Football West welcomes new life member and two new board members

Football West Welcomes New Life Member and Two New Board Members

Football West has announced a new Life Member as well as two new board members.

Frank Moretti was officially awarded Life Membership at last night’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at the Sam Kerr Football Centre.

Frank’s involvement in football dates back to 1966, with his most significant contributions coming through refereeing—a path he began in 1987.

Over the course of a distinguished 14-year career as a referee, he officiated at top-tier events, including National Soccer League (NSL) matches and WA State Team games, notably against high-profile teams like Red Star Belgrade.

After retiring from active refereeing, Frank remained a key figure in the sport, taking on leadership roles in referee training, development, management, and administration throughout Western Australia.

He also served as a match commissioner during the NSL era and continues in this capacity today at the A-League level.

“Congratulations to Frank on his Life Membership, he is a very popular and widely respected figure in WA football who has given decades of service to refereeing,” Football West Chair Sherif Andrawes said at the meeting.

At last night’s AGM, Jade Concei and Greg Sleigh were elected as new Directors, while David Buckingham was re-elected for a second term on the Board.

Jade Concei is a corporate and commercial lawyer, currently serving as Managing Counsel and Deputy Company Secretary at energy provider Synergy.

Football runs in her family—her grandfather played for Perth Azzurri (now Perth SC) back in the 1950s.

Greg Sleigh is the General Manager of Commercial Operations at Optus Stadium for VenuesLive.

He brings a wealth of experience in strategy, sport, communications, and marketing.

He’s also actively involved at the grassroots level as the U16-17 Women’s Coordinator at Murdoch University Melville FC.

Jade and Greg step into the roles previously held by outgoing Board Members Will Golsby and Annette Tilbrook.

Mr. Andrawes welcomed Jade Concei and Greg Sleigh to the Board, praised David Buckingham on his re-election, and thanked outgoing members Will Golsby and Annette Tilbrook for their valuable contributions to Football West.

“Football West is delighted to welcome Jade and Greg to the Board. They are highly skilled professionals and will be great additions to Football West going forward,” Andrawes said.

“And well done to David Buckingham on his re-election. He first joined the Board in March 2021 and has contributed greatly over the past four years.

“I would also like to thank Will and Annette for their service to Football West. Will has done incredible work throughout his eight-year tenure, including as Deputy Chair, and he has been an outstanding asset to the organisation.

“Annette joined Football West just under three years ago, and has been a valued Board Member, especially with her experience in the Asian sphere.”

With this strong mix of experience and fresh perspectives, Football West is well-positioned to continue driving growth and success in football across the region.

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Adelaide United renews StudyAdelaide partnership for Asian campaign

Adelaide United has brought back a familiar commercial partner for its return to continental competition, with StudyAdelaide signing on as front-of-shirt sponsor for the club’s 2026/27 AFC Champions League Two campaign.

The partnership reconnects two South Australian organisations after StudyAdelaide previously featured on Adelaide United’s shirt during their 2010 AFC Champions League campaign.

Adelaide commenced their six-match group-stage campaign on Thursday at Hindmarsh, defeating Hong Kong’s Tai Po 3-0.

For StudyAdelaide, the value of the partnership extends beyond traditional football sponsorship. The organisation, a partnership between the South Australian Government and more than 50 education institutions, is using Adelaide United’s Asian competition to promote South Australia as an international study destination.

The club’s continental schedule provides exposure in several key Asian markets, with Adelaide travelling to face BG Pathum United in Thailand and Lion City Sailors in Singapore during the group stage.

StudyAdelaide chief executive Jane Johnston said the partnership would provide a great opportunity to connect with young people across Asia.

“Having StudyAdelaide featured throughout this international competition is a unique platform to connect with young people across Asia and highlight the many reasons South Australia is their best option to study, live and build a career,” Johnston said.

The deal illustrates how football’s international competitions can provide commercial value beyond traditional brand exposure, particularly for organisations looking to promote to a specific or new region.

The Reds’ ACL Two campaign continues against BG Pathum United in Thailand on October 15.

Arncliffe Aurora’s Riverine Park investment creates a platform for growth

Arncliffe Aurora Football Club has started a new chapter with the launch of Riverine Park, creating a larger platform for football, community engagement and long-term growth in Sydney’s St George region. More than 2,500 people attended the community opening on 8 August, marking the club’s first matches at its new home and showcasing a significant upgrade in its operating capacity.

Riverine Park provides two full-size natural turf football fields, modern player and community amenities, and a new clubhouse. The additional capacity responds to strong growth in Arncliffe Aurora’s football programs, particularly at junior level. The club has also highlighted a $2.5 million investment in facility upgrades. Together with its existing Arncliffe Park base, Riverine Park gives Aurora two homes and a stronger physical platform for its football operations.

More capacity allows the club to accommodate more teams, players and programs, while updated facilities can support stronger member retention and recruitment. They create more opportunities for coaching, development programs, events and community activities. The new site can also strengthen the club’s commercial proposition; a modern facility gives sponsors greater visibility and provides more opportunities to activate partnerships around football and community events. It can also help the club build relationships with schools, community organisations and football bodies. That matters as grassroots clubs increasingly operate as community hubs rather than simply sporting organisations.

Riverine Park also creates opportunities for the wider football ecosystem. Football St George has identified the facility as a platform to grow participation and provide opportunities for players of different ages, abilities and backgrounds. Bayside Council’s project includes upgraded change rooms, toilets, canteen facilities, lighting, seating and solar panels, adding further functionality to the precinct.

For Arncliffe Aurora, the investment is therefore about more than adding fields. It creates infrastructure that can support participation, player development, community programs and commercial activity over the long term. The challenge now shifts from construction to utilisation. The club must maximise the new capacity, maintain the assets and convert greater participation into a sustainable operating model to benefit the community long-term.

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