Football Victoria Announces 2026 Country Championships To Be Held in Geelong

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Image Credit: Football Geelong

Football Victoria (FV) is delighted to confirm that the 2026 Football Victoria Country Championships will be staged in Geelong from June 6-8, 2026.

Over three days, the state’s top regional footballers will compete at Stead Park and Myers Reserve, home to Geelong SC and Geelong Rangers.

The Championships enter their second year under FV’s direct management. This marks the first event since the new regional football model launched in December 2025. Last year, Albury-Wodonga set a new standard. The event drew 4,000 visitors, 69 teams, and more than 1,200 players from across Victoria.

This year, eight regions converge at Geelong. Players, coaches, officials, and families will gather for one of the most anticipated tournaments in the competition’s 40-year history. The Championships remain central to FV’s talent identification strategy. Regional players have a prime opportunity to impress FV’s Talent ID team.

Regional Development Manager Lauren Stevens said she is proud to oversee the event for a second year. “This is the biggest annual celebration of regional playing talent. We’re thrilled to bring the Country Championships to Geelong in 2026,” Stevens said. “With great venues and strong support from the City of Greater Geelong, Football Victoria Geelong, Geelong SC, and Geelong Rangers, this will be an enormous event. We look forward to welcoming every region for a special weekend of football.”

CEO Dan Birrell highlighted the Championships’ vital role for regional football and the FV talent pathway. “This tournament remains one of Victoria’s longest-running football events. It’s a key pillar in our talent identification program. I look forward to celebrating another outstanding Championships with the regional football community.”

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Bentleigh Greens launch fundraiser to support former president Meno Menelaou

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Image Credit: Bentleigh Greens

Bentleigh Greens has launched a fundraising campaign to support former president and long-serving volunteer Meno Menelaou following his recent diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis.

A highly respected figure at the NPL club, Menelaou has spent decades serving the Bentleigh Greens community in a range of volunteer and leadership roles, helping shape the club both on and off the field.

The fundraiser will assist Menelaou and his family with the costs of undergoing Autologous Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation treatment overseas.

The treatment is aimed at halting the progression of the disease but involves significant medical and travel expenses.

In announcing the initiative, Bentleigh Greens said the campaign was an opportunity for the football community to support someone who has dedicated years of service to the club.

“Meno has given so much to our club over many years. Now it’s our turn to give back,” the club said.

The club has encouraged supporters and members of the wider football community to contribute to the fundraiser or share the campaign to help raise awareness.

Bentleigh Greens said the support would help ease the financial burden on Menelaou and his family, allowing him to focus on his treatment and recovery.

Click the link to donate.

FCA Relaunches Coach Education Program with Expanded CPD Opportunities Through 2026

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Image Credit: Football Coaches Australia

Football Coaches Australia (FCA) is set to relaunch its Coach Education Program, offering coaches across the country a comprehensive schedule of online workshops and new education opportunities through to the end of 2026.

Following a break in the program during the FIFA Men’s World Cup period, FCA’s coach education schedule returns this month with a strong focus on providing coaches with opportunities to complete the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours required to maintain their coaching licences.

FCA plans to deliver two online workshops per month through to December, alongside a range of additional coach education initiatives covering the technical, tactical, physical and emotional aspects of the game.

The program returns on Monday, August 24, with Scottish FA Coach Education Manager Martyn Buckie presenting Technical and Tactical Priorities – The Differences When Coaching Junior/Youth and Adults.

Buckie has been a regular presenter across FCA’s coach education program and will return with another engaging session designed to provide practical insights for coaches working across different levels and age groups.

FCA members can attend the session free of charge when using the FCA member code, while guests and non-members can register for $22.50.

The following week, on Monday, August 31, Scottish National Women’s Team coach Melissa Andreatta will present The Identity Advantage – Building a Team to Stay Connected When Pressure Is Highest.

Andreatta’s session will explore the importance of team identity and connection, particularly in high-pressure environments, providing coaches with insights applicable across the game.

FCA President Ian Greener said the return of the program represents an important opportunity for coaches to continue developing their knowledge while meeting their CPD requirements.

“Our ongoing relationship with Football Australia to provide these sessions, all supported with CPD, is a valuable component of the coach education landscape and one we here at FCA are proud to bring to coaches at all levels of our game,” Greener said.

The program will continue throughout September, with Ernie Merrick among the presenters already confirmed and further speakers to be announced in the coming months.

FCA’s expanded schedule is designed not only to help coaches accumulate vital CPD hours, but also to expose them to a diverse range of perspectives and expertise from across the football community.

A major new initiative will begin in October, with renowned coach Ron Smith delivering a six-part series focused on using information technology to develop coaches’ skills in match analysis.

The series will provide Australian coaches with a new opportunity to explore the use of technology and match analysis as part of their coaching development. Initially, the program will be limited to 10 coaches, with further details to be announced by FCA shortly.

With two quality sessions planned each month through to the end of the year, FCA’s renewed Coach Education Program will provide coaches at all levels with regular opportunities to learn, connect and continue their professional development.

Further presenters, workshops and education opportunities will be announced throughout the coming months.

Registrations for Martyn Buckie’s August 24 workshop are now open via this link.

FCA looks forward to welcoming coaches back to its Coach Education Program and continuing to support the development of coaches across Australian football.

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