[mkdf_dropcaps type=”normal” color=”#f55549″ background_color=””]T[/mkdf_dropcaps]
he final iteration of the XI Principles for the future of Australian football has been released by Football Federation Australia (FFA).
The aim of the principles is to provide guidance for the FFA’s decision making.
Just three months following the release of the first version in July 2020, and discussion with stakeholders, an updated version was issued.
FFA chief executive officer, James Johnson, said: “the first version of the XI Principles discussion paper was designed to lead us on a path of further contemplation and discovery in partnership with key stakeholders, special interest groups, and the broader football community, so that we could learn more about the challenges facing the game and the aspirations of those connected with our sport.
“Positively, we learned that there is strong support for the XI Principles and the need for a clear direction in Australian football, however there were also many recommendations regarding how and why the document and specific principles could be enhanced.
“We’ve worked over several weeks to integrate feedback into the document, with some Principles (III, IV, and VI) having been amended by title and description to reflect overarching consensus.
“Additionally, several proposed measures have been added or refined in many principles as we’ve sought to add to the agenda the objectives of our stakeholders.
“In addition to the overarching support for the document, two key themes that emerged from the consultation process were the need for FFA to create closer and more direct links to its community and a more connected game, as well as the desire for FFA to lead transformation in Australian football governance via a ‘One (1) Football’ framework.
“These two points are central to uniting the game and will be given focus by our Board, Management, and Staff as we continue to put the XI Principles into practice.
“We believe we have made some significant strides for the game since the first iteration of the XI Principles was released in July, but the transformation of Australian football has only just begun.
“The XI Principles takes a holistic view of Australian football and the challenges facing it and will replace the Whole of Football Plan published in 2015.
“The XI Principles will guide us strategically and operationally as we look to fulfil the bold and innovative 15-year vision that remains from the first edition,” Johnson said.
Since the release of the initial version in July, measures enacted by the FFA have included; the advancement of plans for a ‘Home of Football’ in Sydney, securing rights for two AFC youth women’s qualification tournaments in regional Australia and new commercial agreements for the Westfield Matildas.
Two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup and Women’s National Team Olympic Gold Medalist, Tony Gustavsson, has also been appointed as new head coach of the Westfield Matildas for a four-year term.
This term will include: FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia/New Zealand 2023, the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympic Games, and the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup India.
The FFA is now in the continued process of collaborating with stakeholders to further refine and operationalise its XI Principles.
