VAFA signs on to the Victorian Community Football Charter

The VAFA is proud to announce that it has signed on to the Victorian Community Football Future State Charter with a commitment to collaborate with our fellow Community Leagues across Victoria to help our football code continue to thrive.

For the past two years, VAFA CEO Jason Reddick has been involved in future strategy meetings with AFL Victoria and his Community League CEO counterparts, which has culminated in the development of this Charter which all Community League Boards have now approved and signed on to.

The focus of the Charter is to build relationships, structures and governance to support the football ecosystem in our State. 

While each metropolitan league and country region remains independent and manages its own governance and constitutional responsibilities, all signatories to the Charter have committed to a broader, evidence-based, industry-wide approach.

The Charter outlines a broad strategic focus, guiding principles, and seven initial key Priority Projects, all led by representatives across the state’s football community. These projects include:

• Player Pathways
• Community Umpiring Programs and Environments
• Community Female Football
• The continuation and expansion of the CCSP (Club and Competition Sustainability Project)
• Critical Incident Management
• Community Football Conduct and Standards
• A Policy Reference Group

Mr Reddick said, “This Charter now enables us a seat at the table to influence the environment that our VAFA Clubs operate in.

“I currently sit on two very important AFL Vic Future Strategy sub committees, the Player Pathways and the Policy Reference Group.

“Both of these sub-committees are critical to the support of our Clubs, their sustainability and their ability to grow.

“Player Pathways is reviewing the connection and transition of players from Auskick to Youth teams to Senior teams. The Policy Reference Group reviews and proposes recommendations for changes to the National Community Football Handbook policies which govern all Community Football Leagues across Australia.

“This Charter doesn’t impact the independence of our Association or the nature of our Amateur competition. It connects us with our neighbouring Community Leagues in making shared decisions about the environment in which we operate for the best interests of community football in this state. “

VAFA President Paul Newton said, “I thank Jason on behalf of the Board for his involvement in the delivery of the Charter, and I take this opportunity to congratulate John O’Donohue and his colleagues at AFL VIC on this watershed achievement. 

“This Statewide Charter will enable all of the leagues within the State to work together in the best interests of community football.”