Football Australia: An Open Letter to the Community
Open letter from Football Australia:
To our valued administrators, volunteers, and every member of our Australian football family,
We want to start by personally acknowledging the difficulties many of you have faced with the rollout of Play
Football v2.0, our national online registration system. We understand that such a significant change can be
frustrating, and it has placed extra pressure on the very people who keep our game running so smoothly
week in, week out.
Despite the challenges we anticipated – and some we didn’t – we sincerely appreciate the patience everyone
has shown. We remain committed to addressing every concern, and we’re working tirelessly – and quickly
– to improve the registration process so that it fully supports your passion for the game.
A Unified System for All Participants
For the first time, Play Football v2.0 unites all participants – from grassroots to elite levels – within a single
registration system. Every player, coach, administrator, volunteer, and match official are now part of one
streamlined ecosystem, which seeks to offer better consistency and oversight for the sport we love.
This single platform represents a major leap forward for Australian football. It ensures that no matter where
and how you participate – whether it’s your local junior club or a professional league – you are connected to
the broader football community. By integrating everyone, we reinforce strong governance, protect all our
participants, safeguard the integrity of our systems, and gain insights that will help us continue to grow the
game in every corner of the country – on and off the field.
Commitment to Progress
Beyond immediate improvements, this upgrade reflects our responsibility as a FIFA Member Association to
abide by global best practices. Play Football v2.0 aligns with FIFA’s Connect ID and global registration
frameworks, ensuring transparency and safeguarding everyone involved – from the newest grassroots
player to the national teams.
Embarking on significant projects of this scale can be challenging in an environment where contemporary
thinking often prioritises immediate, short-term benefits over the dedication, patience, and perseverance
required for a lasting and meaningful impact. As our sport and its leadership have matured, we’ve come to
recognise that focusing on the long view is essential to avoid repeating the mistakes that arise from rushing
toward short-term returns.
This is precisely why the Play Football v2.0 project is so vital. It demonstrates, for the first time, a unified
commitment across the game – a trust in one another that we will forego short-term gains for the lasting
benefits Australian football will realise in the months, years, and generations ahead. We deeply appreciate
your trust and your immeasurable and continued contributions. Despite the challenges we’ve faced on this
journey, we remain steadfast in our dedication and are encouraged by the continuous improvements we’re
making daily.
We know the road hasn’t been without bumps, and while nearly 300,000 participants have already registered
for the 2025 season – and those numbers rise every day – our top priority is ensuring you have a positive,
hassle-free experience. We won’t stop refining and improving the platform so that you, the hardworking
people behind our clubs, can devote more of your time and energy to the game itself.
Moving Forward Together
Your feedback is invaluable. We appreciate and encourage you to keep letting us know what’s working and
what isn’t. We’ll continue to do our part, investing in the tools and support you need to deliver a streamlined
registration experience and build a stronger future for football in Australia.
Thank you for your patience and dedication. Your love for the game is what drives us all forward.
Together, let’s keep forging a path that benefits every player, club, and community across our great football
family.
Best regards,
Anter Isaac
Chair
Football Australia
James Johnson
Chief Executive Officer
Football Australia
