By Joseph Ibic
Victoria’s 20 state and metropolitan football governing bodies have aligned with AFL Victoria to formally endorse a unified strategic direction for the game’s future.
The newly established Victorian Community Football Charter is a culmination of more than two years of collaboration.
It marks the first time the state’s football bodies have aligned under a shared philosophy that through strong relationships, clearer governance, and effective structures, Victorian community football can thrive.
The charter developed under the future state project’s guidance reflects a commitment to overcome challenges, seize new opportunities and build a more sustainable and inclusive game for all Victorians.
AFL Victoria’s Greg Madigan said that despite Victoria having the largest football community nationally, the governing bodies have not shared a strategic direction or collaborated as an industry until now.
He described the charters signings as a “commitment to initial priority projects to align all governing bodies and AFL Victoria under one strategic vision.”
The charter outlines seven initial key priority projects, including player pathways, community umpiring programs, community female football and critical incident management
As well as the expansion of the club and competition sustainability project, community football conduct and standards, and a policy reference group.
Western Football League chief executive David Jennings said his league is proud to stand alongside our peers in shaping a vibrant future for community football in Victoria.
“The charter represents a powerful step forward for grassroots football and this collective approach ensures that every level of the game benefits from a stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable future.”
VAFA chief executive Jason Reddick added, “whilst there are many challenges facing community football, our leagues are best placed to maximise the opportunities of growing male and female participation and supporting volunteerism when working collaboratively as an industry, whilst also encouraging leagues to drive initiatives.”
Each metropolitan league and country region will remain independent and manage its own governance and constitutional responsibilities, with signatories to the charter having committed to a broader, evidence-based, industry-wide approach.
