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 鈥 and some we didn鈥檛 鈥 we sincerely appreciate the patience everyone has shown. We remain committed to addressing every concern, and we鈥檙e working tirelessly 鈥 and quickly 鈥 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 鈥 from grassroots to elite levels 鈥 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 鈥 whether it鈥檚 your local junior club or a professional league 鈥 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 鈥 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鈥檚 Connect ID and global registration frameworks, ensuring transparency and safeguarding everyone involved 鈥 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鈥檝e 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 鈥 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鈥檝e faced on this journey, we remain steadfast in our dedication and are encouraged by the continuous improvements we鈥檙e making daily.
We know the road hasn鈥檛 been without bumps, and while nearly 300,000 participants have already registered for the 2025 season 鈥 and those numbers rise every day 鈥 our top priority is ensuring you have a positive, hassle-free experience. We won鈥檛 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鈥檚 working and what isn鈥檛. We鈥檒l 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鈥檚 keep forging a path that benefits every player, club, and community across our great football family.
Best regards,
