Grassroots registration: NSWFF Twice is better

Now many people complain that grassroots football is too expensive. The FFA even say in their talented player document recently released that we have a (moral) responsibility to reduce the costs.

Clearly with targeted sponsorship and the Federations providing outstanding opportunities for sponsors through our participation rates this can be done. It's only a surprise to me that it hasn't been done effectively.

All kids under 12 should play for free.

And wouldn't that improve access for all our children to get involved in sport.

But spare a thought for Goulburn.

They play under the name STFA in Canberra, in a league run by Capital Football. They are charged and pay the going Capital Football rate. No problem.

But because Goulburn is situated in NSW, and Southern Tablelands Football Assoc is part of NSW Football Federation they have to pay a registration fee for each player to NSWFF.

You couldn't make this stuff up.

And because, and only because, they had to pay DOUBLE registration fees they decided they needed to get something out of NSW so entered a team in the NSW Tiger Cup and did quite well.

Personally why we have NSWFF which covers everything across most of NSW and a separate body for Canberra, we are afterall just one town, not much bigger than Wollongong and less than Newcastle is beyond me.

Canberrans' can't play higher than our local league getting knocked back in access to higher football in NSW men's comps time and time again.

FFA want us to develop our talented players...but for what to send TWO to the AIS.

FFA need to provide Canberra with opportunities and sort out the schmozzle at NSWFF. After all there is a talent pool in this region which is being missed.

Do NSWFF really have the best interest of Goulburn or Canberra kids/men wanting to play and improve their skills.

Double registration fees! Pathetic innit.