Football Federation Australia (FFA) today announced it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Football Coaches Australia (FCA) in a ground-breaking partnership to enhance coach development.
The agreement will see the organisations collaborate across three key areas, and FFA Chief Executive James Johnson said he was delighted with the partnership.
"Creating world class environments for coach development is a high priority for FFA. Our focus on coach development to the long-term success of Australian football is highlighted by our inclusion of Principle VI within the XI Principles for the future of Australian football (XI Principles) which details the creation of a strong culture around coach development by emphasising the importance of the role as a skilled position and a vital link in player development.
"Establishing a Memorandum Of Understanding with FCA to build key partnerships to enhance coach development was one of a number of proposed measures which we advanced in pursuit of Principle VI. The signing of this Memorandum is an important step for FFA and we are excited to already begin realising some of the work we anticipated within the XI Principles," he said.
"This agreement will focus on the development and implementation of standard form contracts for coaches engaged by professional Australian football clubs, and the establishment of a national arbitration tribunal to hear employment disputes between coaches and professional Australian football clubs."
Importantly FFA and FCA will collaborate to deliver aligned technical education and professional development programs for Advance Licence and Community coaches at all levels.
Johnson added, "FFA and Football Coaches Australia agree to cooperate with each other based on the principle of genuine consultation whilst acknowledging each other's independence.
"I am very excited that we can move forward together to further improve on the healthy and steady increase we've experienced in the numbers of participants on coaching courses and develop many more world-class Australian coaches.
"We are also seeing more and more Australian coaches succeed on the global stage. Most recently, Harry Kewell was appointed as Head Coach of Oldham Athletic. We congratulate Harry on his appointment and take inspiration from his success, and those before him, to create the type of conditions domestically which will support more Australian coaches to test themselves internationally, should they wish to do so."
Football Coaches Australia President Phil Moss said, "This is a crucial moment for our code.
"The importance of having the governing body and an organisation that represents our professional and community coaches formally working together for the betterment of the game cannot be understated.
"FCA is about ensuring coaches are respected as skilled professionals working in an environment that has a framework and standards within which reflect the importance of the role we play.
"FCA and FFA are aligned with the goal to provide 'Community, Connection and Camaraderie' within the coaching network to enable our coaches to perform their role and best promote our great game.
"James, FFA Chair Chris Nikou and the FFA board along with Greg O'Rourke and the A-League have embraced this with a collaborative approach that deserves recognition. We look forward to working closely with FFA and all key stakeholders to ensure the game thrives into the future," Moss concluded.
