Football South Australia’s Annual General Meeting was held on Wednesday 25 May at the brand-new State Centre for Football, where Estelle Bowman has made history within the organisation after being the first ever female president elected in its years of operation.
Estelle's expertise spans the public, private and academic sectors in Australia and overseas. It includes holding senior positions initially in the Federal Public Service in Canberra, and then in the UK Cabinet Office in the Prime Ministers Efficiency Unit and on the faculty of a leading Business school.
Closer to home, Estelle is former President and Life Member of the Adelaide Hills Hawks Football Club, and Vice President and Deputy Chair of Football South Australia.
Incoming President, Estelle Bowman said:
"It will be a great privilege to take over from Sam after his very successful leadership of football in this state. I am grateful to the members for giving me the opportunity. With a strong Board, an engaged membership, and a professional organization underpinning expanding participation rates, especially women and girls, the future looks bright.“
Football SA President, Sam Ciccarello provided a whole of sport report to members and highlighted the many achievements by the football community and the sport as a whole.
Outgoing President, Sam Ciccarello said:
“It has truly been an honour to serve our football community. My simple commitment has been to always focus on what’s best for football and seek to improve and progress the well-being of the game. There are many challenges and opportunities for the organisation to deal with and I’m thrilled with the election of Estelle and of the make-up of the new Board, who will continue to provide the vision, leadership, and strong advocacy for football.
The past year has been full of highlights, however the recovery from the impact of COVID-19 by the Football Community in South Australia has been a magnificent achievement and something special to be a part of.
There is an appreciable amount of momentum building as Adelaide and the State prepare to be one of Australia’s 5 Host Cities for the FIFA 2023 Women’s World Cup.”
The 2021 Annual Report can be found by following the link provided; CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT.
Football SA had three positions to fill at the AGM. Four director nominations were received, and Football SA Members voted to fill the three positions. Estelle Bowman, Jane Rathjen and Nick Runjajic will serve four-year terms and join a dedicated group of directors.
Football SA President, Sam Ciccarello thanked everyone for his tenor as Director and President and paid tribute to outgoing directors Raz Di Carlo and Wendy Barry who have contributed strongly to the advancement of the code in South Australia and have been
integral in their roles as directors. Football SA thanks Raz and Wendy for their contributions to our organisation over the years.
Following the annual general meeting the Board of Directors met to formally appoint Estelle Bowman as President and Tony Taormina as Vice President. The Football SA Board of Directors unanimously elected Bowman as its first female president.
Football South Australia would like to extend a huge thank you to outgoing President Sam Ciccarello for his service to football, including the last 6 years as president.
Football SA Board Members
President – Estelle Bowman
Vice President – Tony Taormina
Director – Joe Franco
Director – Alf Ianniello
Director – Symoane Mercurio
Director – Jane Rathjen
Director – Nick Runjajic
Director – Sacha Wainwright