The 2025 Beyond the Boundary: Club Conference, hosted by the Perth Football League (PFL) last Sunday, brought together club leaders, coaches, trainers, and volunteers for a dynamic half-day of learning and collaboration in preparation for the upcoming season. The event provided invaluable insights and strategies through a series of informative sessions led by experienced professionals across various key topics. 

Key Sessions and Highlights 

Integrity and Umpiring  

Tony Watson, PFL’s Integrity Officer, led three sessions focusing on fair play, discipline, and fostering a positive sporting culture. Joined by PFL Umpiring Coordinator Jack Crawshaw, their presentations received high praise from Troy Arnold, member of Hamersley Carine, who commended them for "addressing some very challenging topics, providing clear guidance on what we can expect this season.” 

Arnold also highlighted the conference’s opening remarks, applauding how they set the tone for the event and “the immense value that this day would contribute to our upcoming season.” 

Game-Changing Technology: Hudl Cameras 

Robbie Chancellor and Donna Bodin from Hudl delivered an in-depth session on Hudl cameras, providing a comprehensive guide on their usage and benefits. These cutting-edge tools are set to enhance umpiring decisions, offer critical game insights, and improve team performance. Club leaders left equipped with the knowledge to maximise this technology in their game operations. 

Click here for Hudl Support and resources.  

Building Strong Club Culture

Craige White, newly appointed Men’s League Coach at South Fremantle, presented on the importance of club culture, emphasising leading by example and effective player engagement. Drawing from his coaching experience at Curtin Uni Wesley—where he led his team to an undefeated B Grade season in 2019, earning an A Grade promotion. White later reached three A Grade Grand Finals and secured an A Grade Premiership in 2023—He provided valuable strategies for club coaches to implement in the coming season.

Other Key Topics  

The conference also featured essential sessions on: 

• Coach and Player Wellbeing, with tailored discussions for both general coaches and those leading female teams. 

• Club Operations and Compliance, covering Liquor Licensing and risk management through the Marsh National Risk Protection Program. 

• Umpiring, ensuring clubs are well-versed in officiating standards and expectations. 

Networking and Community Engagement 

Following the sessions, attendees gathered for a networking opportunity over refreshments. Ocean Ridge President Martin Ross noted that it was "a great opportunity to connect with others from across the PFL." 

Access Key Insights 

For those unable to attend, key insights and learning materials from the conference can be accessed here. The Beyond the Boundary: 2025 Club Conference reaffirmed its role as a crucial event for community football, equipping club leaders with the tools and knowledge needed for a successful season ahead.