Dear football community,
The past few months have been a bumper period for football in Victoria. While clubs have been celebrating Cup finals, battling for promotion and playoff opportunities and commenced planning for 2026, plenty has also been happening behind the scenes at Football Victoria (FV).
Following the Annual General Meeting in May, FV’s Board of Directors has been equally active, establishing sub-committees, progressing key projects and ensuring integrity and governance remains at the heart of the game.
At the most recent monthly Board meeting on Monday, 18 August, the FV Board accepted the resignations of two Directors; Simi Solow and Lee Sammartino.
Simi Solow joined the Board as an appointed Board member in October 2021, bringing her professional expertise to the Remuneration & Nominations Committee (RNC) and the Finance, Risk & Audit Committee (FRAC). Simi also assisted with the organisation’s first Director Election process under the new constitution.
Lee Sammartino was appointed to the Board in December 2019, serving on both the RNC and FRAC committees, and most recently stepping into the newly created role of Deputy Chair. He has prided himself on his connections to the wider football community and we have appreciated his contributions and passion over the last two terms.
On behalf of FV, I’d like to thank both Simi and Lee for their dedication to the game in Victoria and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.
At the same meeting, the Board also confirmed the re-appointment of Carolyn Jackson, originally appointed in August 2024, for a further three-year term. We congratulate Carolyn on her continued service. Carolyn is the Chair of the RNC and shares her financial and government expertise with FV.
Looking ahead, the Board will take time to consider future appointments. Any new Directors will be selected against FV’s skills matrix, ensuring the right balance of experience and expertise to guide the game forward.
For those also eager to play a role in shaping football’s future, FV will soon open nominations for its inaugural Football Development Committee (FDC). Comprised of stakeholders from across the football community, the FDC will provide valuable insight into FV's core business - football operations, including competition structure enhancements, key regulations, game development initiatives and pathway advancements for players, referees and coaches alike. Further details on how to nominate will be shared in the coming weeks. One of the earliest roles of the FDC will be to stand up advisory panels in Junior, Senior and Regional Football, who will officially convene at a planning workshop late in 2025/early 2026.
The Board is also progressing the search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer. Following Dan Birrell’s appointment as Interim CEO in April, the role has now been advertised. A Board committee, supported by an agency, will lead the recruitment and appointment process.
In the interim role, Birrell has provided stable leadership, strengthening community relationships and working closely with the Executive team to maintain momentum through this period of transition.
Reflecting on the last few months as FV Chair, it has been an absolute privilege to step into the role alongside a skilled and committed Board. We would collectively and sincerely thank the football community for the support and feedback you’ve shared during this time. It may take a little while, but we are excited to connect with Victorian clubs and learn about the football you deliver to your communities.
Please know that we are listening and engaging with all of our members and clubs, and the Board is enthusiastic about guiding our game through its next phase of growth. Together, with your passion and involvement, we can continue to build a strong and inclusive future for football in Victoria.
Wishing the best of luck to all players, coaches, referees, fans and volunteers as we move into the final stages of the 2025 season!
Warm regards,
Dr Angela Williams
Football Victoria Chair