Building on this partnership, SAPA has also been engaged to support the Hunter Zone Joint Competition Project. This project brings together Macquarie Football, Newcastle Football and Hunter Valley Football, in collaboration with NNSWF, with a shared focus on strengthening the delivery and governance of Joint Competitions through a more coordinated and connected approach.

Through this work, SAPA has supported the Zones to establish a contemporary governance framework, contractual arrangements and updated regulations. The project is designed to deliver greater clarity, transparency and accountability in the management of Joint Competitions, aligned with NNSWF, Football Australia, and broader sport best-practice principles.

NNSWF is also leading positive change to establish a sustainable, independent, and consistent model for managing disciplinary and integrity matters across its region. From 2026, interested associations will be able to opt-in to a centralised management model, allowing NNSWF to manage on-field and off-field disciplinary and misconduct matters in a harmonised manner. We have supported NNSWF with policy development, contractual arrangements and development of centralised disciplinary and tribunal regulations.

We look forward to the introduction of the new framework in 2026, setting a strong foundation for clearer governance, collaboration and long-term success across football in northern NSW.