Walking Football in Bendigo boosted by completed major redevelopment

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Walking Football Bendigo
Image via Football Victoria

Walking Football in Bendigo is benefitting with an improved space to play thanks to the opening of a $4.97 million Ewing Park redevelopment.

The project, jointly-funded by the Victorian Government and the City of Greater Bendigo, provides a range of sport and recreation facilities that aim to increase participation in physical activity and provide a social hub for the surrounding community.

Stage one of the project was completed back in 2020, providing a new oval irrigation system, AFL-standard flood lighting and a synthetic walking/running track. However, stage two saw the construction of further facilities to be used by all members of the community.

Football Victoria, alongside Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, attended the official opening of the redevelopment. Its significance to both the walking football and wider Bendigo community were highlighted during a community come-and-try day.

“This has been an important project and a strong investment by the City and the Victorian Government to encourage residents to be active or just simply enjoy the parkland and all the new amenities that it offers,” Cr Metcalf said via a statement.

“There are so many great things for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy at the park and we look forward to it becoming a key destination for both residents and visitors in the future.”

Since its introduction to Australia in 2017, walking football has grown exponentially due to its inclusive nature. The sport enables people of all ages and abilities to be involved in the world game and promotes an environment built on fun and making friends.

Presently, Football Victoria offers 19 walking football programs, however, just five programs exist in regional Victoria, which includes Bendigo. As such, continued infrastructure projects like the Ewing Park redevelopment are crucial to regional communities who want to start valuable, inclusive programs like walking football.

For more information on how to get involved in a walking football program in Victoria, you can visit: https://www.footballvictoria.com.au/community/programs/walking-football.

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Isabella Mossin awarded Ninja A-League Women Referee of the Year

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Image credit: Football NSW

The youngest recipient since its inception, Mossin will officially receive the award after leading the Ninja A-League Grand Final 2026 on Saturday.

 

A rapid rise

After debuting in 2023, Mossin has quickly proved quality, composure and confidence as a referee in the Ninja A-League.

As a result of the achievement, Mossin will be the appointed referee for this weekend’s Grand Final between Melbourne City FC and Wellington Phoenix.

After beginning in the North West Sydney Football Association, Mossin then honed her craft with the Football NSW Referee Academy, a journey with foundations truly embedded in youth development and grassroots football.

Thus, Mossin is not just am individual success story, but a symbol of what institutional investment and opportunities can do for young women looking for a pathway to the game.

 

Celebrating success

The plaudits, unsurprisngly, are arriving from across Australia’s football landscape, with many emphasising the incredible standards set by Mossin since her debut just three years ago.

“This award is testament to Isabella’s hard work and dedication to refereeing, and a great reflection of the next generation of referees coming through the system in Australia,” said A-Leagues CEO, Steve Rosich.

“At just 25 years of age, she has consistently demonstrated composure, leadership, strong decision-making and the ability to perform under pressure in some of the biggest matches in the competition,” highlighted Football Australia Head of Referees, Jon Moss.

“Having someone refereeing their first Ninja A-league Women’s Grand Final at the age of 25 years should inspire all girls and young women referees (and potential referees) and show them that age is not a barrier to talent being recognised within Football Australia refereeing,” said Chair of Football Australia Referee Committee, David Elleray.

Given Mossin’s reputation and experience already at the top level of women’s football in Australia, there is no doubt that she will rise to the occasion this Saturday.

Canada Soccer to begin new National Training Centre project

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Image credit: ACHPF / Shutterstock.com

Backed by the Government of Canada with an investment worth nearly AUD 10 million ($9,826,000), the project aims to establish a world-class facility for athletes, coaches and communities.

Building the sport and community

The investment comes as part of the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF), an ambitious program of the Government of Canada which will provide AUD 51 billion ($51 billion) to infrastructure projects over 10 years.

However, the Canada Soccer Training Centre is one key project which will benefit from such substantial investment. But the project isn’t just for future players – it will help boost economic activity and create a facility built for excellence and growth.

“It is about creating a world-class sport facility where athletes can train and represent Canada at their best,” explained Secretary of State (Sport), Honourable Adam van Koeverden, via press release.

“From the playground to the podium, it is projects like this that provide athletes, coaches, local families and communities with vibrant, accessible spaces to fuel participation, connection, and a growing passion for sport.”

President of Canada Soccer, Peter Auguros, further expressed his gratitude for the investment and what it could bring future generations.

“This support reflects a shared belief in the power of sport to strengthen communities and develop the next generation of Canadian talent. We are proud to partner in building infrastructure that will benefit our athletes and help shape the future of the sport in Canada.”

 

Growth gains momentum

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 set to kick off in a few short weeks, Canada Soccer’s plan for a National Training Centre Project is symbolic of long-term vision.

The tournament is not a final flourish, but a stepping stone to accelerated growth.

And this is not a short-term setup.

As President of Concacaf and Vice-Preisdent of FIFA, Victori Montagliani explained, this is a project designed to survive for generations.

“The development of a National Training Centre in Canada represents an important legacy project for the country and it is always a positive sign when our members invest in infrastructure across the region.”

 

Final thoughts

The project, therefore, perfectly aligns a growing buzz for football across the region with intentional investment and ambition.

And although the action must eventually stop on the pitch, Canada Soccer are ensuring that growth continues long after the tournament’s final whistle.

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