A-Leagues Fan Representative Group

What is the APL FRG program?

The APL Fan Representative Group (FRG) is an initiative designed to provide a voice for fans, ensuring their views are considered in future plans for the A-Leagues.

It provides a comprehensive club-league model for fan engagement and consultation, recognising supporters as key stakeholders of our competitions.

Each A-Leagues club has its own FRG, comprising 10 or more members, who meet a minimum of four times per year. One member of each of these clubs is elected ‘chair’ and takes on the responsibility of joining the league-wide FRG.

Armed with inputs from their club FRGs, as well as insights from fan satisfaction surveys, elected chairs contribute to consultation with the League on current challenges and identified opportunities.

These representatives give further insight into deep dive sessions on specific topics the League is aware of through its research mechanisms, and have the ability to contribute to co-designing solutions or initiatives.

What are the aims of the FRG? Why is it important?

The A-Leagues FRG’s purpose is to provide a structured forum for A-Leagues’ club fans to engage with the Leagues in a constructive manner, in an environment where ideas and feedback can be shared and discussed.

Specifically, the aims of the A-Leagues FRG can be summarised as follows:

To set up a constructive communication channel between the A-Leagues and fans of its clubs.
To provide the A-Leagues with a platform to discuss new ideas with fans and seek their feedback.
To give fans the opportunity to provide club specific fan feedback, present new ideas and suggestions directly to the A-Leagues.

Who is part of the A-Leagues FRG meetings?

A fan representative from each A-Leagues club, and is chaired by Commissioner of the A-Leagues Nick Garcia, who brings in relevant subject matter experts to discuss items relating to key agenda topics. This commonly includes APL’s Chief Commercial Officer, Director of Clubs & Operations, and specialists from marketing, communications and broadcast as required.

How are FRG members selected? How long do they serve for?

FRG Club Members are selected through each club’s own set of criteria and terms as per their own club’s charter.

Each Club FRG then votes for their Chair, who will be the representative of that club on behalf of that club’s fans to the A-Leagues FRG.

Inaugural FRG Club Chairs hold an initial tenure of 24 months from September 2023, with a rotation of FRG Club Chair position to occur on a 12 month basis each year after based on the votes of their own club FRG members.

What are the responsibilities of an FRG member?

Fans who participate in the A-Leagues FRG are encouraged to:

Encourage fans to share and submit feedback via their own club’s “Fan Feedback Form” in advance of Club FRG meetings to ensure that the FRG is representing the voice of as many of their club fans as possible.
Put forward ideas and make recommendations which consider the discussions had with their respective club’s FRG and take into account broader fan sentiment.
Advise the League on matters from their club’s fans perspective.
Constructively challenge the League.

How often does the FRG meet?

The APL FRG meets a minimum of four times per year on a regular schedule, and meet on an adhoc basis to cover any time-critical decisions.

Who is my club’s FRG representative?

Adelaide United
Joe Aylward

Joe is a 20-year member of Adelaide United and has always been passionate about supporting the Reds, despite his boyhood club in the UK being Everton.

Joe was a founding committee member of the Football Supporters Association of Australia and has forged strong links with AUFC to work hand in glove with their FRG.

To contact Adelaide United’s FRG Click Here.

Auckland FC
Tim Adams

Tim has been involved with his local club since 1991 and has been on the board since 2005 – a season ticket holder for the Football Kingz, NZ Knights and now Auckland FC, he has experienced highs and lows of Auckland’s history with professional football.

He has been super impressed with the way Auckland FC has been setup, with a real commitment to their fans and to the community they serve. He is excited to have the chance to support them to continue to improve their match day experience.

To contact Auckland FC’s FRG click here.

Brisbane Roar
Chris Kelly

Chris is a passionate football fan, being present at the first-ever game of the Roar, he is a die-hard fan who has held season tickets and has been a regular away game supporter.

He was on the inaugural committee of the Fan Representative Group and has assisted in many of the initiatives and fan engagements that were undertaken during his tenure on the committee.

He also administers the well-populated Brisbane Roar Supporters Club group on Facebook for about seven years.

Chris was awarded an Executive Master of Business Administration with Distinction from QUT, where he gained knowledge in stakeholder engagement, financial management, personal development, and leadership.

To contact Brisbane Roar’s FRG, click here.

Central Coast Mariners
Erin Morrow

Erin loves football. He loves playing it, watching it coaching it, discussing it – everything about football.

He also loves his home – the Central Coast. He’s been a part of Central Coast Mariners since the beginning in lots of different volunteer roles. It is his passion to see the Central Coast properly know and love their A-Leagues club.

To contact Central Coast Mariners’ FRG, please send an email to MarinersFRG@gmail.com

Macarthur FC
RJ Bonaccorsi

As a Foundation Member, the establishment of the mighty Macarthur Bulls as my local A-Leagues club was huge!

I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the Club progressively grow, both on and off the field, however my favourite part is the sense of family we’ve built, and community connection developed.

My commitment as Macarthur Bulls FRG Chair is to contribute ideas, as well as actively listen to, consider, and raise matters on behalf of my fellow Bulls members and fans to the Club to enhance the fan experience and strengthen our bond.

To contact Macarthur FC’s FRG Click Here

Melbourne City
Kathleen Crawford & Matt Mann

Kathleen has been involved in the administration of women’s football in both New Zealand and Australia for many years. Kathleen and her family have supported Melbourne City women’s since their inaugural year and avid supporters of the women’s game. With over two decades working in government, Kathleen enjoys applying her governance experience as the Melbourne City FRG Co-Chair.

Matt has been attending football matches for longer than he can walk. Growing up in England, he was a regular at Hillsborough, before moving to Australia. He is a foundation member at Melbourne Heart and has been nearly every type of member since then. Now he takes his daughter and her friends to games and is passing on his passion for the game to them.

To contact Melbourne City’s FRG please send an email to melbournecityfrg@gmail.com.

Melbourne Victory
Charlie Bell

Charlie has been a football supporter since his childhood in South London, supporting local side Wimbledon FC. He was involved in the Wimbledon Independent Supporters Association and still follows AFC Wimbledon. He moved to Melbourne in 2006 and has been a member of Melbourne Victory since 2007.

Charlie can be found in the South End Active at Victory men’s matches. He is a regular at Victory women’s games at home, and travels to away games as often as feasible. He has been on the Victory MWG since 2024, and also sits on Victory’s Diversity and Inclusion group. Charlie strongly believes in wider supporter engagement in professional sports clubs as vital to the future of the game.

To contact Melbourne Victory’s FRG Click Here.

Newcastle Jets
Emma Beletich

Emma has been a member of the Newcastle Jets since 2007. Having supported the club since the inception of the A-league, she has seen how important club and fan connection is through the good and the bad times. Her aim in this role is to ensure the relationship between the fans, the club and the league is strong and that fans from all backgrounds have a voice.

To contact Newcastle Jets’ FRG Click Here

Perth Glory
Kim Hawkins

Kim has previously been a keen football player, junior coach and administrator.

Kim’s family have been Glory supporters since the beginning and she’s honoured to be elected as the club’s inaugural FRG chairperson. With her varied executive level career positions, Kim has led a number of committees and groups at a state and national level.

To contact Perth Glory’s FRG Click Here

Sydney FC
Youssef Hussain

As a lifelong football fan and player, and a supporter of Sydney FC from the beginning, Youssef’s love for the game has led him to this platform where we can help the game grow in Australia.

I am very proud to be a part of Sydney FC, and also the wider community across the A Leagues where my passion can help contribute with some great like minded members!

Wellington Phoenix
EthanFransen

Ethan is a lifelong Wellingtonian, from going to the games as a child to becoming a full member with his friends straight out of high-school.

Ethan is actively involved within the Yellow Fever, and is using his time and effort to help bring a new wave of fan engagement, especially amongst the younger members to the Fever, whilst also respecting the traditions that have stood the test of time.

He plays socially for a local club, and has also started refereeing for Capital Football in Wellington too

To contact Wellington Phoenix’s FRG, send an email to wellingtonphoenixfrg@gmail.com.

Western Sydney Wanderers
Harry Inns

Harry is a proud foundation member of the Wanderers, along with his extended family.

In addition to his commitment to football through his involvement with the WSW representative group, Harry is on the Board of his local grassroots Club, Glenwood Redbacks, and Coaches the club’s Premier League Squad in his spare time.

To contact Western Sydney Wanderers’ FRG Click Here.

Western United
Daniel Hoogstra

Having grown up in Geelong and now living in Melbourne’s western suburbs, becoming a Foundation Member of Western United was an easy choice for Daniel.

As chair of the Western United Fan Representative Group, he’s all about using his experience in leadership and community engagement to make sure fans feel heard.

He’s passionate about building strong and inclusive communities and creating a welcoming atmosphere where every fan can feel connected and appreciated.

To contact Western United’s FRG Click Here.