in the final.

The northern NSW region also produced an incredible number of national representatives in 2025.

Northern NSW had five ParaMatildas representatives, one ParaRoos representative, four Matildas, a Socceroo, three Junior Matildas, five Young Matildas and four Joeys, as well as two national futsal representatives.

We also had nine referees officiate on the national stage. This included four appointments at the Emerging Socceroos Championships, two at the Emerging Matildas Championships, three in the Hahn Australia Cup and three in the Australian Championship.

These results reflect the strength of our development pathways and the quality of coaching across the region. More broadly, they demonstrate our ongoing commitment to creating clear and aspirational pathways for players, coaches and match officials.

COACH DEVELOPMENT

We continued to invest in the development of coaches, recognising their central role in shaping positive football experiences.

In 2025 Northern NSW Football delivered State Coaching Conferences at Coffs Coast Synthetics and Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, attracting a record number of participants as more than 170 coaches from across the region attended the sessions.

The conferences combined theory and practical learning, with leading professionals delivering contemporary insights into coaching methodology, player development and game understanding. The strong attendance reflected the commitment of our coaching community to continuous improvement and the growing demand for high-quality development opportunities.

We saw a record 995 coaches complete courses or engage in education delivered by the NNSWF Technical Department across the region in 2025 which will see short, medium and long-term benefits for players and clubs across northern NSW.

NNSWF delivered 24 MiniRoos courses, 20 Skill Training Courses, three Foundation of Goalkeeping courses, 21 Foundation of Football courses, seven C-Diplomas and three B-Diplomas. This total of 78 coach education courses was also a record number.

MAJOR EVENTS AND VISIBILITY

The profile of football in northern NSW received a further boost with the return of the Australia women’s national team to the region.

Australia faced Korea Republic at McDonald Jones Stadium in April as part of a two-match international friendly series. The fixture marked the Matildas’ first appearance in the Hunter since 2023 and provided a significant opportunity to engage fans and inspire the next generation of players.

Hosting international football reinforces the importance of our region within the national landscape and supports continued growth in participation and interest.

Our 2025 van Egmond Jennings Awards were also our largest ever, with the night another resounding success. Maitland FC striker Braedyn Crowley was crowned the Graham Jennings Medal winner as NPL Men’s NNSW Player of the Year for the third time following his outstanding season. While New Lambton FC striker Tara Andrews was the winner of the Emily van Egmond Medal as the NPL Women’s NNSW Player of the Year.

Our NNSWF team hosted a number of other on-pitch events across the region including NPL grand finals, Promotion/Relegation Play-Off final, Women’s State Cup, Men’s State Cup final, Champion of Champions and Community State Youth Championships.

Off the pitch we also hosted the Female Football Week Awards and state referee and coach conferences.

INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS

In 2025, we took an enormous step in expanding our pathways beyond northern NSW and Australia.

Northern NSW Football formalised a landmark international partnership with Nihon University, one of Japan’s most respected institutions. The Memorandum of Understanding, signed in Tokyo, creates opportunities for player development, as well as coach and match official exchanges.

This partnership strengthens our global outlook and provides unique cultural and football experiences for our participants. It reflects our belief that development extends beyond the pitch and that exposure to international environments enhances performance and personal growth.

SHOWCASE OUR GAME

We took an important step forward in the visibility and accessibility of our premier competitions.

The 2025 National Premier Leagues Northern NSW season was broadcast through Live Graphic Systems (LIGR), following a national tender process led by Football Australia. The initiative aimed to standardise production across the country, enhance consistency and unlock greater commercial potential at NPL level.

LIGR partnered with DoubleTake Sports to deliver on-ground production throughout the season, ensuring high-quality coverage of men’s and women’s competitions.

This investment strengthened our digital offering, expanded audience reach and provided greater exposure for players, clubs and partners.

This also saw us broadcast matches through our own in-house YouTube channel for the first time. While broadcast numbers for the 2024 season were around 600,000, we achieved an incredible almost 1.3 million views on our premier competitions under our new broadcast model in 2025.

With a further record-breaking 1.2 million views of our website, there is substantial evidence that we are showcasing our game better than ever before.

In 2025 we strengthened connections between community and elite football through new representative opportunities to further showcase our players.

Northern NSW Football fielded men’s and women’s Northern NSW All-Stars teams to face the Newcastle Jets as part of the A-League club’s pre-season program.

Announced in July for September fixtures, the initiative created a valuable platform for local players to test themselves against A-League opposition.

These matches highlighted the depth of talent within our football community and strengthened our partnership with the Jets, while providing aspirational opportunities for players across our pathway.

PARTNERSHIPS AND COMMERCIAL GROWTH

Strong partnerships remain central to our ability to deliver for our football community. In 2025 we extended key agreements with our major partner of community football Newcastle Permanent and Umbro, reinforcing long-standing relationships that continue to provide value to our participants.

In Newcastle Permanent’s case, the extension to an 18th year in 2025 saw a further 11,500 footballs provided to entry-level players aged five to seven across the region. This was up from 10,000 in previous years, which was necessary due to the incredible 11 per cent increase in registered participants across northern NSW in 2024.

The partnership has now supplied 136,500 free footballs to entry-level players since 2008 as well as vital football equipment to clubs across NNSWF’s seven member zones.

We also welcomed new partnerships with Fruit Brothers, Complete Sports Solutions and BDO.

These partnerships strengthen our commercial foundation and enable us to invest back into the game. They also reflect growing confidence in the direction of football in northern NSW and the value of aligning with our organisation.

ORGANISATIONAL CAPABILITY

Our people continue to be one of our greatest strengths.

Throughout 2025, we invested in building organisational capability, ensuring our staff are equipped to meet the evolving needs of the game. We focused on alignment, efficiency and delivering high-quality services to our members and stakeholders.

The commitment and professionalism of our staff underpin every program, competition and initiative we deliver. Their work ensures we remain responsive, forward-thinking and focused on outcomes that benefit the entire football community.

To further demonstrate our capacity, Northern NSW Football was proud to launch its new Services Guide in 2025, an outstanding and comprehensive resource that outlines the wide range of support, programs and services provided to member zones, clubs, volunteers, players, coaches, referees and the wider football community. We encourage all of our football community to become familiar with this information. We are committed to providing better support for our football community, more visibility and even more efficiency.

RECOGNITION AND LEADERSHIP

The work of Northern NSW Football received significant recognition in 2025.

Our organisation was named Outstanding Community Organisation and won the Excellence in Sustainability award at the Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards.

These awards reflect our commitment to delivering positive community outcomes and operating in a responsible and forwardlooking way.

I was also honoured to be named Outstanding Business Leader at the awards. This recognition belongs to our entire organisation - our Board of Directors, my executive leadership team and staff, our volunteers and broader football community - who contribute daily to the growth and success of the game.

FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY

We continued to strengthen our financial position in 2025, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the organisation.

Disciplined financial management, combined with participation growth and strong commercial partnerships, has placed Northern NSW Football in a stable position. This allows us to invest strategically in infrastructure, programs and people while maintaining the flexibility to respond to future opportunities and challenges.

Sustainable growth remains a priority. We will continue to balance ambition with responsibility as we plan for the future of football in our region.

LOOKING AHEAD

As we move forward, our focus remains clear. We will continue to grow participation, particularly in women’s and girls’ football. We will strengthen our pathways and invest in the development of players, coaches and match officials. And we will advocate for improved facilities and infrastructure to meet the needs of our expanding football community.

We will also build on our strategic foundations as we prepare for the next phase of our organisational journey. The progress we achieved in 2025 provides a strong platform for continued growth and innovation.

Football in northern NSW has never been stronger. The opportunity now is to harness that momentum and ensure the game continues to thrive for future generations.

I thank our Board of Directors for their leadership and guidance, my executive leadership team and our staff for their dedication and professionalism and our clubs, volunteers and participants for their unwavering commitment to the game.

It remains a privilege to lead Northern NSW Football.