Football Coaches Australia appoints Ernie Merrick as FCA Ambassador

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Merrick

Football Coaches Australia (FCA) is pleased to announce the addition of Premiership and Championship-winning A-League Men’s coach Ernie Merrick as an FCA Ambassador.

Ernie’s ongoing legacy in Australia football is assured. To date, he has left an indelible imprint on Australian football, and on those he has worked with.

Through his statesman role, FCA looks forward to Australian football coaches continuing to be able to tap into Ernie’s considerable football experience and expertise. Ernie will also be able to provide valuable commentary and insights on FCA issues relevant to coaches in Australia.

Ernie Merrick OAM was a PE teacher, as well as an amateur football player before entering the head coaching ranks.

Ernie’s most recent A-League role was as Newcastle Jets FC Head Coach where he took the Jets to the Grand Final in his inaugural 2017/18 season. He is the former head coach of the Victorian Institute of Sport, Hong Kong national football team, and A-League clubs Melbourne Victory FC and Wellington Phoenix FC.

Under Ernie’s leadership, Victory won the 2006–07 A-League Premiership, finished second in the group phase of the 2008 Asian Champions League and in the 2008–2009 season, won the treble, the Pre-Season Cup, the Premiership and the Grand Final.

During the 2009–2010 season, despite severe season-ending knee injuries to key players, Victory once again reached the Grand Final.

In committing to the FCA Ambassador role Ernie stated:

“When asked by FCA to become an Ambassador and Technical Advisor to FCA I felt privileged and honoured. I hope to be able to work with FCA to provide ongoing professional development mentorship to aspiring coaches.”

FCA President Phil Moss acknowledged the appointment by stating:

“Ernie’s credentials as a coach speak for themselves – without a doubt one of the most successful to grace the national competition – but he is also a top-class human being who passionately cares about people so he will add significantly to our organization & our members.”

Long-time football colleague, and current FCA Executive Committee member, Gary Cole endorsed Ernie’s role.

“I have had the pleasure of knowing Ernie (Merrick) since the mid-eighties when he came to Preston Lions in the NSL as a young assistant coach to Billy Murray. Our paths crossed again when he was Head coach of the Victorian Institute of Sport, where he helped develop wonderful players like Vince Grella, Simon Colosimo, Adrian Leijer and Billy Celeski. We then had the opportunity and privilege to help set up and build Melbourne Victory Football Club.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with Ernie as he is a wonderful leader and has the gift of being able to make the complex simple. He is a Pro-Licence Coach, with a teaching and sports science background, yet simplifies rather than confuses, which helps him to be the wonderfully successful coach he is, as well as a great developer of players.”

FCA looks forward to further Australian coach Ambassadorial role announcements within the near future.

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Futsal receives major boost in NSW through new partnership

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Image credit: Football NSW

Carbiz will become the new Naming Rights Partner of Football NSW‘s premier futsal competitions in a deal set to run for two years.

 

Committed to growth

From its beginnings as a second-hand car dealership in 2016, Carbiz has seen incredible growth over the past decade. It now operates as Australia’s leading replacement car provider with over 12 branches, 200 staff and 500 partnerships.

No strangers to progress, hard work and community support, the Carbiz family is now aligning itself with one of Australia’s fastest-growing sports. Through this partnership, Carbiz will support the continued rise of futsal across New South Wales and the broader Australian football landscape.

“This is a fantastic partnership for Football NSW and for futsal in our state,” said Football NSW CEO, John Tsatsimas, via press release.

“Carbiz is a brand built on service, resilience and community values, which strongly aligns with our own vision for football and fustal in New South Wales.”

In 2022, futsal participants across Australia reached 58,453 – an 8% increase on the previous year. In 2025, however, this number rose to 63,425. Numbers in NSW also saw growth in this period, increasing from 4,682 to 5,230.

So with the highly-regarded and community-driven Carbiz backing the game’s development in NSW, futsal will launch into an exciting future.

 

Community connection

Competition and the desire to win are key aspects of any game – especially football.

But at the heart of the grassroots game is a fundamental wish to unite the local community. Thus, finding partners who understand this commitment – and are eager to match it – is so essential.

Furthermore, Carbiz CEO, Alex Rodov, outlined why the company aligns so well with Football NSW’s futsal future.

“At Carbiz, we’ve always believed that strong communities are built through connection, opportunity and teamwork.”

“Sport plays a vital role in bringing people together, and futsal is one of the fastest growing and most exciting forms of the game.”

“As a proudly Australian owned business, we’re excited to support a competition that creates opportunities for young athletes, strengthens local communities and inspires the next generation.”

The agreements will see the newly-named Carbiz Futsal Premier League and Carbiz Futsal Premier League 2 become key environments which support talent development, local participation and engagement with futsal as a whole.

Melbourne Victory driving strong partnerships with BYD

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TY Lim / Shutterstock.com

The innovative vehicle manufacturer will join the Victory family as a Major Partner and Exclusive Motor Vehicle Supplier in a 12-month deal.

 

Elite performance, accessible for all

The alliance between Melbourne Victory and BYD reflects both parties’ commitment to progress, efficiency and high performance. It brings together two organisations who share vision and values, two fundamental aspects of any successful partnership.

On one hand is a rapidly growing and community-connected manufacturing company with over 100 sites, intent on providing reliable vehicles to Australian families. On the other, a successful club in the heart of Melbourne, with ambitions to progress on the pitch while regularly engaging with the community.

Melbourne Victory Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie, commented on the strong foundations of the partnership with BYD.

“Founded only a decade apart, there is a shared history of, and ambition for, continued accelerated growth between Melbourne Victory and BYD.”

“Not only is there a clear alignment of our vision and values to lead, unite, connect and inspire, but a mutual commitment to creating a better future for our communities.”

 

Delivering for the community

As part of the partnership, BYD’s branding will feature on Victory’s home and away jerseys, as well as across the Academy, media and Community assets.

Moreover, the agreement comes as a response from Victory to members and fans’ wishes for not just any vehicle partner, but one which is appropriate and coherent to their day-to-day lives. And as BYD Australia Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Collins, explained, the new energy vehicle manufacturer is driving far more than just passengers.

“We are thrilled to join forces with Melbourne Victory, a club that shares our relentless drive for performance and innovation,” expressed Collins.

“As the exclusive vehicle supplier, we’re not just providing new energy mobility; we’re supporting the team’s journey towards a more sustainable future.”

New energy, new partner and new ambitions for Melbourne Victory, who will compete on the international stage next season in the AFC Champions League Two.

And with a partner like BYD to back them, players and fans in the Victory family will be hoping it is the start of a journey to success.

 

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