Hunter Valley Football vice president Peree Watson has stepped down from the zone’s executive as a growing number of clubs call for major governance reform following the collapse of the region’s inter-district community competition.
Watson, who joined the board in November, removed herself from the six‑person executive on Thursday night. Her resignation comes after at least 17 of the 26 Hunter Valley clubs called for a vote of no confidence in four board members and a restructure of how the executive is appointed.
Watson said she joined the board to support female football but believed she could now contribute elsewhere.
“I joined the board because I’m passionate about female football,” she said.
“But if the clubs are frustrated with process that started 18 months ago and they need someone to blame, there’s nothing I can do to change their mind.
“I’m looking forward to watching my two daughters play from the sidelines.”
The upheaval follows Newcastle Football’s decision to withdraw from the jointly run three‑zone competition with Hunter Valley and Macquarie, citing concerns about governance and financial imbalance.
The split affects around 25,000 players and has raised fears of mismatched divisions, particularly in girls’ football where participation is growing but still limited.
Hunter Valley and Macquarie announced on Thursday they would create a new Interzone Football competition after Newcastle declined to attend mediation.
