10-year infrastructure strategy revealed for football in NSW

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Football NSW and Northern NSW Football have released a state-wide football infrastructure strategy, which will address the need for investment in facilities over the next ten years.

The governing bodies have begun working on a plan of action that will see crucial upgrades in infrastructure be implemented across the state, including improved lighting, pitches and changing facilities.

A statement on Football NSW’s website detailed that over 270,000 people currently play football at 1000 clubs on 2250 playing fields in the state, however, half of those pitches have poor drainage.

CEO of Football NSW, Stuart Hodge, believes the continued rise in participation numbers of people playing the game needs to be adequately supported by appropriate investment in facilities.

“Identifying and understanding the infrastructure required to support and sustain community football over the coming decade is imperative to our communities,” he said.

“The NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy was commissioned in response to an independent audit of almost 1000 community football facilities, comprising 2200 individual pitches throughout 2018 and 2019.

“The audit identified the acute need for investment in football facilities to ensure the game has the capacity to cater for the projected boom in participation, particularly following the announcement that Australia will co-host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.”

Northern NSW Football CEO, David Eland, added: “Female participation in football continues to exceed expectations and will only increase amidst the excitement of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“Developing new facilities and improving existing infrastructure which ensures that the nation’s largest club-based sport is inclusive is crucial.

“This strategy will be central to the NSW 2023 FWWC Legacy Strategy, which will be developed in conjunction with Football Federation Australia and the NSW Government to ensure football has the capacity to embrace thousands of new female participants inspired by the exploits of the mighty Westfield Matildas on home soil.”

The NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy can be found here.

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WA announce TV series for Sam Kerr’s children’s novels

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Image Credit: James Ross/AAP

A new TV series based on Sam Kerr’s children’s books ‘Kicking Goals’ is set to begin filming in early 2027 in Western Australia.

The show follows a young Kerr before she became captain of the Matildas and a star at Chelsea FC. Set in her home state of WA, the story sees her navigate her way through growing up and chasing her dreams, alongside her family and friends, and the adventures that entailed.

Speaking to Screenwest, Kerr said, ‘It’s pretty surreal knowing that Kicking Goals is being adapted into a TV series. These stories are all about believing in yourself and having a go, so it feels really special that a whole new generation will get to experience them on screen.’

Co-authored by Fiona Harris, the books have been a success since their initial release in 2021, a period which has coincided with Kerr and her Matildas teammates growing from beloved within Australia’s football community, into a team of genuine national appeal and recognition. They are available nation-wide, sold at major retailers such as Big W and Dymocks.

The television adaptation will beproduced by Orange Entertainment for Paramount+.

‘Kicking Goals’ is set to inject AUD 5million into the WA economy and provide over 130 local jobs.

Creative Industries Minister of WA, Simone McGurk, said via WA GOV, ‘The series will showcase all that Western Australia has to offer – including our world-class talent, crew, and diverse locations – while celebrating the story of one of our sporting greats.’

Casting is currently underway, with a search for a young Kerr and her mates ongoing.

The months after the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australian and New Zealand saw an 11% increase in women and girl’s participation in football compared to the previous year, showing the direct impact the biggest stage can have on grassroots football.

Kerr has managed to build on that success and begin a new chapter, inspiring kids both on and off the field.

Former Socceroos captain set to headline coaching conference

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Mark Mulligan. Credit A League

Mark Milligan – former Socceroos captain and Newcastle Jets Premiership-winning manager – is set to be the guest of honour at the 2026 Football NSW Coaching Conference, held at Valentine Sports Park from November 21st–22nd.

The annual conference represents Australia’s largest gathering of football coaches, and is set to include expert insight into coaching, practical sessions and development plans for attendees. Milligan will partake in a Q&A session with MC Stephanie Brantz on November 21, adding significant gravitas to the conference.

Chris Gallo, Football NSW Coach Education Manager spoke highly of Milligan via Football NSW.

‘Opportunities to hear from people who have experienced the game at the highest level are incredibly valuable for our coaches. Mark brings a unique perspective on leadership, performance and the demands of elite football, and we want our coaches to be able to take those insights back into their own environments,’ he said.

Milligan traversed the globe across a near-twenty year professional career that started in the old National Soccer League, concluded in the A-League, and took in time across Europe, the UK and Asia.

He represented the Socceroos with distinction across 80 appearances, selected by four seperate managers in World Cup squads, and was captain of the Olympic team in 2008. His nascent managerial career has already seen two trophies at Newcastle, where he is presently leading them in the Asian Champions League.

But it all began on the local pitches of Bankstown. Milligan is an authentic, home-grown product of Football NSW, and emblamatic of the rewards that can be reaped from investing in the beginning of a player’s journey.

With the conference already selling out, attendees can now expect to learn plemty from one of Australia’s most exciting, up-and-coming coaches.

The opportunity Football NSW are providing showcases their commitment in helping coaches develop, and their continued pledge of giving back to the game at its foundation.

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