CommBank help flood-hit football teams get back on the pitch

Avatar

Football Australia’s major commercial partner, Commonwealth Bank, are providing grants to local football clubs across Queensland and New South Wales to help get them back on the field and help support recovery efforts in areas affected by the devastating floods.

The CommBank Flood Relief Fund will provide $2 million to support all types of organisations, with the bank accepting applications for grants up to $10,000.

Six community football clubs that have already applied for a grant and had their applications approved are:

  • Brisbane City (Queensland)
  • Toowong FC (Queensland)
  • South Lismore (Northern NSW)
  • Lismore Thistles (Northern NSW)
  • Milperra Lions Soccer Club (Sydney, NSW)
  • Lowland Wanderers FC (Sydney, NSW)

Football Australia Chief Executive Officer James Johnson said: “It’s both a heartbreaking and challenging time for flood-affected communities across Queensland and New South Wales, and our ongoing thoughts are with everyone affected.

“We’ve seen and heard countless stories of community football clubs directly impacted by these devastating floods and with thanks to our major partner, Commonwealth Bank, these clubs are now able to apply for assistance as part of the CommBank Flood Relief Fund to help them get back on their feet.

“On behalf of Football Australia, I would like to extend our gratitude to Football Queensland, Football NSW and Northern NSW Football for the ongoing support you’re providing these clubs and communities, and to the wider Australian Football Family for also reaching out to these clubs in their time of need.”

Commonwealth Bank Australia (CBA) CEO, Matt Comyn said: “CBA is here to provide our customers and communities with support today and support tomorrow. Through these grants, we hope to assist hundreds of community organisations in their clean-up, rebuild and recovery efforts.”

For more information, and to apply for a grant from the CommBank Flood Relief Fund click here.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Shepparton Cup – Victoria’s biggest junior football tournament – set for 2026 edition

Avatar
Image Credits: Shepparton Cup

Victoria’s largest junior football tournament is set to kick off in style as the Shepparton Cup returns for 2026. With age groups from under-sevens through to under-17s, the Shepparton Cup welcomes players of all genders and abilities as the perfect way to end the 2026 club season.

The tournament kicks off on the 23rd of October with an Olympic-style opening ceremony. The 2025 edition saw 385 teams and 4,600 players take to the pitch across both Liga and Copa Divisions. The Liga Division is for grassroots teams of all abilities who want a fun competitive experience; the Liga Division is for NPL and state league teams who will compete in a competitive carnival.

Rolando Navas, Managing Director of Sports Group Melbourne, says the tournament is not only beneficial for young players but also for the community of Shepparton.

“The Shepparton Cup is a great opportunity for families and the wider Shepparton community to embrace the regional community and provide a platform for young players to participate and experience a competitive and fun three day festival of football.”

The 2026 Shepparton Cup will be held from 23rd to 25th October 2026 at Shepparton Sports City. For more information about the Shepparton Cup, click the link here.

Australian Sports Group reveals ambitious blueprint for Canberra United

Avatar
Image Credits: Canberra United

New Canberra United owners, Australian Sports Group, have outlined an ambitious investment blueprint for the future of the club.

The plans centre around strengthening the club’s foundations, establishing elite academy pathways, and the introduction of an A-League Men’s team. More broadly, it aims to create a stronger football ecosystem that connects players, clubs and communities across the Australian Capital Territory.

A key pillar of the strategy is the development of an elite academy. The proposed pathways will create opportunities for emerging talent to progress towards professional football, strengthening the connection between grassroots participation and the elite game. The academy would form an important foundation for the proposed A-League Men’s team. ASG are targeting an entry into the Men’s competition from 2028/29, pending required process.

The introduction of a men’s team would expand the club’s professional offering and create additional opportunities for players, coaches and football staff. It would also give local talent a clearer pathway towards senior football without having to leave the region.

Infrastructure investment is another central component of the blueprint. The group plans to improve football facilities and secure a long-term home for the club. These developments would support the women’s program while laying the groundwork for future expansion.

The strategy also prioritises stronger engagement across the ACT football community. The ownership group plans to work with local stakeholders and government to align the club’s growth with broader priorities for sport and community development.

The immediate focus remains on stabilising the women’s program and building the structures needed for long-term success. This approach provides a foundation for the club to expand its operations while maintaining its existing identity and community connections.

The investment blueprint signals a broader ambition for Canberra United. By combining elite player development, improved infrastructure and the potential introduction of a men’s team, the group aims to establish a sustainable professional football model for the capital. The vision positions Canberra United as a platform for growth across the region, with a pathway to connect grassroots participation, academy development and professional competition.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend