FQ names Holly Johnson as Community Engagement Officer

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Football Queensland has confirmed Holly Johnson as the new Club Development Ambassador (CDA) and Community Engagement Officer for the central Coast Region.

Holly is a well-regarded member of the local football community and a dedicated advocate for women and girls, having worked as both a coordinator and coach in Rockhampton. Her long-term involvement with the FQ Academy, as a parent and later a junior coach, has given her valuable insight into player development and the wider football landscape.

With more than ten years of experience at Central Coast community football clubs, Holly offers valuable knowledge of the region’s distinct strengths and challenges.

“I’m looking forward to supporting young players as they progress through the ranks, helping nurture their skills, confidence and love for the game,” Johnson said via press release.

“The strength of our community lies in its people, from tireless volunteers to experienced coaches who act as mentors and role models. I’m excited to support and develop these coaches so they can continue to guide the next generation.

“My vision is for a united Central Coast football community that is inclusive, empowered, and recognised for producing quality players, coaches, and volunteers.

FQ Central Coast General Manager Jordie Gerbes said Holly’s appointment is a positive move for the growth of football in the region.

“We are excited to welcome Holly Johnson as our new Central Coast CDA & Community Engagement Officer, a familiar face to many through her years of hands-on involvement at the community level,” Gerbes said via press release.

“In addition to her knowledge of the region, Holly’s leadership in the women and girls space will be a valuable asset as we continue working toward our strategic target of 50/50 gender parity in participation by 2027. Her understanding of the barriers and opportunities for female players will help create more inclusive, accessible environments that enable all participants to thrive. 

“Holly’s role will span both Game Development and Technical areas, and her relationships with local clubs will help her support the continued growth of football in the Central Coast. We’re excited to have her on board and look forward to the positive contributions she’ll make.” 

Holly’s appointment is set to energise football on the Central Coast, combining her deep local knowledge, passion for community engagement, and commitment to developing pathways for women and girls. Her leadership will play a key role in driving growth, strengthening club networks, and ensuring the region’s unique strengths are supported and celebrated.

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Chelsea and Tottenham Arrive in Sydney as Premier League Giants Launch Australian Pre-Season Tour

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Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have touched down in Sydney ahead of their pre-season tour of Australia for the Sydney Super Cup. Both clubs have wasted little time settling into life in Sydney, beginning preparations for a busy week of training sessions, fan events and pre-season fixtures.

The London rivals will each face A-League opposition before meeting meeting in the marquee fixture of the tour at Accor Stadium, bringing two of England’s biggest clubs to Australian shores as they build towards the 2026-27 Premier League season.

For Chelsea, the tour represents the first opportunity for supporters to see new manager Xabi Alonso lead the Blues. Meanwhile, Spurs fans will be eager to see improvements from Roberto De Zerbi’s men following their narrow escape from relegation last season.

Chelsea will open their tour against Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday 28 July, while Tottenham will face Sydney FC on Wednesday 29 July, before the clubs meet in the headline fixture of the tour on Saturday 1 August.

The clash will mark the first time the London rivals have faced each other outside the UK. The tour is another sign of Australia’s growing stature as a destination for elite European clubs during the northern hemisphere off-season

With Chelsea and Tottenham among the Premier League’s biggest global brands, the fixtures are expected to attract strong crowds and give Australian football fans a rare opportunity to watch top-flight English footballers in person.

The tour will also feature the Chelsea Women’s team, which will take on the A-League Women’s All Stars in a showcase fixture on Wednesday 12 August.

Football Australia Chairman Reflects on Socceroos World Cup Campaign, Points to Reform Agenda Ahead

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Football Australia Chairman Anter Isaac has released a statement reflecting on the Socceroos’ FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, which ended in a penalty shootout loss to Egypt in the Round of 32 on 3 July.

Isaac thanked the players, coaching staff, medical and performance teams, and volunteers who supported the campaign, saying they represented the country with professionalism, humility and pride.

He said the tournament had brought Australians together across every state, culture and generation, calling it one of the few sporting moments capable of uniting the country.

Isaac linked the campaign to Football Australia’s broader governance work, pointing to the organisation’s recently announced reform agenda and the Enduring Principles adopted last year: Better Access to Football for All, More Football, Better Football, More People Enjoying Football, and Winning Football.

He said those principles, together with the organisation’s values of Welcome, Ready, Connect, Excel and Protect, formed the basis for every decision Football Australia makes.

“World Cups do not define our leadership,” Isaac said, adding that they instead reveal progress made long before a ball is kicked.

He said Football Australia’s responsibility extended beyond preparing for the next tournament to strengthening the institution that supports every tournament that follows.

Isaac said progress in a sporting ecosystem of Australian football’s scale depends less on any single body’s authority than on the willingness of clubs, federations, leagues and government to align around shared goals.

He said the organisation would study the lessons of the campaign carefully and continue refining its approach.

“Adaptability is not changing direction with every headline,” Isaac said. “It is improving the path while remaining true to the destination.”

Isaac framed his own role in terms of long-term stewardship, saying the game should be left in a stronger position for the generations that follow than it was for those who built it.

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