Football South Coast (FSC) is proud to have been awarded the inaugural Association of the Year Award by Football NSW, showcasing our leadership, innovation, and commitment to football in the Illawarra and across NSW.
‘The Illawarra has a long, rich and proud history of football, and this Award recognises the immense contribution by former and current club and football council volunteers, administrators, referees and our many other key stakeholders’ said Ann-Marie Balliana, CEO of Football South Coast.
‘We would like to thank Football NSW for recognising the contribution of our association and also like to acknowledge the wonderful work being performed by the many other associations and clubs across NSW”.
Incorporated in 2008 following the unification of five former bodies, FSC has rapidly grown into a model of excellence and collaboration with Football NSW and fellow Associations.
FSC has placed the women’s game at the centre of its strategy, driving 20% growth and the creation of 70 new female-only teams in 2024—the second-highest increase in NSW metro Associations (24%).
Key initiatives included launching a Women’s Premier League, implementing over-30s and, in 2025, an over-40s competition, focussing female-focused development programs and hosting the Women’s Premier League Grand Finals at the region’s largest stadium, WIN Stadium.
Recognising referee shortages as the greatest barrier to growth, FSC has made recruitment, development, and welfare a priority. This delivered a 27% increase in registrations, including the state’s highest growth in female referees (38%). Innovative initiatives such as the Referee Armband Campaign, a Junior Referee Development Officer, and the Respect the Referee campaign are helping to build a safer, stronger environment for match officials.
Martin Rowney, Chair of FSC was particularly proud of the inclusiveness of football in the Illawarra. ‘We are committed to making football accessible at every level and age and promote football in our region, making the game a sport for ‘All Ages and Abilities. We have focused on a number of initiatives to expand participation and use football as a tool for social connection, diversity, and community integration.’
Infrastructure is a major challenge for clubs. With FSC’s support, more than $1.4 million in government funding has been secured for changerooms, lighting, and irrigation upgrades. FSC also invested $800,000 in the region’s only synthetic pitch and secured FIFA Women’s World Cup legacy funding to establish our first permanent home.
Since 2023, winter football registrations have had the following growth in team numbers across our community competitions; Girls Mini roo teams have increased by 77% with youth teams increasing by 61%. Boys mini roos have increased by 6% with boys youth teams increasing by 11%. Senior community teams have increased by 14%. This is in addition to the growing Premier League competition for both Men and Women.
‘Volunteers are the backbone of our clubs and our association, and this Award is dedicated to all those who have worked tirelessly for football in the region. We recognise the impact of grassroots sport and the service it provides to our community in relation to physical and mental wellbeing,’ said Rowney.
A huge congratulations also to Shellharbour Junior Football Club who were Runners Up in the Football NSW, Inaugural Club of The Year Award.
With 1,200 players, the club has embraced Football Australia’s new Club Changer program by building a strong and resilient club, creating a welcoming and inclusive culture and providing a positive environment for players, coaches, volunteers and officials.
The club has excelled in both female and male competitions, winning the Women’s Club Championship and entering the Men’s Premier League in 2026. With a Football4All program and mentorship pathways, the club was named 2024 Club Changer of the Year by Football Australia.
