Ann‑Marie Balliana Wraps Up 14 Years as Football South Coast CEO, Leaving a Stronger, More Inclusive Game
Football South Coast has today announced the resignation of long-serving Chief Executive Officer Ann-Marie Balliana, bringing to a close a 14-year tenure that has delivered significant growth, reform and stability across the region’s football community.
During her time as CEO, Ms Balliana has led major governance reform, strengthened the organisation’s financial sustainability, expanded participation pathways and enhanced support for clubs, volunteers and participants. These achievements were recognised in 2025 when Football South Coast was named Football NSW Association of the Year.
Ms Balliana has served football in the region for close to 20 years, as Treasurer of the Illawarra Junior Football Association and a board member of Football South Coast.
As CEO, she championed the growth of female football in the region, establishing many all-female leagues and expanding opportunities across junior, master and premier league competitions.
Her commitment to making football accessible to all also contributed to the growth of thriving summer football and five-a-side competitions, junior development programs, Walking Football, the introduction of come-and-try programs, and the FSC White Knights with the support of The Disability Trust.
During her tenure, she also secured the Illawarra’s first synthetic pitch and established a permanent home for the association at Ian McLennan Park.
Football South Coast Chair Martin Rowney acknowledged Ms Balliana’s contribution to the game.
“Ann-Marie has been a fantastic advocate for football in this region for well over a decade,” he said.
“Football South Coast has thrived during Ann-Marie’s tenure as CEO, and this has been in no small part due to her strong capabilities and skilled management. We wish Ann-Marie well for her next role.
“Ann-Marie will no doubt continue to be a part of the local football community, through her continuing participation as a player with Fairy Meadow United FC”.
Ms Balliana said it had been a privilege to serve the football community.
“It has been an honour to work alongside our clubs, volunteers and stakeholders over many years. Football has been a big part of my life,” she said.
“I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to be part of key achievements, including the region’s first synthetic pitch, the introduction of inclusive programs, the development of a base at Ian McLennan Park, and the implementation of many other strategic initiatives, such as the growth of female football.
“I would like to thank the FSC staff and the board for their ongoing support and commitment during my time with this wonderful organisation. Football will always have a place in my heart and, as a huge fan, I would like to wish FSC and its member clubs every success.”
Ms Balliana will take on the role of General Manager at Our Community Project, based in Port Kembla.
Football South Coast will commence a recruitment process to appoint a new Chief Executive Officer, with the position to be advertised shortly.
