The first 12 months
Priority #1 : Pursue representation at FFA Congress

How did we do?
​
1.  From a standing start of being in negative territory, we made contact with FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation, FFA, the state member federations, the A-League clubs and the PFA.

2.  The local stakeholders may have thought of us as a bit of a pimple on the landscape, but our claims were recognised as legitimate, genuine, heartfelt - and coming from the voices of a largely volunteer 'army' of football's foot soldiers.

3.  We were invited to meet with FIFA and AFC at their stakeholder meetings in August last year and earlier this year.

4.  When the impasse between the major stakeholders dragged on, and the Congress Review Working Group was eventually formed, FIFA specifically directed that AAFC's position be considered in the deliberations of the Working Group.
​
5.  As a result, the Working Group report released last week recognises our efforts and has given us special status to be 'fast tracked' into being a Congress member.
​
6.  As we state here, we would have preferred to be a member straight away - and believe we have strong claims for being so - but we also recognise that we need to earn our stripes and meet a number of important governance criteria. We're team players and we're happy to do this in the 'bigger picture' interests of the game. 

What's next?
​
1.  We'll continue to work towards meeting the 'qualifying criteria' set by the Working Group to achieve full Congress status starting with being an Associate Member by July next year, giving NPL clubs a direct voice (two positions) on the FFA Congress.
​
2.  To this end, we will work with all stakeholders to continue to advance the game throughout the country on behalf of NPL clubs and for the benefit of football in Australia.