Further to the memorandum issued to clubs on 18 March 2025, Football St George is both pleased and saddened to announce that at the Football NSW Annual General Meeting held last night, FSG Chairperson Irene Hatzipetros was successfully elected to the Football NSW Board. While we are incredibly proud of Irene’s achievement, we also acknowledge that her departure is a significant loss for Football St George, as she has been a valuable member, leader, and asset to our organisation and the grassroots football community.
As a result of this appointment, Irene will be stepping down from her position as Chairperson and Director of Football St George, effective 2 April 2025.
Irene has been an integral part of Football St George since 2019 and has played a pivotal role in strengthening the region’s football community. As the first female Chairperson in Football St George’s history, she has been a passionate advocate for local clubs, working tirelessly to improve facilities, secure funding, and enhance player and referee development.
During her tenure, Irene strengthened the governance and regulatory framework at Football St George, successfully applied for a number of government grants, and implemented key policies and procedures to improve the administration of the game. She has also led a number of Football St George Standing Committees, celebrations, including the Centenary celebrations and Gold Medal Dinner events each year, alongside Football St George staff. Irene has been a driving force behind ongoing advocacy for improved access to sporting facilities, ensuring football remains at the forefront of community sport in the region. During her tenure, player registrations in our association have increased by 22% with almost 25% of all players being female.
Beyond these achievements, Irene has always tirelessly advocated for Football St George and its member clubs, ensuring their voices were heard and their needs were prioritised. Whether facing challenges with councils, infrastructure funding, or policy changes, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to protecting and advancing the interests of local football.
Irene has worked to strengthen relationships with stakeholders at all levels, from grassroots clubs to government bodies, ensuring that football in St George continues to thrive despite any obstacles presented.
Reflecting on her time with Football St George, Irene stated:
“It has been an absolute privilege to serve as Chairperson of Football St George and to work alongside so many passionate individuals dedicated to our game. Over the past six years, I have witnessed incredible growth in our competitions, our clubs, and our community. This was not an easy decision, but I am excited to contribute at a broader level through my role with Football NSW. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our clubs, countless volunteers, staff, and the Board members and incredible sponsors, large & small. for their unwavering commitment to football in our region. While I may be stepping into a new role, my passion for football in St George remains, and I will always be a strong advocate for our game and this iconic region.”
Football St George extends its deepest gratitude to Irene for her leadership, dedication, and commitment to our local the football community. Her contributions have helped shape the future of the sport in the region, and her presence will be greatly missed.
The process to fill the Chairperson and Director vacancy will be determined following the Football St George Annual General Meeting on 31 March 2025. Further updates will be provided in due course.
For further information, please contact:
Gregory Chronopoulos
Football St George Consultant
operations@timm407.sg-host.com
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