Club Development
What is the NCAS?
The National Club Accreditation Scheme (NCAS) is a program that aims to raise the standards of grassroots football clubs by recognising and rewarding clubs that implement quality measures, which ultimately contributes to the football experiences for players, volunteers and parents.
Fundamentally, clubs play the key role in the development of football in Australia. In order to raise the overall standard of club administration at all levels of the game, a clear model that identifies and recognizes best practice in all areas of club administration will be rolled out across Australia.
The NCAS will provide an accreditation rating scheme for grassroots football clubs as identified in the National Game Development Strategy. This will set guidelines and criteria for best-practice models which can be replicated in clubs throughout the country.
Similar programs and initiatives have been delivered by a number of National Sporting Organisations in Australia, by the Football Association in the United Kingdom, as well as by other major European football nations. These club accreditation initiatives have successfully raised standards at the grassroots level and assisted in developing a greater connection between clubs and their National Sporting Organisations.
Benefits for clubs
• Assisting Member Federations to better support clubs, by facilitating a process which encourages greater engagement with clubs.
• Enabling Football Federation Australia (FFA) and Member Federations to provide direct guidance to clubs relating to Football delivery.
• Increase the level of service to participants and families.
• Bringing together all elements of Game Development including coach education, volunteer development, refereeing, small-sided football, good governance and the National Curriculum.
• Promoting use of the MyFootballClub system which will lead to more accurate records nationally of those involved in our game in all capacities.
• Directly assisting clubs to sustain and increase football participation.
• Promoting and raising the profile of quality clubs across Australia.
• Attracting sponsors.
• Attracting volunteers.
• Increasing credibility in the community.
• Priority access to any future funding opportunities through FFA.
Who is the NCAS aimed at?
Community or grassroots football clubs currently constitute 92% of all clubs involved in football delivery. These are clubs whose primary focus is on providing opportunities for players of all ages and abilities to enjoy football. Only clubs who are currently registered with FFA through the MyFootballClub system will be eligible to apply for accreditation through the NCAS.
Assessment and Application Process
There are four levels within the NCAS, with clubs progressing from Level 1, up to Level 4. The levels are depicted with stars and each level having its own logo. Logos are differentiated by colour and design to easily identify what level a club is at.
Club Resources
To assist clubs in working through the NCAS and to improve club development, a range of resources are available for clubs to access.
National Club Accreditation Scheme
NCAS Background
Club Development Plan Template
Marketing & Promoting Your Club
Starclub Club Development Program
Office of Recreation and Sport - Resources to help you run your club