Western Australian soccer urged to secure a brighter future

3/12/02
Sport and Recreation Minister Alan Carpenter has urged Western Australia's soccer community to look to the big picture as they discuss a proposed new structure for their sport in WA.
A proposed new management structure is in the process of being presented to local stakeholders, as well being discussed at forums in Bunbury, Albany, Geraldton and Kalgoorlie.
Mr Carpenter said that, since May this year, the Department of Sport and Recreation had helped the leaders of soccer in WA conduct a series of forums to map out a plan for the sport.
"The number of people playing soccer is increasing significantly but soccer is being held back by the lack of co-ordination between its governing bodies," he said.
"I don't want to tell the soccer community how I think they should structure themselves for the future, but I do want them to understand that I do want soccer to grow in this State.
"What we want is a focus on the big picture - to ensure kids get the chance to play soccer at all levels in this State, from local to elite, and that the administrative body is there to support those goals."
Mr Carpenter said he was encouraged that the proposed management structure had been developed by those involved in soccer in WA.
The proposed restructure would be in two stages:

• replacing Soccer Administration WA with 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; and

• merging all associations into the commission with all clubs and regional associations affiliating directly to it.

"Given the challenges currently facing soccer on a national level, I encourage the custodians of the game here in WA to lead the way by developing a co-operative and workable model, from which the future of the sport can be secured," Mr Carpenter said.
Minister's office: 9213 6800