This follows the annual meeting held at Laurieton Services Club.

All board members also re-elected. They are vice chairman Mark Woodward, treasurer Paul Sandilands along with Tony Hill, David Lee, Dan Lynch, Jonathon Newman, Jason Ryan and Michael Wallace.

In his report Mr Parsons said the zone enjoyed a record year with more than 6800 registered players and match officials.

“This doesn’t include all the managers, coaches, committee members and volunteers from all our clubs and high performance programs,’’ he added.

Mr Parsons said there have been success stories with clubs applying for grants to improve facilities for players and spectators.

“But there is still plenty of room for improvement,’’ he said.

“With State elections coming up next March (zone chief executive) Bruce Potter and I will be lobbying both sides and likely independents for additional support to gain a more equitable funding model for our sport, which remains not only Australia’s number one participant sport but our regions by a considerable percentage margin.’’

Mr Parsons said Football Mid North Coast has established an ‘outstanding rapport’ with the Newcastle Jets. This culminated in visits to the zone by Jets players, coaches and administrators.

“As a result of this collaboration and relationship we established the first regional Jets training hub for aspiring players who may be seeking a career path,’’ he pointed out.

Mr Parsons said 4200 spectators attended the Jets clash against Football Mid North Coast Northern and Southern selections played in Port Macquarie this year, while the Jets W-League side played a friendly against a Football Mid North Coast side in Taree in October.

“This match was well attended and the Jets women have committed to return next year, when we hope to incorporate a girls/lwomen’s clinic and tournament,’’ Mr Parsons explained.

The friendly was followed by the inaugural North/South men’s challenge game, won by the southern side on a penalty shootout.

“Our continued challenges are to enhance our high performance programs and for me especially, never forgetting that most of our players play “park football” with their mates and to make that experience as enjoyable as possible,’’ Mr Parsons said.

“To that aim we continue to provide better conditions, more coaching programs and match official retention, recruitment and training so that their skill base and the support is such that we all enjoy the benefits of our game across all levels of ability and be inclusive for all demographics and ability levels.’’