Football South Coast CEO Announces Surprise Resignation After 14 Years
Football South Coast is embarking on a search for new leadership following the unexpected resignation of chief executive officer Ann-Marie Balliana. The Wollongong-born administrator announced her departure on Tuesday, concluding a remarkable fourteen-year tenure at the helm of the region's peak football body.
A Legacy Built on Inclusion and Growth
Balliana's decision comes after extensive reflection on her journey with the organisation. "I've been reflecting on my journey, and 14 years is a long time. I just feel we've come so far as an organisation," she stated. "I was probably ready for some new challenges and a new opportunity, and a time for Football South Coast to get some new blood, new energy, and a fresh perspective to take the organisation even further."
Her connection to football runs deep, rooted in childhood experiences watching family members play while opportunities for girls remained limited. "Girls weren't really catered for; it was always about the boys. I was always watching my brother play, and I was always watching my cousins play, and I never had the opportunity to play," Balliana recalled. This personal history fueled her commitment to making football accessible to all.
Transformative Achievements and Program Development
During her leadership, Balliana oversaw significant organisational strengthening while providing crucial support to clubs, volunteers, and players. Her efforts were formally recognised in 2025 when Football South Coast received the prestigious Football NSW Association of the Year award.
A central pillar of her work involved dramatically increasing participation, with particular emphasis on women and girls. Under her guidance, the association introduced multiple all-female competitions and expanded opportunities across various levels including junior, masters, and premier league categories.
Key initiatives implemented during her tenure include:
- Development of summer football and five-a-side competitions
- Implementation of junior development programs and come-and-try initiatives
- Creation of inclusive programs in partnership with the Disability Trust
- Establishment of Walking Football for broader community engagement
Infrastructure Milestones and Ongoing Challenges
Balliana's leadership also delivered critical infrastructure advancements for the region. She played an instrumental role in securing the Illawarra's first synthetic football pitch and establishing a permanent administrative home for Football South Coast at Ian McLennan Park.
Despite these successes, she acknowledged persistent challenges facing the sport. "The challenge with football is our size," Balliana explained. "We just keep growing; infrastructure is a constant challenge. Referee shortages are a constant challenge. The workload on volunteers is a constant challenge. It's just trying to support our clubs as best we can."
Organisational Transition and Future Directions
Football South Coast Chair Martin Rowney expressed profound gratitude for Balliana's contributions. "Ann-Marie's served us so faithfully and so well for 14 years. I'm certainly grateful for what she's achieved with us, and it's been huge," Rowney stated. He highlighted the "incredible increase in participation" and numerous pioneering programs developed under her leadership.
Rowney confirmed the association will soon advertise the CEO position, beginning a formal search process. "We'll be putting out an expression of interest and application process document, and that will include details of what we're looking for organisationally, and then we will assess all applications as they come in," he detailed.
Balliana will transition to a new role as general manager at Our Community Project based in Port Kembla, maintaining her connection to the Illawarra region. Reflecting on her legacy, she expressed hope that "people saw me as a committed, passionate person who was a servant of the game and contributed to the great foundation and base for football to really grow and excel in the region."
Her departure marks the end of an era for Football South Coast, leaving behind a strengthened organisation with expanded participation, improved infrastructure, and a more inclusive football community throughout the Illawarra.
