South-East Victorian club grant recipients to thrive

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Image credit: Nattawit Khomsanit / Shutterstock.com

Throughout the duration of 2024, states across the nation have showcased commitment towards the growth of community sport through various grant initiatives.

Community sport and recreational entities have been given the opportunity for funding, via an application granted on behalf of their respective government.

Victoria, following in the footsteps of NSW, have created and executed the Sporting Club Grants Program, providing funding for community sport and active recreation organisations across the south-eastern regions of Victoria.

South Eastern metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis confirmed via social media which applicants were successful acquiring the grant.

Multiple variating facets of sporting bodies were successful within their application. Scouting groups, sports clubs, and other recreational organisations were featured within recipients list.

Football clubs within the south-east district were also featured, including FC Noble Hurricanes and Cranbourne United Soccer Club.

Football growth within Victoria has experienced a significant rate in growth, especially in female participation following the Women’s World Cup 2023.

A true emphasis on the global variation of football within the state has become symbolic throughout the growth it has experienced in recent memory.

With the international women’s and men’s sides both on the precipice tangible success, the sport continues to find financial support from the government.

Within the south-east region of Victoria, two clubs who are relishing the forecasted influx of participants now have the opportunity for financial support.

The new wave of monetary gain is compulsory in aiding and assisting football clubs in growth across multiple areas.

Newly constructed facilities, training equipment, and the acquisition of highly regarded football administrators, coaches and personnel can all be achieved by these clubs within their development stages.

The collaboration and networking with established clubs within the region has the capacity to exist, with the potential of player scouting programs having the potential to come to fruition.

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The only road to the national stage: FQ Academy Inter-Conference Carnival 2026

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Image Credit: Brook Desbois

Football Queensland (FQ) has confirmed Mackay Football Park as the host venue for the 2026 FQ Academy Inter-Conference Carnival, scheduled for the 14th to 17th of April.

Backed by the Mackay Regional Council, the event unites FQ’s five Regional Academies across the Northern and Central Conferences. This expanded four-day schedule marks a significant shift in regional programming. It allows for a greater volume of match play and enhances talent identification windows for technical staff.

Strengthening the Regional Pathway

The Carnival serves as a critical junction in the state-wide pathway. FQ Technical Director and Player Development, Tom Laxton, emphasized the event’s role in exposing players to new competitive environments.

“The Inter-Conference Carnival remains a key foundational element of the regional FQ Academy pathway,” Laxton said. “Expanding the Carnival in 2026 to four days reinforces our commitment to delivering more meaningful opportunities.”

Importantly, the FQ Academy stands as the only pathway in Queensland recognized by Football Australia for national selection. This event ensures equity amongst regional talent whom often fly under the radar of high-performance scouts. The extended format also benefits referees and coaches, providing a longer window for development and assessment.

Economic and Regional Impact

The partnership with Mackay Regional Council highlights the economic value of youth football tourism. Mayor Williamson noted the expanded timeline benefits the local visitor economy.

“By expanding the carnival to four days, it gives visitors a much better opportunity to explore what our region has to offer,” Williamson said.

The event draws players, support staff, and families from across the northern half of the state. It positions Mackay Football Park as a central hub for elite youth development in Queensland.

Registration and scheduling details regarding the 2026 FQ Academy Inter-Conference Carnival will be released here as they emerge.

Westside Strikers FC’s reveal glimpse into new Recreation Reserve

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Westside Strikers FC / Facebook

The club, based in Caroline Springs, Melbourne, updated fans with a sneak-peek into the newly revamped Taylor’s Hill Recreation Reserve.

 

Embracing development 

The prospect of new and improved facilities at Taylor’s Hill Recreation Reserve is one which should excite fans and players alike.

Taylor’s Hill Recreation Reserve. Image credit: Westside Strikers FC / Facebook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Turf installation has now been completed on Pitch 1 and our home ground is looking incredible,” the club said via social media announcement on Thursday. 

“With only the grandstand due to be completed in the coming months, almost 5 months of hard work has led to this transformation.” 

With the backing of the City of Melton, the improvements made to the facilities are proving to be thorough and extensive. The club revealed just over a month ago that  lighting upgrades and installations, irrigation and drainage systems for all pitches, ground fencing and coaches boxes had all been completed. 

Furthermore, by giving supporters insight into the progress being made at the club, it will no doubt help to stir up even more excitement and anticipation for when the project is completed in the coming months.

Facilities which align with ambitions

While they proudly remain a community-focused club, Westside Strikers FC is no stranger to rapid growth and expansion.

Initially established in 2014 for talented junior footballers, the club has evolved into one of the largest community football clubs in Melbourne’s West. In just over 10 years of operating, they have expanded into a network of over 600 players across the Men’s, Women’s, Miniroos and Metropolitan teams.

Therefore, as a club aiming to grow and support the careers of local talents from junior to senior level, it is only right that their facilities are built to accomodate such ambitions. By providing their players with high-quality pitches and updated facilities off the pitch, Westside Strikers FC can continue pursuing and nurturing excellence on it.

Furthermore, the developments reflect Westside Strikers’ genuine commitment to giving back to those who make the club special: the fans. By constructing a new grandstand for spectators, Westside Strikers FC is ensuring that everyone in the community is made to feel included in the club’s ambitions going forward.

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