Football South Australia and the South Australian Amateur Soccer League (SAASL) have officially signed an extension to their Affiliation Agreement, marking a significant milestone in the continued growth and success of football within the state.
Since its inception in 1965, SAASL has evolved into South Australia's largest body for senior level Amateur Soccer. The partnership between Football SA and SAASL, which began in 2018, has flourished over the past six years. Monday's meeting, attended by key representatives from both organisations, underscores their shared commitment to encouraging the sport's development at all levels.
"This extension represents more than just a renewal of our agreement," states Michael Carter, CEO of Football SA. "It's a testament to the evolving and strengthening relationship between Football SA and SAASL. We're working closer together than ever before, and the results speak for themselves."
Key highlights of the partnership include:
- Referee Development: Football SA's Referees Department now oversees the appointment of all match officials for SAASL games. In 2024, Football SA and SAASL’s strategic focus on Referees has seen a significant improvement in the coverage of match officials for Senior Divisions in both the Saturday and Sunday leagues.
- Officiating Initiatives: Football SA has implemented several programs to attract new referees and mentor young officials, including State Championships and targeted mentorship programs. SAASL continues to implement strategies to develop their Club Referee program and to provide a pathway for new and returning Referees.
- Respect Campaign: The successful launch of the Armband Campaign to protect young referees. Welcomed and embraced by clubs, participants and the football community the bright orange armbands worn by referees under 18 serve as a visible reminder that these officials are minors.
- Venue Support: ServiceFM Stadium has hosted major SAASL events, providing a professional setting for amateur league matches.
- Streamlined Registration: SAASL players will continue to register through a consistent Player Registration System, improving administrative efficiency, and importantly, the integrity of Player registrations.
- Shared Competition Management System: Providing consistent and streamlined Competition Management Processes across all competitions and improving efficiencies for Clubs, Referees and Association Administrators.
- Enhanced Player Protection: SAASL players are included in the National Insurance Scheme, providing crucial coverage for clubs, administrators, volunteers and participants.
Michelle Smith, General Manager of Refereeing, reflects: "The armband initiative, to be embraced by SAASL, exemplifies our shared commitment to nurturing football's future in South
Australia. This continued partnership allows us to implement our shared values across communities and drive positive change throughout the sport."
George Fotopoulos, President of SAASL and SAASL Board members and Executive Officer Darcy Evan expressed their enthusiasm for the extended partnership, pictured above with Football SA CEO Michael Carter. “We are pleased to continue our partnership with Football SA. Our ongoing affiliation has seen a significant improvement in our Referee coverage in 2024, that is due to the collaboration and hard work of both the Football SA and the SAASL administration teams. We look forward to further opportunities the partnership will provide.”
The renewed affiliation agreement ensures that Football SA and SAASL will continue to collaborate closely, driving the growth and quality of football across South Australia while prioritising the safety and development of all participants.
For more information, please contact:
Karina McDonald - Media & Commercial Manager
(08) 8340 3088