Help us protect the future of community football
GMSA news
27 October 2026
The Greater Melbourne Soccer Association (GMSA) is calling on soccer clubs, players, families and Melbourne’s broader football community to stand together against Football Victoria's (FV) proposed restrictions on independent football competitions.
For almost 50 years, GMSA (formerly Bayside) has provided affordable, accessible and community-focused football competitions across Melbourne.
Now, proposed changes by FV threaten the ability of clubs to choose the competitions that best suit their players, families and communities.
We believe every club should have the freedom to choose where they play.
What could this mean for clubs and families?
• Higher fees
• Less choice
• Fewer opportunities to play
The Campaign
Through our #WeStandByGMSA campaign, we're calling on clubs, players, families and supporters to show FV a red card over its proposed restrictions.
Here's how you can help:
• Follow GMSA on Facebook and Instagram and share our campaign posts using #WeStandByGMSA.
• Access our Campaign Social Media Kit here (including the red card) and post on your club or individual social media accounts.
• Help us spread the word by encouraging others in the football community to learn about the proposed restrictions and support the campaign.
• Write to your local MP (you can even use our simple template letter.)
We appreciate your support. Thank you for standing by GMSA.
Find shareable news articles and more, here:
- The Age media article
- Social Media Kit
here
#WeStandByGMSA
Quotes
“Changing our name to the Greater Melbourne Soccer Association reflects who we are today and where our teams come from. We’re a diverse, growing competition that represents clubs and players from right across Greater Melbourne. This new identity celebrates our heritage, present and our future. Our commitment remains the same: affordable, community-focused football that puts participation and enjoyment first.”
Andrew Ellis, President
“This league has always been built on passion, volunteers and a love for the game. Seeing it evolve into the Greater Melbourne Soccer Association is a testament to decades of hard work by so many people. The new name honours the spirit of inclusiveness and growth that has defined us since the early days.”
Stan Packer, Former President and Life Member
“When we started this league in the late 1970s, the goal was simple: give people a place to play the game they love. I’m proud to see how far it has come. Becoming the Greater Melbourne Soccer Association shows just how much the football community has embraced what we set out to create. The foundations we built still stand strong today.”