THE GEELONG Region Football Committee (GRFC) unveiled its Draft Strategic Plan for the growth of football over the next five years in the wider Geelong region at an historic forum at the Karingal Community Hub In East Geelong on Monday night.

More than 120 representatives from the region’s various clubs, along with high ranking officials and staff members of Football Federation Victoria (FFV) as well as several key local council and business figures, heard how the GRFC leadership had spent the past six months initiating the first steps in developing a strategic plan for the region.

In her opening address, GRFC Chairperson Jo Plummer highlighted the purpose of the evening was to socialise the draft plan and build upon the initial thinking, to connect leaders from across the wider community with the greater football family (both at local and state level), to begin the journey of maximising the opportunity afoot as well as communicate the next steps in the process.

“Tonight is truly a momentous occasion where no one individual, club or league is more important than the other,” said Plummer, then added, “this evening is one where together we leave our flags, badges, whistles, jerseys and bias at the door and collectively we put on our bipartisan hats to begin the process of creating an extraordinary legacy for our children our community and indeed the greater Geelong region.”

FFV president Kimon Taliadoros outlined the ‘state of play’ in his brief address and also urged everyone present to get on board and do their bit to aid the growth of the sport in Victoria.

It was then up to GRFC Deputy Chairman Paul Rawson to present the key elements of the Draft plan, which included the seven major pillars: coach and player development, participation and competition, key stakeholder relationships and strategic alliances, finance and administration, GRFC membership, marketing and sponsorship and facilities.

A select panel of diverse experts featuring FFV president Taliadoros, leading local business and council figures including Kardinia Park Stadium Trust CEO Chris Cochrane, Karingal CEO Mike McKinstry, City of Greater Geelong’s Community Life General Manager Linda Quinn, Leisure Networks CEO and former Surf Coast mayor Libby Mears, as well as ex-Socceroo captain Steve Horvat answered a series of pre-prepared questions.

The attendees were then provided an opportunity to have a direct input into the Plan through an interactive group activity which saw a set of questions posed to and answered by a relevant panel member, which tackled the severe shortage of adequate facilities in the region, coaching and player pathways and development, as well as the viability of a Geelong based A-League club.

Speaking after the event, Plummer was aware of the massive task that awaits the region’s football community.

“Tonight we weren’t aiming to provide solutions nor to focus on individual club issues. Our aim was simply to better understand the key issues and opportunities, to engage and unite key stakeholders and volunteers alike, who will ultimately work in collaboration to build an exciting and sustainable future.