Western Australian soccer another step closer to unification

4/9/03
The restructure of soccer in Western Australia has taken a major step forward with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by the Soccer Administration of WA (SAWA) and all affiliated associations.
Sport and Recreation Minister Bob Kucera said this was effectively the final endorsement needed from WA's soccer community to bring about the unification of the various soccer groups.
"This is a great moment for the sport and everyone who has been part of the process to date should be proud of what has been achieved," Mr Kucera said.
"I thank West Coast Soccer board member and Innaloo MLA John Quigley, and the Department of Sport and Recreation's Ron Alexander for their work in bringing the various points of view together."
The Government had been facilitating a series of soccer forums with the sport's stakeholders since May 2002.
Through the forums it was determined that the best way for all stakeholders to commit to the restructure would be to sign an MoU to implement the first stage of the reforms.
The Minister said the State Government would fund a project manager to help implement stage one as part of the 2003-04 annual commitment of $200,000 to soccer.
Stage one of the restructure would establish an independent commission, with a chief executive officer and support staff to work closely with current associations to unify the management and development of the sport at all levels.
The Minister said soccer was also benefiting through the State Government's investment of more than $6million towards the redevelopment of Perth Oval into a rectangular stadium.
The president of Soccer Administration WA, David Schrandt, said soccer was now looking forward to the future development of the game.
"Once Stage one is implemented we look forward to Stage two, which will be the merging of all associations into the independent commission with all clubs and regional associations affiliating directly to it," Mr Schrandt said.
Mr Kucera said that WA soccer would reflect the national reform process and congratulated everyone for taking this important first step toward major reform.
Minister's Office - 9213 7000