AFC sign declaration to protect women and girls

Staff Writer

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) reinforced its commitment to ensure the safety of women in the sport by signing the Declaration of Principles for the Protection of Women and Girls from Sexual Harassment and Abuse in Football Worldwide.

The Declaration has been drawn up by international social enterprise, Association Football Development Programme (AFDP Global), which is founded by HRH Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein.

The AFC is dedicated and will continue to provide a safe environment for women and girls to participate in football – on and off the pitch – without any exploitation or harassment.

By signing the declaration, the AFC reiterates its pledge to adhere to its key principles which include adopting a clear standard safeguarding code and instituting educational programmes, implementing whistleblowing and reporting mechanisms, enforcement of policies through serious sanctions and supporting affected individuals.

Dato’ Windsor John, the AFC General Secretary, said: “We are fully committed to providing a safe environment for everyone who plays football and at our AFC Executive meeting in Muscat in November last year we agreed to review our rules and regulations as well as Statutes in this area. That important work is on-going, and a report should go to our relevant committees in the next few months.”

AFDP Global is a social enterprise that funds, supports and partners with organisations to unite and transform communities through football.

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Off the Pitch podcast: Gary Cole on Australian coaching

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Gary Cole FCA
Image credit: Football Coaches Australia

In episode three of Soccerscene’s Off the Pitch podcast, Football Coaches Australia (FCA) President and former Socceroo and NSL star Gary Cole joins the show to delve into the health of Australia’s coaching scene.

As a player, Cole was renowned for his lethality in front of goal – winning the NSL Golden Boot in back-to-back years, playing for Heidelberg United in 1980 and 1981. For Australia, Cole recorded 21 goals from 40 games across all levels and even held the Australian record for most goals scored in an international match after kicking seven against Fiji in 1981.

After his professional playing career, Cole became a renowned coach. He first worked under the Australian Institue of Sport as youth development coach, before transitioning to the NSL as Heidelberg United boss, and then moved to the Victorian Premier League as coach of the Bentleigh Greens, Bulleen Inter Kings and the Altona Magic (two different stints). In the VPL Cole won two championships as head coach, first with the Altona Magic in 1996 and secondly with the Bulleen Inter Kings in 1998.

Following his work in the VPL, Cole moved into administration, enjoying stints as the Director of Football at Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC. Later, Cole would work for Football Victoria before finally joining the FCA.

For his impact as a player, coach and a continual supporter and driver of footballing standards in Australia, Cole has been awarded as a member of both the Australian and Victorian Football Hall of Fame.

On the Off the Pitch podcast, Cole relayed his experiences and explained the work the FCA was doing to support coaches across the country.

“Football Coaches Australia is a voice for coaches in Australia. It started very focused for professional coaches in Australia, and really during COVID, when there wasn’t a lot of football happening, we branched into ongoing coach development,” Cole said on the podcast.

“[For coaches] the [FCA] is representation, continuing professional development, trying to be their voice, trying to raise standards, and focused on their mental health.”

“They’re our primary things, as well as to raise the bar for coaches, coach behaviors – and to try and get some equity and some equality in the game.”

To discover more about how the FCA is assisting coaches in Australia and learn about the challenges the organisation is facing, listen to the full interview with FCA President Gary Cole on episode three of the Off the Pitch podcast by Soccerscene HERE

Football Victoria welcomes new Mornington Civic Reserve Pavilion

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Image Credit: Football Victoria Website

Football Victoria (FV) celebrates Mount Martha Soccer Club’s milestone as the club moves into its new home base at the Civic Reserve Sports Pavilion.

The $10.5 million pavilion offers Mount Martha SC new infrastructure, featuring four female-friendly change rooms, referees’ facilities, a multi-use social space, first aid and meeting rooms, as well as ample storage.

The Ceremony

An opening ceremony was held on February 13th with FV Regional Development Coordinator Jackson Landy, Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr. Anthony Marsh, deputy mayor Cr. Paul Pingiaro, as well as club representatives, in attendance.

Jackson Landy expressed how the development was ‘well-deserved’ in growing football within the area.

“Mount Martha SC are leading the way in female participation and quality programs in the area, and this development is a just reward for their sustained efforts throughout their 10-year existence.

“We look forward to seeing how they utilise the brand new facility throughout the coming years,” he said via press release.

New Investments 

The Mornington Peninsula Shire invested $6.5 million into the new pavilion, with the additional $4 million from the State Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program. 

McIntosh told The News, Mornington Peninsula, the perfect base has been provided for clubs with the new building allowing for an increase in local memberships, a place to train, compete, and develop programs at the ground.

“These volunteer-run clubs are an integral part of the community, and they deserve modern facilities they can be proud of.

“The female-friendly pavilion opens up more opportunities for participation and provides the perfect foundation for local clubs to grow, and for the community to host big events,” he said via press release.

New Era of Football

The facility will ensure there are more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate, helping the club grow and enhance its football programs.

Grass roots football continues to expand across Victoria, with access to modern, sustainable, and accessible sporting facilities; the local sport is marking a new era on the Mornington Peninsula.

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