From the Touchline to the Terraces: FSAA and FCA unite in historic partnership

Football Supporters Association Australia Chair Patrick Clancy and Football Coaches Australia President Gary Cole

The Football Supporters Association Australia (FSAA) and Football Coaches Australia (FCA) are delighted to announce a formalised partnership aimed at uniting two of the most vital stakeholder groups in the game: the supporters on the terraces and the coaches on the touchlines.

The partnership, established by way of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), formalises the connection between football coaches and fans across the country.

It is designed to ensure open communication, mutual understanding, and active collaboration through the sharing of ideas and finding solutions to universal issues across the Australian football landscape.

Both organisations share a vision of an inclusive, transparent, and stakeholder-respected football ecosystem where both supporters and coaches are recognised as essential to the sport’s long-term success.

FSAA Chair Patrick Clancy said the agreement marks a significant step forward in uniting the game's biggest voices.

“This partnership is part of our strategy to build FSAA’s alliances across Australian football. We want all organisations to understand the importance and needs of football supporters," Clancy said.

“Football coaches around our nation clearly recognise the vital support of fans and the value they can provide to players and the success of clubs. FSAA’s new partnership with FCA will be one of mutual benefit, helping to grow both organisations.”

FCA Chief Executive Kelly Rourke said the partnership reinforces FCA’s commitment to collaboration across the football community.

“Coaches and supporters both play vital roles in shaping the health of Australian football. By working alongside FSAA, we can help build a stronger, more respectful, and united game culture that benefits everyone — from grassroots to the national stage.”

FCA President Gary Cole echoed this sentiment, emphasising the shared responsibility across the sport.

“This partnership reflects our belief that meaningful progress happens when every part of the football ecosystem works together.

“By joining forces with FSAA, we’re strengthening the foundations of our game and ensuring that respect, connection, and community remain at the heart of Australian football,” Cole said.

As the trusted, united voice for football coaches nationwide, FCA champions the rights, professional development, and wellbeing of coaches.

Together, the two organisations will commit to several key areas of collaboration, including:

Advocacy and Voice: Coordinating joint advocacy on shared interests to promote safety, professionalism, integrity, and good governance.

Engagement and Dialogue: Facilitating respectful, evidence-based dialogue between supporters and coaches through dedicated forums and consultations.

Education and Cultural Development: Promoting respect for coaching roles and the vital contribution of supporters to foster positive matchday environments and football workplaces.

Research and Projects: Collaborating on events, research, and campaigns that align with the shared values of respect, inclusion, and sustainability.

To ensure this MoU results in actionable outcomes for the game, the FSAA and FCA have committed to establishing a communication framework that includes quarterly coordination meetings and designated liaison officers to maintain an ongoing, open exchange of ideas.

By working together, both organisations are committed to ensuring that those who lead on the pitch and those who support from the stands are empowered, respected, and meaningfully included in shaping the future of Australian football.

All enquiries to the FSAA can be made by clicking here