The Interim Board for the newly formed Football South West has been appointed.
The Board recently met for the first time.
The establishment of Football South West marks a significant milestone in regional football reform, responding to strong community calls for a more localised and representative body to lead the game’s growth.
Importantly, this is a structure led by the region, for the region, with South West voices driving decisions that affect their local game.
The new Board brings together a diverse mix of experience across sport, governance, community leadership and business.
Each member lives or works in the South West and has a deep connection to local football.
Board members were appointed following an open expression of interest process, run by Football West earlier this year. Applicants were assessed against criteria which covered governance experience, regional knowledge and commitment to the growth of the game.
The goal was to form a well-rounded, independent group to guide the set-up of Football South West and reflect the voices of football across the region.
Key benefits of the new structure will include stronger support for club sustainability, improved development pathways, reduced administrative burden on volunteers and a united regional voice to advocate for improved facilities and investment.
Football West Chief Operating Officer Perry Ielati said the appointment of the interim board represented an important next step in building a sustainable and inclusive future for football in the region.
“We’ve listened to the community and acted on the need for a dedicated regional structure that supports local priorities. This is a region-led, region-owned approach and the Interim Board reflects exactly that,” Mr Ielati said.
“Our role is to support the Interim Board and local stakeholders to shape a structure that reduces admin and allows clubs to focus on what matters most.”
A spokesperson for the Interim Board said: “We are incredibly excited to get started.
“With the guidance and collaboration of Football West, we’re focused on creating something that players, clubs, and the broader community can be proud of. This is about uniting the region and laying the foundation for long-term success both on and off the pitch.”
The Interim Board will continue the important work started by the Football West South West Working Group, which was formed in April 2025 to explore a more unified and sustainable structure for the region.
Over the past four months, the group brought together local voices from clubs, associations and the wider community to help shape the vision for Football South West.
Football West and the Football South West Interim Board would like to thank the Working Group members for their time, insights and contribution to this process.
MEET THE INTERIM BOARD
Mark Lawrey is a seasoned senior leader with a background in corporate services, financial management and governance. He has held board and executive roles in both the private and public sectors and brings a strong understanding of compliance, risk and strategic planning, particularly in environments reliant on volunteer coordination and community service delivery.
Sami Ryan has been involved in local football for more than a decade, with lived experience as a player, junior coach and former club committee member. Professionally, she has worked across marketing and communications, including digital campaigns and community engagement. Her practical football insight combined with her ability to communicate clearly makes her a valuable voice for local participants and volunteers.
Rachel Norman offers a strong background in regional sport leadership, having held senior roles in cricket and sport development. She currently serves in board and executive positions, and brings particular strengths in stakeholder engagement, governance, and strategic planning. Rachel’s experience working across regional communities ensures she understands the importance of inclusive, long-term planning for football in the South West.
Ulli Niedermeyer is a passionate educator and long-serving football coach, with a background in physical education and player development. Having lived and worked across the region, he brings a player-first perspective and is focused on growing local participation opportunities for all age groups and abilities. His insights into program delivery and athlete pathways add depth to the board’s focus on football development.
Natasha Blefari brings nearly 20 years of community sport leadership experience, including long-term service as a club president. She has a strong understanding of the operational pressures facing regional clubs and has contributed to strategic planning and governance reform at a local level. Natasha’s professional background includes work in youth programs and regional service delivery, giving her a clear view of how to support sustainable club environments.
Jeff Beckett is an experienced General Manager with a background in business development, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement across government and private sectors. He has built strong networks with local and state authorities in the South West. A passionate sportsman, Jeff brings leadership, operational expertise, and a commitment to growing grassroots football and strengthening Football South West’s connections and community impact.
Brad Evans is a seasoned executive leader and Principal of a major South West independent school, with expertise in governance, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and high-stakes communication. He holds an MBA and AICD governance qualifications and brings board-level experience. A passionate football advocate, Brad coaches locally, supports Football West pathways, and is committed to growing grassroots football and community wellbeing in the region.
Further updates on Football South West’s progress and next steps will be shared in the coming weeks.
HAVE YOUR SAY
The interim board will focus on immediate priorities, including improving communication and transparency, supporting local clubs and creating a clear strategic pathway for football in the South West. Community engagement will be at the heart of all decisions, and stakeholders will be invited to contribute ideas and feedback as the board begins its work via the engagement form: forms.footballwest.com.au/swengagement/
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF FOOTBALL IN THE SOUTH WEST
The restructuring of football in the South West is the result of the strong commitment and collaboration from the local football community.
The Reform Project will be owned and driven by the South West football community for its members, commercial partners, volunteers and other stakeholders.
For a detailed look at changes being undertaken and the opportunities ahead, Football West has produced a comprehensive information pack which can be read here: Shaping the Future of Football in the South West
This marks a fresh start, one grounded in collaboration, shared goals, and a deep respect for the football community across the South West.
Football South West looks forward to working with associations, clubs, players, volunteers, and other stakeholders to ensure the beautiful game thrives across the region.