| In a landmark moment for grassroots football in Victoria, the state’s 20 metropolitan and country governing bodies have aligned with AFL Victoria to formally endorse a unified strategic direction for the game’s future. The culmination of more than two years of collaboration, the newly established Victorian Community Football Charter marks the first time the state’s community football bodies have aligned under a shared philosophy: that through strong relationships, clearer governance, and effective structures, Victorian community football can thrive. Developed under the guidance of the Future State Project, the Charter reflects a united commitment to overcoming shared challenges, seizing new opportunities, and building a more sustainable and inclusive game for all Victorians. “Victoria is the largest football community nationally yet, until now, has not shared a strategic direction or collaborated as an industry to ensure the game thrives,” said Greg Madigan, Head of AFL Victoria. “The signing of the Victorian Community Football Charter and the commitment to initial priority projects align all governing bodies and AFL Victoria under one strategic vision, supported by structured processes and shared decision-making.” A Collaborative Vision, Backed by Action 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 “The CCSP and Policy Reference Group have already proven to be critical components, and under the Charter, they’ve been revised and expanded to help strengthen the game’s foundations,” said Madigan. “We’ve already seen success, with all governing bodies co-designing and adopting State Affiliate Regulations for club transfers and team establishments earlier this year.” In Gippsland, Region Manager, Tim Cotter is a member of the Community Female Football and CCSP Advisory Group and Club Development Lead is member of the Critical Incident Management group. |
| United in Philosophy, Diverse in Governance 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. A New Era for Community Football The Charter is not a one-off achievement but the foundation of an evolving, collective approach to managing and growing community football in Victoria. “AFL Victoria is committed to ongoing coordination, project delivery, and the establishment of new initiatives,” said Madigan. “We now have a clear path forward — with structure, strategy, and unity underpinning everything we do.” |
