A-League Men’s Referee of the Year Alex King joins Football Queensland

Avatar
Image provided by Football Queensland

Football Queensland has announced the arrival of Alex King, a member of the FIFA Panel of International Referees, to the FQ Referee team as a coach and mentor for the remainder of the 2022 season.

The current A-League Men’s Referee of the Year and FQ Referee Academy Coach has already commenced work in his expanded role, delivering his first coaching session to 25 top panel referees earlier this month.

“It is fantastic for our referees here in Queensland to have the opportunity to learn from one of the country’s most experienced officials, who himself is a product of the Football Queensland referee pathway,” FQ General Manager – Referees, Clubs and Community Dan Birrell said in a statement via Football Queensland.

“Having recently returned from the 2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers, Alex will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the role as he works with our more advanced match officials in a coaching and mentoring capacity throughout the remainder of the season.

“This is in addition to Alex’s role as FQ Referee Academy Coach, where he is helping to develop our next generation of young Queensland match officials.

“Our state has a strong history of producing some of the country’s top referees including Alex, so we’re excited to have him on board to help mentor those who are officiating in our advanced leagues.”

Upon joining up with Football Queensland, Alex King stated via Football Queensland:

“As a former NPL Queensland referee myself, this is a great opportunity for me to help guide the officials who are members of the state’s top panel and support them as they continue to progress on the referee pathway not only here in Queensland but hopefully also at a national level.

“Alongside my involvement with the FQ Referee Academy, I’m looking forward to sharing my knowledge and experiences with a broader range of Queensland referees as I take on this new role with Football Queensland.”

Earlier this week King took charge of the friendly match between English Premier League sides Manchester United and Crystal Palace in Melbourne, and will be back in action next week for Heidelberg United FC and Brisbane Roar FC’s Australia Cup clash.

Previous ArticleNext Article

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

Avatar
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

Avatar
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.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend