Football Victoria recognised at Pride in Sport Awards

Liam Watson

Football Victoria (FV) has been recognised as a Bronze tier organisation at the recent 2021 Australian Pride in Sport Awards.

The awards were able to present the results of the Australian Pride in Sport Index, a national benchmarking tool used to assess LGBTQ inclusion within Australian sport. The Pride in Sport Awards, held on the 13th of April at the Hyatt Regency Sydney, was hosted by ABC journalist and Twenty10 Board Member Mon Schafter.

Pride in Sport is Australia’s first and only sporting acceptance program specifically designed to assist sporting organisations with LGBTI inclusion.

FV’s recognition is a result of the member federation’s continued efforts to promote inclusion and equality within football and the wider community. This announcement of FV as a Bronze tier level organisation marks the highest honour that they have received from Pride in Sport to date.

Executive Manager Growth and Inclusion Karen Pearce shared her delight with the outcome, outlining how FV will strive to build on this achievement heading into the future.

“This recognition is a testament to FV’s dedication to truly make football for all. As an organisation we have continuously worked hard to ensure that we are championing inclusion and are at the forefront of diversity,” she said.

“Everyone at FV is immensely proud of this achievement and we will use this as inspiration to continue to develop and set a strong example for the future.”

As part of the 2021 Pride in Sport Recipients, they marked a milestone with five organisations reaching gold status – the highest benchmark level. They were BlocHaus Port Melbourne, Cricket Australia, MQ Sport, RMIT University Sport and Tennis Australia.

The Australian Pride in Sport Awards delved into multiple areas of sporting organisations and beyond, where they also acknowledged other achievements made by coaches, role models, media outlets and others. For anyone mentioned, their contribution has lead towards greater inclusion of people with diverse sexualities and genders.

FV’s commitment to inclusion was strengthened further when the 2021 Pride Football Victoria Cup took place in Melbourne on April 20. The two competing teams were Melbourne Rovers and Victoria Police who battled it out for a 5th title.

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Shepparton Cup – Victoria’s biggest junior football tournament – set for 2026 edition

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Image Credits: Shepparton Cup

Victoria’s largest junior football tournament is set to kick off in style as the Shepparton Cup returns for 2026. With age groups from under-sevens through to under-17s, the Shepparton Cup welcomes players of all genders and abilities as the perfect way to end the 2026 club season.

The tournament kicks off on the 23rd of October with an Olympic-style opening ceremony. The 2025 edition saw 385 teams and 4,600 players take to the pitch across both Liga and Copa Divisions. The Liga Division is for grassroots teams of all abilities who want a fun competitive experience; the Liga Division is for NPL and state league teams who will compete in a competitive carnival.

Rolando Navas, Managing Director of Sports Group Melbourne, says the tournament is not only beneficial for young players but also for the community of Shepparton.

“The Shepparton Cup is a great opportunity for families and the wider Shepparton community to embrace the regional community and provide a platform for young players to participate and experience a competitive and fun three day festival of football.”

The 2026 Shepparton Cup will be held from 23rd to 25th October 2026 at Shepparton Sports City. For more information about the Shepparton Cup, click the link here.

Australian Sports Group reveals ambitious blueprint for Canberra United

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Image Credits: Canberra United

New Canberra United owners, Australian Sports Group, have outlined an ambitious investment blueprint for the future of the club.

The plans centre around strengthening the club’s foundations, establishing elite academy pathways, and the introduction of an A-League Men’s team. More broadly, it aims to create a stronger football ecosystem that connects players, clubs and communities across the Australian Capital Territory.

A key pillar of the strategy is the development of an elite academy. The proposed pathways will create opportunities for emerging talent to progress towards professional football, strengthening the connection between grassroots participation and the elite game. The academy would form an important foundation for the proposed A-League Men’s team. ASG are targeting an entry into the Men’s competition from 2028/29, pending required process.

The introduction of a men’s team would expand the club’s professional offering and create additional opportunities for players, coaches and football staff. It would also give local talent a clearer pathway towards senior football without having to leave the region.

Infrastructure investment is another central component of the blueprint. The group plans to improve football facilities and secure a long-term home for the club. These developments would support the women’s program while laying the groundwork for future expansion.

The strategy also prioritises stronger engagement across the ACT football community. The ownership group plans to work with local stakeholders and government to align the club’s growth with broader priorities for sport and community development.

The immediate focus remains on stabilising the women’s program and building the structures needed for long-term success. This approach provides a foundation for the club to expand its operations while maintaining its existing identity and community connections.

The investment blueprint signals a broader ambition for Canberra United. By combining elite player development, improved infrastructure and the potential introduction of a men’s team, the group aims to establish a sustainable professional football model for the capital. The vision positions Canberra United as a platform for growth across the region, with a pathway to connect grassroots participation, academy development and professional competition.

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