In the dynamic world of Australian Sport, Football Australia (FA) is at the forefront of a digital evolution. With over 3500 football clubs and 1.5+ million players nationwide, FA’s vision extends beyond just technology – it’s about transforming the entire football experience. At FDG Consulting, we’re proud to be their Strategic Change partner on this exhilarating journey! FDG’s bespoke human-centered agile change management and adoption approaches empowered FA to enhance operations, user experiences and digital adoption achieving significant benefits across the football community.
The Challenge: Aligning the Team for Success
FA’s goal was clear: to streamline operations and strengthen governance processes across its extensive network of players, clubs, Member Federations and Associations. Central to this vision was the implementation of an upgraded digital platform for registrations and payments. However, with big changes come potential resistance. Managing the impact of system changes on end-users, business processes, and organisational workflows requires effective change management strategies to minimise resistance, ensure user adoption, and mitigate risks. Our task was to rally everyone – from internal staff to external stakeholders – and ensure a smooth transition to the new system.
Our Game Plan
Our Change strategy was built on teamwork and transparent communication. Partnering closely with FA, we embraced agile change methodologies to adapt quickly to evolving needs. We conducted discovery workshops, mapped out go-live strategies, and facilitated readiness check-ins to prepare Football Australia and State Member Federations across the country for the transition. Most importantly, we provided stakeholders with hands-on opportunities to test the platform and share feedback.
Key Plays
- Through our extensive stakeholder analysis, we identified key individuals and groups whose support and involvement were essential for the success of the digital initiative. Utilising a blend of communication channels, tailored messaging, and targeted outreach efforts, we crafted comprehensive engagement strategies to actively involve stakeholders at every stage of the journey.
- We meticulously captured the change impacts across the vast number of user groups and identified how the new platform would affect people, processes, policies, and other systems.
- We analysed existing processes, identified, and mapped out areas for improvement, ensuring the new platform met the diverse needs of users. Over 50 as-is and to-be processes were mapped informing our communications and capability uplift programs.
- Through regular updates, workshops, and check-ins, we kept the vast stakeholder groups across each state and Football Australia teams informed and engaged, building excitement for the upcoming changes.
- We played a pivotal role in facilitating the testing phase of the new system that ensured active involvement and collaboration from all levels of football organisations – Member Federations, Club Administrators, Parents/ Guardians and Players. Through targeted communication, hands-on testing sessions, and personalised support, we empowered stakeholders to navigate the new system with confidence and provided avenues for them to share their feedback and insights.
- Our training strategy and programs were tailored to different user groups and learning styles, making learning fun and accessible. Clear guides and ongoing support ensured everyone was prepared for launch day and beyond.
- By tracking progress and celebrating milestones, we showcased the tangible benefits of the transformation, boosting morale and momentum.
The Scorecard
The results speak for themselves: increased platform adoption, improved data integration and security, enhanced two-way communication across FA and its stakeholders, and more efficient workflows. But most importantly, the user experience for registrations and payments has taken a leap forward!
With a clear change roadmap in place, FA is poised for continued success.
Thomas Fowell, Innovation Owner, Football Australia said:
“As Football Australia embraces digital transformation, our partnership with FDG Consulting has been instrumental in navigating this complex journey. Their human-centred approach and agile change strategies have not only streamlined our operations but also elevated the overall experience for our vast stakeholders. Together, we’re shaping a future where Australian football thrives in the digital age.”
Felicity George, FDG Consulting Managing Director echoed the significance of this collaborative partnership:
“Football Australia’s digital vision aspires to revolutionise the way millions across the country engage with the game. They understand that change can be daunting, but with courage and confidence, embarked on this transformative journey. The upgraded registrations and payments platform represents more than just technology – it’s a gateway to enhanced experiences, streamlined processes, and empowered communities. At FDG Consulting, we’re energised by FA and these game changing projects and are so proud to work with FA for continued success.”
Looking Ahead
By the end of 2024, we aim for full platform adoption and anticipate a 30% boost in operational efficiency and user satisfaction by 2025. Together, FA and FDG Consulting are rewriting the playbook of digital change in football. By prioritising people and clear and consistent communication, we’re creating an experience that will delight Member Federations, Football Clubs and of course the footballers across the country registering every year to play the game they love. With our strategic partnership, anything is possible on the digital pitch – and beyond!
Contact FDG Consulting to embark on your change and transformation journey today.
