Football Queensland renews partnership with Brisbane Paralympic Football Program

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Football Queensland (FQ) has renewed its partnership with the Brisbane Paralympic Football Program (BPFP), with Meakin Park named as the new home of the Queensland Para-Football team.

The BPFP was established initially as a way to encourage children of all abilities to take the opportunity to be a part of a club, a team and to train with experienced coaches. The program is conducted by volunteers who have professional experiences working with people with disabilities and it has now grown to see numerous participants taking part week in, week out.

The BPFP has a number of players in the current state and national Paralympic football teams, with more national representatives than most professional clubs across the globe. However, the program is not just about advanced athletes, it encourages fun and family participation in an effort to get young people with a disability to stay active and healthy and to perform to the best of their ability.

FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci acknowledged the significance of the partnership for both FQ and BPFP.

“This partnership achieves a key strategic objective to provide opportunities for Queenslanders to participate in football, regardless of age, ability or life stage,” he said.

“The BPFP will work with FQ to promote the development pathway of Para-Football and all abilities football within the Queensland football community.

“In addition, FQ will support a Queensland team to participate in the 2021 National Para-Football Championships in Sydney later this year. This will be the first time in five years that a Queensland team has competed at Nationals.

“FQ is committed to providing the same level of administrative and operational support to the Queensland Para-Football Team as it does to all other state youth teams each year.”

Founded in 2006 by director Jay Larkin, the Brisbane Paralympic Football Program has been Football Queensland’s endorsed Inclusive Football Provider for over a decade.

“We have had a partnership with FQ for many years, and I have no doubt that this renewed commitment will take the BPFP to the next level,” Larkin said.

“We are delighted that FQ will help us promote all abilities football through their media and marketing team as well as providing coaching and financial support to send our team to Nationals.

“It is an exciting time to be involved in all abilities football and after years of hard work in Brisbane we are determined to grow the game in partnership with FQ to new markets around the state.

“Football is Queensland’s game of choice, for all, for life, and we can’t wait to get started at FQ headquarters at Meakin Park.”

Those interested in seeking further information about Queensland’s Para-Football Program or All Abilities Football can contact FQ at allabilities@footballqueensland.com.au.

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Soceroos and Matildas sue Football Australia over financial dispute

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Image Credit: Football Australias

Players of the Socceroos and Matildas have launched legal action against Football Australia over a multi-million dollar dispute relating to their revenue-sharing agreement in the NSW Supreme Court.

According to the Australian Associated Press (AAP), the players’ union, Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), are enacting on behalf of the players and are understood to be pursuing a seven figure claim.

The PFA is expected to argue the revenue-sharing agreement between the governing body and national team players is not being fulfilled properly.

The PFA is yet to comment.

But the FA has acknowledged the legal dispute, claiming it is in relation to, “a third party in connection with a separate matter currently being conducted before the National Dispute Resolution Chamber (NDRC)”.

‘The Supreme Court’s role is limited to the subpoena process, and its involvement ends once that process is complete,’ an FA spokesperson said.

‘As the NDRC matter is ongoing and subject to confidentiality obligations, Football Australia will not comment further,’ they stated.

In 2023, a collective bargaining agreement was signed between the players’ union and FA. It gave the Socceroos and Matildas stars a portion of the national teams revenue which contributes up to half of FA’s overall earnings.

Additionally, the agreement included incentives for players and FA to work together, allowing both sides the chance to reap even larger rewards.

Registration fees or sponsors for programs that fund grassroots football are strictly prohibited in relation to the players’ cut of revenue. 

However, as long as it relates to the national team the players receive an 18-20 per cent portion of all relevant finances. This could include ticketing, kit sales, broadcast or sponsorship contracts. Through the CBA this money makes its way back to the players.

Matildas icon Lisa De Vanna, who played 150 times for the national team from 2004-19 has already made her opinion heard on there lawsuit via X.

“1 of the best-paid teams in the world, w best elite environments: 40 personal staff,business flights,5 star hotels, private chefs N baristas n still not happy,” she said.

“Instead of knocking game when it’s at its lowest, maybe play for pride n not greed.”

The disagreement comes just before the Socceroos head to the Middle East during the November international break.

With the squad set to be announced later this week, the ill-feeling between players and the governing body will hopefully remain separate from the performances on the pitch.

WA announce TV series for Sam Kerr’s children’s novels

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Image Credit: James Ross/AAP

A new TV series based on Sam Kerr’s children’s books ‘Kicking Goals’ is set to begin filming in early 2027 in Western Australia.

The show follows a young Kerr before she became captain of the Matildas and a star at Chelsea FC. Set in her home state of WA, the story sees her navigate her way through growing up and chasing her dreams, alongside her family and friends, and the adventures that entailed.

Speaking to Screenwest, Kerr said, ‘It’s pretty surreal knowing that Kicking Goals is being adapted into a TV series. These stories are all about believing in yourself and having a go, so it feels really special that a whole new generation will get to experience them on screen.’

Co-authored by Fiona Harris, the books have been a success since their initial release in 2021, a period which has coincided with Kerr and her Matildas teammates growing from beloved within Australia’s football community, into a team of genuine national appeal and recognition. They are available nation-wide, sold at major retailers such as Big W and Dymocks.

The television adaptation will beproduced by Orange Entertainment for Paramount+.

‘Kicking Goals’ is set to inject AUD 5million into the WA economy and provide over 130 local jobs.

Creative Industries Minister of WA, Simone McGurk, said via WA GOV, ‘The series will showcase all that Western Australia has to offer – including our world-class talent, crew, and diverse locations – while celebrating the story of one of our sporting greats.’

Casting is currently underway, with a search for a young Kerr and her mates ongoing.

The months after the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australian and New Zealand saw an 11% increase in women and girl’s participation in football compared to the previous year, showing the direct impact the biggest stage can have on grassroots football.

Kerr has managed to build on that success and begin a new chapter, inspiring kids both on and off the field.

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