The role of the Board of Directors is to ensure that Football South Australia has a secure long-term future by establishing the organisation’s strategic direction and priorities.
This includes defining key relationships between the organisation and its stakeholders and other key individuals and organisations/groups.
The board have the role of establishing the policy framework for governing the organisation, from which all operational policies and actions are developed.
Dr Jane Rathjen
President
Dr. Jane Rathjen has been a Football SA Board member since 2018, serving as Vice President for several years and leading the Women’s World Cup Legacy Committee. An experienced executive in science, technology, and business development, she has managed multi-disciplinary teams across various industries. With over 25 years of playing experience, she has also contributed as a coach and club volunteer. As Chair of the Football SA Women’s Advisory Group for a decade, she has played a key role in growing women’s football, integrating competitions within Football SA, and establishing the Women’s National Premier League licensing structure.
Symoane Mercurio
Vice President
Symoane has served on the Football SA Board since 2022, bringing a lifelong connection to the game as a former grassroots player and a valued member of FSA’s Disciplinary Tribunal for five years. A director at Cowell Clarke Commercial Lawyers, she has practiced law since 2004, specialising in commercial litigation, insolvency, property law, and dispute resolution. She also provides pro-bono legal services for JusticeNet and is an Accredited Mediator for the Office of the Small Business Commissioner. Recognised in Best Lawyers in Australia (2021-2024) and Doyle’s Guide, she is a highly regarded legal professional in her field.
Anna Agostino
Director
Anna Agostino is a Chartered Accountant and Registered Liquidator with over 17 years of experience in insolvency and corporate restructuring. Holding degrees in Law and Commerce, she has managed company restructures, prepared investigative accounting reports, and contributed to major litigation matters across various industries, including agriculture, construction, and hospitality. A passionate football supporter, Anna joined the Football SA Board bringing her financial expertise and strategic insight to the organisation.
Paul Centofanti
Director
Paul Centofanti has been actively involved in football from juniors to seniors and amateur levels, serving as Club Chair and Vice Chair. He has led networking, technical, and volunteering programs at the club level and has been a Football SA Zone Council Member since 2022. Professionally, Paul is an Executive Board Director for a leading Japanese multinational technology company, with over 25 years of experience in business management, strategic planning, and international market development. His expertise includes establishing start-ups, fostering government and business relations, and commercialising new products and services.
Paul Mertin
Director
Paul Mertin is a Board Director at Football South Australia (Football SA), bringing a wealth of experience in leadership, strategy, governance, and stakeholder engagement. His professional background includes senior roles where he has demonstrated strong leadership and communication skills. In his capacity as a Board Director, Mertin contributes to the strategic direction and governance of Football SA, supporting the development and promotion of football in South Australia.
Nick Runjajic
Director
Nick has been actively involved in football in various capacities, including as a player, committee member, delegate, commissioner, and Football SA member. Professionally, he works in administration for a federal government tribunal overseeing administrative reviews across 400 federal acts, including Taxation, NDIS, and Aviation. With a background in the Australian Public Service, Nick has experience in administrative law and has also worked as a law clerk and private legal practitioner.
Martin Small
Director
Martin has been involved in football as a player, coach, and administrator, volunteering at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and serving in leadership roles with SA Masters Soccer League and Capital Soccer. He has also coached juniors and played for Burndale AFC in Christchurch. Professionally, he is the Principal of Martin Small Consulting, working to eliminate road fatalities across Australasia, Asia, and Africa, and a Non-Executive Director for the RAA, bringing strong governance and leadership expertise.
Sacha Wainwright
Director
Sacha is a football icon with over 35 years of involvement as a player, administrator, and coach. A dual Olympian and former Matildas Vice-Captain, she earned 81 caps over 10 years, representing Australia at two FIFA World Cups and two Olympic Games. Sacha is inducted into multiple Halls of Fame, including the Football Australia and Capital Football Halls of Fame, and was awarded the Australian Sports Medal for her contributions to football. Professionally, she is a senior executive and commercial lawyer with over 25 years of experience, currently serving as General Counsel for Drakes Supermarket Group. She has also held leadership roles in various not-for-profit organizations and sports governance, including with Unity Housing Company Limited and the SA Olympic Council.