Sutherland Shire Football Association president Laura Cowell labels petition calling for change in leadership a ‘targeted attack’

A concerned parent claims kids have been caught in the crossfire following years of “festering” issues at the state’s largest football association, whose president has labelled a petition against her a ‘targeted attack’.

A football field at the Harrie Dening Centre in Kareela.

Young athletes have been caught in the crossfire of a continuing battle between concerned parents and leaders at the state’s largest football association, whose president has labelled a petition a “targeted attack” against her.

This week’s controversy follows 5sports, a Caringbah club, throwing its support behind an August petition “calling for change in the leadership” at the Sutherland Shire Football Association, which is headed by president Laura Cowell and chief executive Jeff Stewart.

Ms Cowell also holds a position on Sutherland Shire Council and is vying for re-election at next Saturday’s local government polls.

The parent behind the petition told The Daily Telegraph the root of the issue lay “in the concentration of power”.

They believed it was potentially problematic if “one person, or a small group, controls access to all playing and training fields in the area”.

“This problem is only compounded by the fact that the SSFA president is a member of the local council,” the parent, who wished not to be named, said.

The parent claimed clubs were unable to “operate freely”.

Laura Cowell.

Sutherland Shire Football Association chief executive Jeff Stewart. Picture: Supplied

The parent said the various issues had been “festering for years” and, ultimately, “children are losing out” as a result.

In its support for the petition, which has garnered almost 1000 signatures, 5sports sent out a statement to its 19,500 customers.

The statement outlined how it “has always had, and continues to have wonderful relationships with all the clubs in the shire as well as in other districts”.

It also indicated the club had “equally good relationships with all other associations and rep clubs” it dealt with.

“We have always attempted to have a good relationship with SSFA, but unfortunately the SSFA leadership has made that a very difficult goal to achieve,“ the statement read.

Following a committee meeting on Tuesday night, it is understood the association is seeking legal advice regarding 5sports.

While Ms Cowell did not answer questions regarding the legal advice, she said had “faced challenges” no other person in her position had experienced, including “personal attacks that go beyond constructive criticism”.

She told The Daily Telegraph she always took feedback seriously, but it was “clear that some of these criticisms are not based on fact but rather a desire to misrepresent for their own benefit”.

“My focus remains on what is best for our community and players, and I am committed to continuing to address any genuine concerns in a constructive manner,” she said.

“I understand 5sports … has backed the call for a change in leadership.”

It is understood many high-quality players have left the association to neighbouring teams, with Ms Cowell saying retaining players was a “top priority” and the association was “working to understand and address the reasons behind players” leaving.

Mr Stewart did not respond to requests for comment.