Annual Budget
All clubs, no matter how big or small, need a budget. The budget sets the financial foundation and direction for the Club not only for the upcoming 12 months/season, but also aligning it with its longer term strategic goals. It is the role of the Club’s Treasurer to keep the Committee/Board up to date with the financial aspects of the Club. Reports should be provided at Monthly meetings or as the need arise.
Audited Accounts and Financial Disclosures
It is considered best practice that a Football Club have their financials audited on an annual basis. This may or may not be legally required depending on the status of incorporation. It is also best practice that this report is provided with a Club’s Annual Report and provided to all members.
Department of Commerce – Auditing Accounts https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/books/inc-guide-incorporated-associations-western-australia/accounts-and-auditing
ASIC - Financial reporting and audits https://asic.gov.au/regulatory-resources/financial-reporting-and-audit/
Each club will be required to complete and submit respective financial information to its relative State Government Department or the Australian Securities Commission. Other requirements may be required from other regulatory bodies from time to time. Associations must keep records that correctly record and explain their financial transactions and financial position. Each state has its report requirements based on the Tier of your organisation. Your club must ensure that all legal for financial reporting are adhered to. For details of your clubs financial obligations please visit the relevant links below:
Associations Financial Reporting - http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/consumer-protection/associations-financial-reporting
Financial Management Guide - http://www.ors.sa.gov.au/sport_and_recreation/managing_your_club_or_association/resources_to_help_you_run_your_club/Financial_Management_Guide_2017_Complete_Document_.pdf
Financial reporting under new associations law - https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/publications/financial-reporting-under-new-associations-law
Grants
If you are seeking funding for your club, whether it be for a community service, fundraiser or refurbishment of amenities blocks there is some good news for you. Community grant applications are generally split into three different paths that can be accessed by clubs. All levels of government give out grants, as do many foundations and some corporations. The keys to success in getting a grant are subtly different for each type of grant maker. You have to know the difference so you know how to pitch your proposal.
WA Grants - https://sportscommunity.com.au/grant-category/wa-grants/
WA Government grant finder - https://www.wa.gov.au/service/community-services/financial-assistance/find-grant
What makes a good grant proposal? https://www.communitygrants.gov.au/information-applicants/what-makes-good-grant-application
Social Media
The FFA acknowledge the emergence of new technology and communication mediums (Social Media), and wish to enable such Social Media to be used to benefit football and its participants, and to applaud achievements.
However, participants within football need to be mindful of the possibility of Social Media being used inappropriately.
Inappropriate use may occur unintentionally or when participants do not realise that their comments, once published are in a public forum, and are difficult to retract.
The FFA Member Protection Policy provides guidelines as to what is and is not acceptable on Social Media.
Social Media Tips - https://www.playbytherules.net.au/got-an-issue/social-media/tips-for-club-committees
Cyber Bullying - https://www.playbytherules.net.au/got-an-issue/social-media/tips-for-club-committees
Social Media Policy Template - https://footballwest.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/R011_Social_Media_Policy_Template.docx
eSafety Commissioner - https://www.esafety.gov.au/education-resources/school-policies/photos-videos-and-social-media
FFA Member Protection Policy - https://www.ffa.com.au/sites/ffa/files/2017-09/National%20Member%20Protection%20Policy.pdf
Sponsorship & Marketing
Sponsorship is a key driver of revenue for a Club and has to be handled professionally to;
- Obtain initial funding and
- Maintain ongoing funding.
Sponsorship is a mutually beneficial business relationship between two parties, the business and the club. Clubs should continually seek to find ways to create real value for their sponsors. While traditionally football club sponsorship’s have focused on branding, whether it be jersey sponsors or venue naming rights but football clubs have a large variety of ways to assist businesses achieve their commercial and financial goals. There are many different types of sponsorship inclusions and packages which can be offered by clubs.
Facebook Blueprint - https://www.facebook.com/business/learn?ref=ens_rdr
Using Twitter for Your Club - https://business.twitter.com/
Using Instagram for Your Club - https://business.instagram.com/getting-started?locale=en_GB
DLGSC – Marketing and Promotion - https://www.dsr.wa.gov.au/support-and-advice/organisational-development/marketing-and-promotion
DLGSC - Marketing Plan - https://www.dsr.wa.gov.au/support-and-advice/organisational-development/marketing-and-promotion/marketing-plan
Seeking Sponsors - https://www.dsr.wa.gov.au/clubs/how-to-guides/promoting-your-club/seeking-and-servicing-a-sponsor
Australian Sports Foundation Fundraising - https://asf.org.au/fundraise-with-us/
Working with Multicultural Populations
Australia is often described as a culturally diverse, or multicultural, country. It is home to the world’s oldest continuous cultures (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples), but has also embraced significant levels of migration throughout its more recent history. “Clearinghouse for Sport, 2018”
Football is striving to use our game as a positive vehicle for helping people from a culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to feel part of the community. Australia has a diverse multicultural population and football participation in many regions reflects this diversity. The 2011 ABS census revealed that almost a quarter (24.6%) of Australia’s population were born overseas and 43.1% of people have at least one overseas-born parent. It is predicted by 2025, overseas born families will outnumber Australian born families.
In many other countries, football is played for fun, in the streets and is casual. In Australia, sport is organised, you are expected to turn up and there is generally an emphasis on winning. As this is different to what some of those individuals from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds are used to, it can create problems engaging this population in organised sport (Hancock, Cooper & Bahn 2009).
Participation in football can promote ethnic and cultural harmony and strengthen communities by breaking down cultural barriers between different ethnic (and sometimes language) groups in the community. It can assist in building links and trust within CALD communities and between CALD communities.
Promotion of your club’s activities and programs to CALD communities will promote opportunities for these populations and enhance sporting inclusion, while assisting your club in building and maintaining membership and players.
Some things your club should consider if working with culturally and linguistically diverse people, including newly arrived migrants or refugees:
- Is the cost of your programs, membership or competition fees a barrier to some people?
- Is transport a barrier and is there an opportunity for you to conduct activities in various locations which make it easier for people to attend?
- Do you have equipment for people to borrow so they can try your sport?
- Can they see themselves in your communications and media?
While the barriers mentioned above are commonly referred to in research and feedback from State Sporting Associations, each community is different and has different needs. Your club will benefit by getting to know your local community and consulting with community leaders.
Tips for Working with CaLD Groups - https://www.dsr.wa.gov.au/support-and-advice/participation/multicultural/tips-for-working-with-cald-groups
Centre for Multicultural Youth - https://www.cmy.net.au/article/game-plan
Clearinghouse for Sport Multicultural - https://www.clearinghouseforsport.gov.au/knowledge_base/organised_sport/sport_and_government_policy_objectives/Cultural_Diversity_in_Sport
Play by the Rules – Multicultural
Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network - https://myan.org.au/
Working with CaLD Adolescents - https://aifs.gov.au/cfca/publications/working-culturally-and-linguistically-diverse-cald-adolescents