UNITY THE VISION FOR LOCAL JUNIOR FOOTBALL COUNCILSMonday, November 28, 2022 - 11:38 AM

The Metro South, Central and North Regional Development Councils have recently connected to agree on a united approach to strategic outcomes relating to junior community football. 

The Regional Development Council (RDC) model was established in 2019 as three new entities representing community football outcomes, being formed from the previous District Football Development Council (DFDC) structure. 

Pleasingly, under the new structure, there will be an enhanced focus on creating greater synergy and connection between each region. 

WA Football Commission Head of Club Development and Volunteers, Corey Ranger said ‘It’s been great to connect with each RDC chair as we start to pave the way forward to further support our metro junior community clubs’.

Mr Ranger went on to say, ‘It is an exciting time for WA Football in the Metropolitan area as this innovative governance model will now combine to help guide and enhance football development’.

The RDC’s have been on a journey over the past three years, with COVID-19 severely impacting the delivery of set strategies across each region.

For the 2023 season, the RDC’s received a major boost with the WAFC board approving a funding package for each council to support the attainment of RDC strategic outcomes. 

Metro North RDC Chair, Ian Brotherton was thrilled to receive this funding package by stating ‘One of the biggest challenges the RDC has faced has been its own sustainability, given the finite amount of retained money without an income stream as such’. 

Mr Brotherton went on to say “There had been some concern that once this funding had been exhausted, the need for the RDC governance model may have been viewed as to being defunct.  The WAFC funding will ensure the RDC can continue to support club derived initiatives to advance junior football in our region’

The continued work across competitions and sharing of ideas on projects have been positively impacting junior football more broadly and would continue to be pursued in 2023 and beyond.

Pictured (Left to Right) 

Metro North RDC Chair, Ian Brotherton - Metro South RDC Chair, Karen Wheatland - Metro Central RDC Chair, Travis Burrows