AFC Dream Asia Awards 2019 nominees announced

On Monday, the AFC announced that its nominees for the 2019 AFC Dream Asia Awards were announced.

The Dream Asia Foundation was set up in 2017 as a way using football to bring people together, mainly those who are disadvantaged.

The AFC’s vision is to make soccer more accessible to everyone and there are many nominees in many different categories. Which is great to see. Soccer is a great way of uniting people and it’s fantastic to see the AFC finding success with this Foundation.

Monday’s press release can be found below:

The power of football as a platform for social development continues to gain momentum with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Dream Asia Awards 2019 compiling a record 26 shortlist from Member Associations and many other organisations.

Leading the way in the Inspiring Member Associations category, which was introduced in 2018, are the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan Football Association, Football Association of Malaysia, Uzbekistan Football Association and the Chinese Football Association.

Bangladesh Football Federation, Hong Kong Football Association, Jordan Football Association, Myanmar Football Federation and the Football Association of Singapore have submitted their nominations for the Developing category.

Guam Football Association, Mongolian Football Federation and the Palestine Football Association complete the line-up in the Aspiring category.

The Non-Government Organisation (NGO) category is the most competitive with eight nominations received namely, Shanghai Adream Foundation and Shanghai Love and Grace Sports Club from China PR, Global Workers’ Organisation from Chinese Taipei, Persepolis FC Fan Club from the Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan Inclusive FF, Dignity for Children from Malaysia as well as Childreach Nepal and Shelter Ashraya Nepal.

Volkswagen Group from China, Sun Ai Carpet from IR Iran and Qatar’s SHELL have been nominated in the Corporate category with Iranian international Alireza Beiranvand and veteran journalist Bhojraj Bhat from Nepal vying for the Individual category.

The winners for this year’s awards will be announced on October 30, 2019 at the annual AFC Social Responsibility Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Winning Member Associations will receive a prize of USD$15,000 to reinvest in social projects and the winners in the other categories will receive USD$10,000.

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Bundesliga DNA to the Boardroom: German-born Martin Kugeler Takes the Helm at Football Australia

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Image Credit: Stan

German-born executive, Martin Kugeler, shaped by Europe’s football culture and based in Australia since 2009, will step in as Football Australia CEO in February as the game eyes a defining 2026.

Reaching new heights

During the press conference held earlier this morning, Kugeler displayed both confidence and ambition as he prepares to lead a new era for Football Australia next month.

“Football in Australia has a strong foundation for growth. Our national impact is massive,” he said, highlighting both the immense number of participants and local clubs in Australia. He then continued to underline both the Socceroos and the Matildas as valuable assets in the nation’s football sphere.

“We have exceptional national teams that continually make us proud. They perform at a truly global scale and unite not only the football community, but the entire nation.”

With both the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and the FIFA Men’s World Cup both on the horizon in 2026, the year certainly represents a huge opportunity for both the men’s and women’s game to showcase Australian footballing talent on an international scale. But the focus, as Krugeler underlined, will extend beyond the national team and address all levels of football in Australia to help the game grow.

“Football brings people and communities together. For a healthy lifestyle, for connection, for enjoyment, for belonging, powered by a remarkable, passion [and] dedicated players, referees, coaches, volunteers and fans,” he continued.

An inspiring reminder to all those involved in the game across Australia, and one which will hopefully show participants and stakeholders at all levels that 2026 will begin a new period of stability, growth and innovation.

 

Expertise, passion and ambition

Of course, the dawn of a new era for Football Australia cannot be successfully achieved without addressing the past and current issues, while still keeping an ambitious eye on what football can become at both national and international level for Australia.

Alongside Kugeler in the FA leadership team will be Football Australia Chair, Anter Isaac, as well as former Matilda, and current interim CEO of Football Australia, Heather Garriock. With their combined industry expertise and true passion for the game, all fans, players and stakeholders can be optimistic for the future of football governance in Australia.

But while expertise and passion are undoubtedly valuable assets for the FA, it remains essential that these help to inform the decisions and solutions made with the game’s best interests at heart.

 

 

 

 

‘We Can Do So Much More’: Players Take Control of the A-League Women’s Future

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Image Credit: One Nil

Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has launched Ready For Takeoff – The Players’ Vision for the A-League Women, a player-led roadmap outlining the future direction of the domestic women’s competition.

Unveiled on Wednesday at Ultra Football in Melbourne, the initiative places current A-League Women players at the centre of discussion. Elevating the debate around professionalism, sustainability and long-term growth of the league.

The Players’ Vision for the A-League Women – Image Credit: One Nil

The vision, developed through consultation with players across the competition, calls for improved professional standards, greater investment and governance structures that reflect the specific needs of the women’s game. It comes amid ongoing conversations about contract security, season length and the transition toward full-time professionalism.

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch – Image Credit: One Nil

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch said players had been clear about the sacrifices required to continue competing in the league.

“We’ve heard from players about the struggle and sacrifices they continue to make to play the game they love, but we can do so much more than this,” Busch said. “A fully professional game here in Australia is crucial to creating the next generation of Matildas, but also to ensure we reach our potential and win a FIFA World Cup.”

PFA Deputy Chair Elise Kellond-Knight and A-League Women players Grace Maher and Dylan Holmes also addressed media, reinforcing the importance of player voices in shaping the future of the competition.

The PFA said Ready For Takeoff provides a clear, achievable framework for the continued evolution of the A-League Women. The initiative urges stakeholders to work collaboratively with players to ensure the league’s growth matches the talent, ambition and momentum of women’s football in Australia.

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