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

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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.

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Victorian Government Renews $10,000 Sporting Club Grants to Power Grassroots Sport in 2025-26

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Victorian grassroots football club training session

The Victorian State Government has announced the renewal of the Sporting Club Grants Program for 2025-26, delivering another boost for local players, coaches, and volunteers across the state. The program offers up to $10,000 in funding for eligible non-profit clubs to strengthen participation, upgrade equipment, and enhance community engagement.

Since its inception in 2015, the initiative has invested more than $19.5 million into Victorian sport, empowering clubs to stay active and connected. Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence praised the program for driving a “healthier, more connected Victoria,” highlighting its success in supporting grassroots development across all levels.

This year’s round places stronger focus on regional communities, following an additional $60 million investment in the Regional Community Sport Development Fund. The renewed focus ensures rural clubs—often the backbone of local communities—can access the same resources, skills, and opportunities as metropolitan teams.

Partnering with Active Victoria, the initiative aligns with the state’s 2022–26 roadmap, which champions inclusivity and representation across all sporting levels. The roadmap prioritises increased participation for women, queer, and underrepresented groups, reflecting the program’s role in building a fairer, more accessible sporting environment.

Beyond participation, the program also delivers significant economic benefits for regional areas, generating jobs and local investment through grassroots sport. By funding local initiatives, the government aims to create positive ripple effects that extend well beyond the playing field.

Applications for Round One open on October 23, 2025, and close on November 26, 2025. Clubs can apply across five categories: Uniform and Equipment, Volunteers and Officials, Access and Events, Travel, and Governance and Engagement. Round Two opens in early February 2026, closing mid-March.

For Victoria’s sporting communities, the renewed program marks another vital step in sustaining grassroots sport and reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of connection, health, and community pride.

Football Queensland Launches Upgraded Club Support Hub to Boost Volunteer and Administrator Support

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Volunteer using Football Queensland Customer Service Booking Portal

Football Queensland has unveiled its redesigned Club Support Hub, providing enhanced resources and a new Customer Service Booking Portal to assist club administrators and volunteers ahead of the 2026 season. The upgraded hub is designed to streamline support and ensure clubs have the tools they need to operate efficiently.

The Club Support Hub now offers a comprehensive suite of practical resources, covering every stage of the football season – from pre-season planning to post-season wrap-ups. Administrators and volunteers can also book dedicated support directly with FQ’s Customer Service team, making guidance more accessible than ever.

FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said, “Football Queensland acknowledges that the success of club operations is fuelled by the hard work and dedication of volunteers across the state. We are proud to continue to bolster the support available to them with more resources and more access to FQ Customer Support.”

Building on the original Hub launched in 2021 and FQ’s Future Club+ initiative, the upgrade aims to make volunteer workflows more efficient. Checklists, guides, and direct triaging options ensure clubs receive the right support at the right time, allowing administrators to focus on value-adding activities that enhance the football experience.

To support the rollout, FQ will deliver a series of webinars in the coming months, guiding administrators through the extensive new resources available. “We are excited to continue strengthening the support available to our clubs and volunteers as we reinforce our commitment to improving the experience for every member of our football community,” Cavallucci added.

The upgraded Club Support Hub marks a significant step in Football Queensland’s ongoing efforts to provide a more efficient, club-focused service model, ensuring administrators and volunteers have the tools and guidance they need to succeed.

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