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Victorian Community Football Aligns Under First-Ever Statewide Charter

01 July 2025

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.”

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.
 
Lee Hartman, CEO of the Southern Football Netball League, said:
“This Charter represents significant progress. Victorian community football will be far better served when leagues work together, not in isolation.”
 
Jason Reddick, CEO of the VAFA, added:
“Whilst there are many challenges facing community football, our leagues are best placed to maximise the opportunities of growing male and female participation and supporting volunteerism when working collaboratively as an industry, whilst also encouraging leagues to drive initiatives"
 
Zac Hedin, AFL North East Border Region Manager, reinforced the importance of unity across varying models.
“Simplicity and consistency of process apply in every setting. Clear communication and collaborative decision-making will deliver better outcomes across the board.”
 
CEO of Wetsern Football Netball League David Jennings said:
"The Western Football Netball League is proud to stand alongside our peers in shaping a vibrant future for community football in Victoria. The Charter represents a powerful step forward for grassroots football and this collective approach ensures that every level of the game benefits from a stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable future”.
 
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.”

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