SWSA’s Official Position on the Football West Takeover

Haylee Howard
Nov 7
2 min read

The South West Soccer Association (SWSA) does not support the proposed Football West (FW) and Football South West (FsW) takeover of regional football.

After carefully reviewing the proposal, the SWSA Committee has determined that this change is not in the best interest of our region’s clubs, players, or volunteers.

Why We Don’t Support the Takeover

The proposal from Football West would transfer control of South West football to Perth-based organisations — shifting decision-making power away from our local community.

While FW and FsW claim their model would create better “alignment” with national systems, it would also bring significant financial and governance changes that would negatively impact local clubs.

Financial Impact on Clubs and Players

Under the proposed model:

Player registration fees would rise from an average of $385 to $475 per player per season — an increase of almost $100 per player.
The FsW affiliation fee of $121 represents a 15% increase on SWSA’s current $105 fee.
Team nomination and competition fees would more than triple.
Football Australia’s national fee is expected to rise from $35 to $42 in 2026 — a further 20% increase.

These increases would place more pressure on volunteers, sponsors, and families — the same people who already work tirelessly to keep local football affordable and accessible.

Governance Concerns

Football South West currently operates as an interim board, with no constitution, no AGM, and no confirmed financial plan. This raises serious questions about representation and accountability for South West clubs.

By contrast, SWSA has a long-established governance framework, transparent financial management, and locally elected representatives who understand the needs of our region.

Protecting Local Pathways and Junior Football

SWSA continues to support local player, coach, and referee development programs that are managed regionally.

We proudly support the Country Coastal Junior Soccer Association (CCJSA), which also opposes the proposed takeover. Like SWSA, CCJSA would face increased costs under the FW/FsW model despite already running successful, affordable programs that allow kids to play football in a safe, inclusive, and community-driven environment.

We also remain committed to rebuilding representative opportunities like the South West Phoenix, to create regional pathways for talented players while keeping them connected to their home clubs.

Keeping Football Local

Football in the South West has always been built on volunteers, families, and community spirit — not corporate management.

Every additional cost under the FW/FsW model would fall back on those same volunteers through more fundraising, higher fees, and greater administrative demands.

Clubs like Manjimup SC, Margaret River, Collie, and Busselton City represent the proud history of South West football — history worth protecting, not rewriting.

Our Message to the Football Community

SWSA believes that affiliating with Football West or Football South West would:

Increase costs for clubs and players
Add unnecessary bureaucracy
Reduce local autonomy and control
Provide little proven benefit to our region

Once our independence is taken away, we will never get it back.

SWSA remains committed to protecting the future of football in the South West — keeping it affordable, inclusive, and community-owned for generations to come.

For further detail, download our complete official statement document here:

Any enquiries can be emailed to secretary@swsa.net.au