Game-Changer Ahead: Football NSW Unveils 2026 Club Development Conference

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Football NSW has confirmed that the 2026 Club Development Conference will take place at Valentine Sports Park on Saturday, 7 February 2026. Now in its third year, the annual event has become a cornerstone of Football NSW’s commitment to helping community clubs grow stronger, plan smarter, and operate more sustainably.

The conference brings together association staff, club committee members, and football administrators from across the state for a full day of workshops, keynote sessions, and networking opportunities. Attendees will hear from leading voices in Australian sport across a diverse range of topics including: safeguarding, volunteer management, sponsorship, governance, finance, diversity and inclusion, refereeing, coach education, grants, and infrastructure planning.

Building on Momentum
Following the success of the 2025 event, which attracted more than 150 representatives from 85 clubs, Football NSW is aiming to deliver an even more impactful program in 2026. The day will feature interactive sessions designed to provide practical insights that clubs can immediately apply within their local environments.

Football NSW’s Club Development team said the conference continues to evolve in line with the needs of community clubs, focusing on real-world strategies that support growth both on and off the pitch.

Recognition Through the Club Changer Program
 As part of Football NSW’s broader Club Changer initiative, clubs that achieve 1-star, 2-star, or 3-star accreditation before 9 December 2025 will be rewarded with complimentary tickets to the conference. Additional group discounts will also be available for association staff and club representatives looking to attend together.

Tickets and Registration
 Early bird tickets are available until 31 December, with full details available on the Football NSW website.

 

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Football Queensland Launches Upgraded Club Support Hub to Boost Volunteer and Administrator Support

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Volunteer using Football Queensland Customer Service Booking Portal

Football Queensland has unveiled its redesigned Club Support Hub, providing enhanced resources and a new Customer Service Booking Portal to assist club administrators and volunteers ahead of the 2026 season. The upgraded hub is designed to streamline support and ensure clubs have the tools they need to operate efficiently.

The Club Support Hub now offers a comprehensive suite of practical resources, covering every stage of the football season – from pre-season planning to post-season wrap-ups. Administrators and volunteers can also book dedicated support directly with FQ’s Customer Service team, making guidance more accessible than ever.

FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said, “Football Queensland acknowledges that the success of club operations is fuelled by the hard work and dedication of volunteers across the state. We are proud to continue to bolster the support available to them with more resources and more access to FQ Customer Support.”

Building on the original Hub launched in 2021 and FQ’s Future Club+ initiative, the upgrade aims to make volunteer workflows more efficient. Checklists, guides, and direct triaging options ensure clubs receive the right support at the right time, allowing administrators to focus on value-adding activities that enhance the football experience.

To support the rollout, FQ will deliver a series of webinars in the coming months, guiding administrators through the extensive new resources available. “We are excited to continue strengthening the support available to our clubs and volunteers as we reinforce our commitment to improving the experience for every member of our football community,” Cavallucci added.

The upgraded Club Support Hub marks a significant step in Football Queensland’s ongoing efforts to provide a more efficient, club-focused service model, ensuring administrators and volunteers have the tools and guidance they need to succeed.

Growing Football Community Grants Support Capital Football Clubs

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Image credit: Northern NSW Football

Five Capital Football clubs have been awarded funding through Football Australia’s 2025/26 Growing Football Community Grants, supported by CommBank. Brindabella Blues, Burns FC, South Canberra, Tigers FC, and Weston Molonglo are the latest clubs to benefit from the initiative.

The Growing Football Community Grant program aims to assist clubs and associations in promoting the participation of women and girls in football. It also seeks to improve the experience for both new and returning players, support the training and development of community coaches, and create inclusive, safe environments that encourage lasting engagement.

Since its launch in 2023, the Growing Football Fund has awarded three rounds of Community Grants, benefiting 297 clubs nationwide—including 93 in regional and remote areas, highlighting the program’s dedication to increasing access and opportunities for football across Australia.

This ongoing investment plays a crucial role in helping Football Australia and CommBank achieve their ambitious target of engaging 50,000 female participants by 2026.

Football Australia Interim Chief Executive Officer, Heather Garriock praised the program’s impact on communities nationwide.

“We’re incredibly proud to see the Growing Football Fund continuing to make such a meaningful impact at the community level. These grants are not just about financial support – they’re about empowering clubs to create environments where women and girls feel welcomed, supported, and inspired to stay in the game,” she said via press release.

“It’s particularly exciting to see so many regional clubs amongst this year’s recipients, reflecting our ongoing commitment to growing football opportunities in every corner of the country.”

Commonwealth Bank Group Executive, Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Monique Macleod emphasised its ongoing support for community football and the role of the Growing Football Fund in creating opportunities for women and girls.

“We’re proud to support grassroots football with the Growing Football Fund. This fund is all about giving more communities the chance to get involved, have a kick, and build a brighter future through football,” she said via press release.

“CommBank has backed this grants program from day one, and it’s great to see how these grants are already making a real difference for women and girls by opening up more opportunities and helping them stay connected to the game.”

Click here to view the full Growing Football Community Grant recipients.

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