The Football Federation of Victoria has released a long-awaited report arising from a comprehensive review of competition structures in Victoria.
Launched in August 2017, the review is the largest ever undertaken in the state with the expressed aim of enhancing the experience of senior and junior footballers.
The 88-page Football Competition Review 2017/18 report identified nine broad issues and came up with 29 key recommendations, including what it identifies as an optimum competition model for senior and junior football, with the proposed changes recommended to be implemented by 2020.
The optimum competition model includes dividing the current two NPL tiers into three, renamed NPL and VPL 1 and VPL 2.
VPL 1 and VPL 2 will replace the current NPL 2 East and NPL 2 West divisions, with the aim of increasing elite player depth, and making the leagues more competitive and conducive to elite player development.
One of the issues arising from the current NPL structure is the dilution of elite talent, or what’s referred to as a lack of elite talent depth across the existing NPL clubs.
Other key recommendations include “that the alignment of senior and junior programs for the purpose of promotion and relegation be decoupled to allow for independent movement within the competition structure for the 2019 season”.
This is aimed at addressing a significant player turnover at junior NPL teams when the senior team is either promoted or relegated.
Another key recommendation includes the introduction of a clearly defined process of trialling and communicating results to young trialists in order to improve their welfare.
Also raised was the high cost of junior player fees at NPL clubs, which are currently between $1,500 and $2,200 annually. Recommendations included no restrictions to the number of teams at each age group, increasing the maximum number of players allowed for each junior squad, and improved transparency of financial administration at club level.
Other recommendations covered coaching standards and facilities, but one overarching recommendation involved improving the behaviour of players, coaches, and clubs towards referees, who were often subject to hostile, disrespectful behaviour.
The FFV-commissioned independent sports consultancy firm Sports Business Partners to conduct the review, with the support of an independent steering committee for mens’ and boys’ football (phase 1) of the review.
Phase 2 of the review will cover women and girls’ football.
The full report can be accessed via the FFV website. Meanwhile the FFV is welcoming stakeholder feedback on the report and has arranged two stakeholder engagement meetings in the coming week: Monday 23 July from 6.00 – 9.00pm, at the ABD Stadium (Hume City FC, Barry Rd, Broadmeadows); on Wednesday 25 July from 6.00 – 9.00pm at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex (Centre Dandenong Rd, Cheltenham).
Club representatives wishing to attend should RSVP to footballcompetitionreview@ffv.org.au