Football St George (“FSG”) announces that Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), Phil Brown, has tendered his resignation.

Phil commenced with FSG in January 2022. During his three years with FSG, Phil has overseen remarkable change across the association, including;

  • Reviewing the governance of the association, establishing framework documents and processes that more closely align with those of Football Australia and Football NSW.
  • Conducting an organisation structure review and increasing the resourcing and capability of the association to better service football in the region.
  • Implementing modern financial practices and policies to assist the association better manage its resources and invest in football programs.
  • Establishing comprehensive operating practices, including a cloud based application for staff, club, and committee communication, operations and risk management plans for all FSG programs, and project plans to assist in monitoring and delivery.
  • Overseeing significant growth in participation, with registered winter players increasing 15% across his three years, to an association record of 11,696 players in 2024.
  • Leading the association in recognising and celebrating its centenary, including development of the centenary logo and match ball, delivering the trophy naming project, researching the 100 years’ timeline, and rejuvenating the historic trophies and football artefacts, culminating in the hugely successful centenary function.
  • Expanding the inclusion programs, including relocating Football4All to Poulton Park to promote opportunities for frame football, and establishing the FSG PowerChair football program and teams competing in the NSW Powerchair League.
  • In consultation with the clubs and St George Football Referees Associations, enhancing local competitions through initiatives including; expanding junior girls age grades, implementing electronic payment of referees, issuing full year competition calendars in advance of season commencement, and creating the Demerit Points System to improve participant behaviour and experience.
  • Leading the re-development of the new FSG website, including user experience, competitor analysis, content, structure, layout, navigation, and visuals.
  • Engaging with the St George football community and stakeholders to create the new Strategic Plan, Unite 2028.

Outgoing FSG CEO Phil Brown said;

“With the new strategic plan in place, now is the right time for the association to recruit a new CEO to lead it through the strategic plan period.

I extend my professional, and personal, thanks to the FSG Board, in particular Chair Irene Hatzipetros, for the opportunity provided to me, their trust, support, and guidance throughout my three years in the role.

I would like to thank the FSG staff. They are an incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated group of sports administration professionals, who I will miss dearly. I’m grateful for their comradeship, and I am extremely proud of what we have achieved together as a team.

Thanks also goes to the club volunteers who continue to give their time to provide opportunities for local players. I wish them the best for the 2025 season, which I am confident will be another successful one for FSG.”

Football St George Chair Irene Hatzipetros said;

“On behalf of the Football St George Board and the broader St George football community, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Phil for his exceptional leadership and dedication over the past three years.

Phil has been instrumental in driving significant transformation across the association. His commitment to modernising our governance, financial practices, and operational processes has strengthened Football St George’s ability to serve our member clubs and deliver high-quality programs.

Through his leadership, we’ve celebrated remarkable milestones, including record participation numbers, the development of our Unite 2028 Strategic Plan, and the successful commemoration of our Centenary—a once-in-a-lifetime event that will be remembered as a defining moment in our association’s history.

Phil’s passion for inclusivity has also expanded opportunities for all members of our community to participate in football, from junior players to those in Football4All programs. His dedication to fostering a positive football culture has made a tangible difference to the experiences of players, referees, and volunteers across St George.

While we are sad to see Phil go, we respect his decision and wish him every success in his future endeavours. His contributions have left a lasting legacy, and the solid foundation he has built will support Football St George as we move into the next phase of our journey.”

 

-ENDS-

 

All enquiries relating to the recruitment process for the next FSG CEO can be sent via email to chair@timm407.sg-host.com