Weston Bears Park to Transform into a State-of-the-Art Sports Hub

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Weston Bears Park upgrade new clubroom facilities

The Weston Bears Park upgrade will deliver modern, accessible facilities for football players, spectators, and the local community in Newcastle. Construction is well underway and the project scheduled to finish by February 2026.

The upgrade is part of Cessnock City Council’s ongoing community projects. It will improve local sports infrastructure and support community engagement. Weston Bears Park hosts daily training and matches for Premier League and junior teams. Additionally, it serves as a venue for community events.

The project includes:

  • Refurbishing the grandstand to create new clubrooms, a canteen, office space, and members’ area

  • Building team change rooms, referee facilities, and a gym

  • Upgrading spectator amenities, including toilets and better access

  • Constructing a new car park and improving landscaping

The Weston Bears Facility Upgrade follows the adoption of the Weston Bears Park Masterplan in September 2020. Council consulted with Weston Bears Football Club, Weston Junior Football Club, Weston Workers Club, and the community. This ensured the upgrades meet the needs of all users.

Funding comes from the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program and Council’s operational budget. This partnership shows a shared commitment to local sport and community wellbeing.

Cessnock City Council Mayor said: “This upgrade marks an exciting step for Weston Bears Park. It will provide modern, accessible facilities for everyone—from grassroots players to long-time supporters. We are proud to invest in infrastructure that brings people together and strengthens our sporting culture.”

Ultimately, the project will transform Weston Bears Park into a state-of-the-art sporting hub. Consequently, it will remain a key centre for football and community activity in Newcastle for many years.

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Elite Coaching Secrets Revealed: Chris Ramsey MBE to Inspire Australian Youth Coaches

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Chris Ramsey MBE presenting youth coaching strategies

Football Coaches Australia has announced a special online CPD session featuring Chris Ramsey MBE on Monday, November 17th at 7:30 pm AEDT. The timing is significant: Ramsey will be joining the session immediately following his involvement with the FIFA U17 World Cup.

This means Australian coaches will receive fresh, real-world insights from one of the game’s most respected youth development experts while his observations are still current.

Elite Experience Meets Youth Development

Ramsey brings a rare dual perspective to the session. As a former Premier League coach and current Professional Development Phase Lead for England’s youth teams, he has worked across both elite senior and youth environments.

This combination gives him unique insight into what young players actually need to succeed at the highest levels. He’s not theorising about development pathways; he’s actively shaping them for England’s next generation of elite footballers.

The Maturation Factor

The session will focus on a critical but often misunderstood aspect of youth coaching: “The Need to Consider Growth and Maturation when Developing Young Players.”

Ramsey will explore how physical, psychological, and emotional maturity impact player performance. More importantly, he’ll share how the world’s best youth systems adapt their coaching to account for these differences.

This isn’t about treating all players the same. It’s about recognising that young athletes develop at different rates and adjusting coaching approaches accordingly.

Practical Takeaways From the World Stage

The U17 World Cup provides the perfect laboratory for observing these maturation differences in action. Players from different countries, backgrounds, and development systems compete at the same age level but often display vastly different levels of physical and mental maturity.

Ramsey will draw from these specific observations to illustrate how elite programs identify and work with these variations. Australian coaches attending the session will gain access to strategies currently being used at the highest levels of international youth football.

Session Details

The CPD session takes place on Monday, November 17th at 7:30 pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time online. This represents a valuable opportunity for coaches to learn directly from someone actively working at the forefront of international youth development.

With Ramsey’s MBE recognition and his current role shaping England’s youth teams, the session offers Australian coaches a direct connection to elite European development thinking and practice.

PFA and MoleMap Join Forces to Fight Skin Cancer in Football

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PFA MoleMap partnership awareness event with players

Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has partnered with MoleMap to offer full-body skin checks for the Socceroos, Matildas, A-League players, and members of the PFA Past Players Program. This initiative reinforces the PFA’s commitment to player wellbeing and helps ensure the early detection of skin cancer, one of Australia’s most preventable diseases.

Supporting Player Wellbeing On and Off the Field

Through this PFA MoleMap partnership, players receive comprehensive skin checks from accredited melanographers. The process includes high-resolution imaging reviewed by dermatologists, personalised risk assessments, and guidance on sun safety and self-checking. Additionally, players learn how to identify early warning signs and protect their long-term health.

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch said the partnership reinforces the organisation’s responsibility to care for players beyond the field.

“Skin cancer is one of Australia’s most common and preventable health issues. By partnering with MoleMap, we are taking proactive steps to protect our players and support their long-term wellbeing,” Busch said.

Continuing a Legacy of Awareness

The PFA first introduced skin checks after the passing of former National Soccer League player David Cervinski in 2019. Cervinski’s battle with melanoma inspired the PFA to make skin health a permanent part of its welfare programs.

Now, the PFA MoleMap partnership continues this legacy, encouraging early detection and awareness across the football community. As a result, players and fans alike are reminded to prioritise their skin health.

Players Leading the Way in Skin Health

MoleMap will appoint current and former players as ambassadors for skin health. These ambassadors will share personal stories, promote awareness, and encourage Australians to schedule regular skin checks.

MoleMap Chief Business Officer Jaime Schell said:

“Skin cancer can affect anyone. Through this PFA MoleMap partnership, we hope to inspire players, fans, and the wider community to prioritise skin health. Early detection saves lives.”

A Shared Commitment to Player Health

Ultimately, this PFA MoleMap partnership strengthens the PFA’s mission to protect, educate, and support players throughout every stage of their football journey. Together, the PFA and MoleMap are creating a healthier, more informed football community.

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