This afternoon, Football SA was advised that the current committee of the North West Junior Soccer Association (NWJSA) had released a statement to its stakeholders advising it had decided to cease operations at the conclusion of the 2026 season.
NWJSA is not an affiliated association of Football SA, and Football SA was not notified of this decision prior to the statement being released.
Despite NWJSA not being affiliated with Football SA, and in the interests of supporting the continued participation of players in the sport, Football SA had entered into good faith discussions early this year to assist with options for additional venues. Unfortunately, this offer was not accepted.
The NWJSA school-based competition currently provides football opportunities to more than 3,700 players. As the governing body for football in South Australia, Football SA's first priority is ensuring these participants are able to continue playing football in 2027 and beyond.
To avoid any confusion or angst, Football SA will ensure a competition is provided for schools. Football SA has a ready-made school competition model through the Eastern Zone Primary Schools Competition, which can be replicated to accommodate the participants currently playing in the NWJSA competition.
Football SA CEO, Michael Carter, has commenced discussions with the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing and the City of Charles Sturt regarding Football SA's intention to ensure a school-based competition continues from 2027 onwards.
Further work is also underway to secure additional venues to accommodate any shortfall in available playing fields and ensure there is sufficient capacity to support the competition.
Football SA will communicate directly with all participating school leaders and will convene a meeting following the conclusion of the 2026 season to discuss the transition and arrangements for the 2027 competition.