Sutherland Sharks Unveils Ambitious Three‑Year Football Plan
Sutherland Sharks FC today released a three-year Football Plan that sets clear goals for on-field success, player development and deeper community connection across the Shire.
The plan outlines how the club will be held to account as it works to restore the Sharks to their best, publishing targets, committing to regular reviews and focusing the whole club on delivery.
General Manager Trent McClenahan said the plan reflects both ambition and accountability: “We’ve set the bar high and we’re putting in the work to meet it. This plan is about winning, yes, but it’s also about how we win, through a stronger pathway, better coaching, and accountability to our players, families and community. We’ll measure ourselves against these targets and report progress openly.”
Key targets include:
Winning the First Grade Premiership within three years.
Securing Youth promotion to NPL1 at the next available opportunity.
Lifting JDL and Youth programs from Silver to Gold, meeting Football NSW’s highest benchmark.
Building a First Grade squad anchored by Sharks-developed players, including at least two Youth or U20 debuts each season and one player progressing to an A-League or overseas contract annually.
Deepening our partnership with Sutherland Shire Football Association (SSFA), including 100% of SSFA clubs engaged in annual coaching workshops and at least 70% of youth squads filled with SSFA-developed players by 2028.
The Football Plan sets priorities across four focus areas: Performance, Best Practice Program, Pathways & Education, and Community. Each includes clear initiatives and KPIs that will be reviewed and reported each year. It also introduces strengthened governance through a Football Technical Committee, quarterly development reviews and an annual community performance report.
President Greg O’Rourke emphasised the importance of partnerships: “The Sharks are part of a bigger football ecosystem in the Shire. Our commitment is to work hand in hand with the SSFA and local clubs, sharing knowledge, opening transparent pathways and lifting standards at every level so success on the pitch is matched by a stronger community off it.”
The Sharks have a proud history of developing players, coaches and football people who have made an impact at state, national and international level. This plan sets the next chapter, aiming to compete at the highest level while staying closely connected to the Sutherland Shire community.
Read the plan highlights at sharksfc.com.au/our-future and download the full Football Plan (PDF) from the same page.