Adelaide United introduces Girls Only Junior Development Program

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Image credit: Adelaide United FC Instagram

Adelaide United confirm the launch of their Girls Only Junior Development Program which enhances the clubs commitment to nurturing young female football talent.

This new initiative is an expansion of their existing Junior Development Program and is specifically tailored to support the next generation of female players.

The program will take place at Jubilee Reserve in West Lakes and is scheduled to run from Friday, 23 August to Friday, 20 September. Over the course of five sessions, girls aged 9 to 14 will have the opportunity to develop their fundamental football skills in a dedicated and supportive environment.

The focus of the program is not just on football techniques but also on fostering personal growth, confidence, and empowerment.

Top youth development coaches from the A-League club will guide young players to excel both on and off the field, ensuring they build the skills and mindset necessary for success in both football and in life.

By expanding on its already successful Girls Only program, Adelaide United is reinforcing its dedication to providing clear pathways for young female athletes, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to reach their full potential.

Marcelo Carrusca​​​​, Adelaide United’s Head of Junior Development discussed the big potential this program has to create a simple pathway for young girls in the state.

“We are thrilled to launch this Girls Only Junior Development Program, which marks a significant step forward in our commitment to nurturing female talent,” Carrusca said in a club statement.

“This program is not just about football; it’s about giving young girls the confidence and skills they need to succeed in all areas of life. We want to create an environment where they feel empowered to reach their full potential.”

This is a fantastic initiative and has been a goal of the club for many years. With the incredible growth of the women’s game in Australia, they are focused on trying to create the best development environment in the country for local girls, similar to their extensive success with the boys program.

Registrations for the Girls Only Junior Development Program are now open through the club’s official website.

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Labor announces campaign promise for Football facility upgrades in Hepburn Shire

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Soccer Facilities Set for $1.2 Million Upgrade in Hepburn Shire
Image Credit: Poppy Pix/ Shutterstock

The growing participation of women and girls in soccer throughout the Hepburn Shire is set to receive a significant boost, with two local facilities earmarked for major upgrades.

Member for Ballarat Catherine King announced the funding commitment which targets Victoria Park in Daylesford and the Doug Lindsay Recreation Reserve in Creswick.

This funding is totalled at $1.2 million should the Federal Labor Government secure re-election on May 3. These upgrades address critical infrastructure shortfalls that have hindered growth in female participation.

Labor Federal MP Catherine King, who has held the Labor ‘stronghold’ seat since the 2022 election has been vocal in her support for women’s football and the struggles faced.

“The current situation where women and girls are forced to use men’s changerooms, cars or old sheds for match preparation is simply not acceptable in modern sport,” King commented via The Ballarat Times.

“These clubs have created welcoming environments that women and girls want to be part of, and these upgrades will provide the facilities they deserve.”

The Daylesford and Hepburn United Soccer Club, which currently supports approximately 150 players including 40 female participants, has been forced to implement membership caps due to inadequate pitch capacity.

The proposed reconfiguration at Victoria Park will deliver two senior-sized pitches, accommodating the surge in junior and women’s participation.

Meanwhile, at the Doug Lindsay Recreation Reserve, funding will enable the construction of additional female-friendly changing facilities for both players and officials.

The commitment reflects the changing landscape of Australian soccer, with female participation rates continuing to climb nationwide.

Local sporting administrators have welcomed the announcement, noting that inadequate facilities have long been identified as a significant barrier to growing female participation in grassroots sport.

These election commitments would be delivered in accordance with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles should the Albanese Government secure another term.

The need for development of local facilities has become more evident and pressing. Most amateur clubs primary funding for upgrades is through government grants.

Sport is such an integral part of the Australian landscape and the need for fair opportunity for women gains momentum, promises like this hold great hope for people and lasting positive impacts.

As the most played sport in the state and Australia, especially among women, its positive to hear that, like other codes football is getting the recognition and support it deserves.

DAZN turns down LFP proposal to end Ligue 1 broadcasting deal

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Image credit: DAZN

Broadcaster DAZN has rejected a proposal brought forward by the French Professional Football League (LFP) to terminate its five-year broadcasting deal for Ligue 1 after one season.

The sports streaming platform originally signed a five-year deal worth AUD $715 million (€400 million) a year to broadcast eight out of the nine Ligue 1 matches each week.

But with fewer subscribers than expected — reportedly only around 500,000, far below the 1.5 million needed to break even, the company has been pushing to renegotiate the deal.

In February, DAZN held back half of a AUD $125 million (€70 million) payment, accusing the LFP of not doing enough to fight piracy.

It also criticised the league and clubs for not promoting its broadcasts or collaborating on content.

The LFP responded by taking legal action, and DAZN eventually made the payment by the end of the month.

In March, both sides entered mediation to reach a compromise.

According to several reports, the proposed solution would have DAZN pay the league AUD$250 million (€140 million) — covering the full amount owed for this season — plus up to AUD$223.6 million (€125 million) in compensation for next season.

After that, the deal will officially end at the close of the current season.

This week, Ligue 1 clubs voted in favour of the proposal but DAZN has now rejected it, paving the way for possible legal action.

As a result, the LFP released a statement regarding DAZN’s rejection of the proposal.

“LFP Media notes the failure of the mediation initiated at the beginning of March 2025,” they said in a press release.

“The contract binding the parties remains in force and LFP Media expects its partner to fully fulfil all of its obligations in this regard.”

Before the mediation process began, DAZN had demanded AUD $1.025 billion (€573 million) in compensation from the LFP, accusing the league of not living up to its end of the deal.

In response to the LFP, DAZN released its own statement.

“After four months of discussions — including six weeks of mediation — initiated in good faith by DAZN and involving several proposals, the mediation unfortunately did not succeed in sufficiently bridging the gap between the parties,” they said following the LFP’s statement.

“It has therefore not been possible at this stage to reach an agreement for an amicable resolution of the situation.”

DAZN’s rejection of the deal has effectively ended the mediation process, with negotiations between the streaming service and the LFP now finished.

However, reports from France indicate that the two sides are expected to meet again on April 30th, the deadline for DAZN’s next payment for the current season.

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