Football Federation Australia (FFA) today launched the National Club Development Program (NCDP) to assist administrators at grassroots football clubs.
Designed in collaboration with the nine member federations and a number of associations, zones and clubs, the NCDP will provide a model for community-based football clubs to follow, to enhance and maintain standards for the benefit of all members.
FFA Chief Executive David Gallop AM said: "FFA is delighted to launch the National Club Development Program and thanks everyone in the game who contributed to its development."
"Community-based clubs play a key role in the success of football in Australia, and we believe that this new program will maintain and enhance their journey and the continued development of the grassroots game."
He added: "The framework for the program has been built on the overwhelming success of Football Victoria's Club Ambassador Program, which saw 95% of 350 clubs participate. FFA congratulates Football Victoria and the clubs on their work in this space."
Football Victoria Chief Executive Peter Filopoulos said "Ensuring our clubs are strong, vibrant and delivering great experiences is a core strategic pillar of Football Victoria to grow the number of participants of all ages, genders and abilities in our great game."
"Over the past two years In Victoria, we have invested heavily in directly engaging clubs with Ambassadors and providing them with a framework like the NCDP to drive this agenda across the state. We therefore welcome the NCDP being rolled out nationally by the FFA."
The NCDP provides clubs with an on-line development platform that allows them to answer a series of questions regarding all facets of their football club. Its specific aims are to:
- Improve processes and controls of affiliated community clubs
- Assist member federations and governing bodies to better support clubs
- Improve the efficiencies of the sport
- Establish benchmarks of success across Australia
- Improve player retention
The NCDP is an enhanced version of the previous National Club Accreditation Scheme (NCAS), introduced in 2012.
The topics covered within the program will be accompanied by an on-line resource library that will provide clubs with the tools to up-skill and offer assistance from their governing body. These resources will develop over time with the continuing input from all levels of football.
