Football Victoria celebrates International Day of People with Disability

Liam Watson

Football Victoria has joined the global football community in celebrating International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD), as well as several updates from FV’s All Abilities football programs.

IDPwD is held yearly on December 3, a United Nations day that’s observed internationally. It helps to increase awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with an impairment and recognise their contributions to society.

“We are proud to be an inclusive sport supporting people with an impairment to play football,” Football Victoria said.

“Despite not being able to host our usual programs this year, we are more than determined to ensure our players with impairments will have the best football season in 2021 – aligning with the international theme for IDPwD 2020: “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World”.

“We are excited to share some updates across our All Abilities football programs.”

A new FV Blind Football Project Coordinator has been appointed, with Amir Abdi to commence from 2021. He will work closely with Football Victoria’s Inclusion team related to programs for blind or partially sighted Victorians.

At Fitzroy City SC, the second session of their pilot Autism Football Program for children with the condition will take place, with costs of the program going towards the KS Foundation where it ensures kids with autism can play and watch football in a safe environment.

The Disability Sport and Recreation Online Festival will be an online platform this year to make sure anyone can still attend and participate. Football Victoria has given support to the festival that will run from Friday 11th December – Saturday 12th December 2020.

Football Victoria are also looking to launch their GO Sevens All Abilities Competitions on January 9th 2021, at Darebin International Sports Centre. It will involve a six week, 7-a-side social competition for people who have impairments (intellectual or physical) for ages 15 years and over.

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

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Image Credit: Chelsea FC

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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Image Credit: Football Australia

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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