Ange Postecoglou and Kevin Muscat join AFC Elite Club Coaches’ Forum in Shanghai

Staff Writer

Asia’s top competitions – the AFC Asian Cup and the AFC Champions League – were discussed by the top coaches at the fourth AFC Elite Club Coaches’ Seminar which was held again in Shanghai, China PR during the last two days.

Gerard Houllier, the former France and Liverpool coach, joined the coaching talent which included former AFC Asian Cup winning coach Ange Postecoglou, who won the 2015 AFC Asian Cup with Australia and now coaches Yokohama F Marinos in Japan.

Last year’s beaten finalist AFC Champions League with Persepolis, Branko Ivankovic, (now with Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli), Iceland’s Heimir Hallgrimsson who coaches Al-Arabi in Qatar and Gabriel Calderon, now Persepolis in the Islamic Republic of Iran, represented the West.

Another former Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez, who has just joined Dalian Yifang from Newcastle, was among a strong contingent of coaches from China PR – Luis Garcia (Beijing Renhe), Li Xiaopeng (Shandong Luneng Taishan), Bruno Genesio (Beijing Sinobo Guoan), Wang Baoshan (Henan Jianye) and ACL East zone semi-finalist Vitor Pereira with Shanghai SIPG.

Sydney FC’s Stephen Corica and former Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat, an ever-present at all four forums, were joined by Korea’s Kim Do-hoon (Ulsan Hyundai) and Jose Morais (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors) as well as Tomohiro Katanosaka from Japan’s Oita Trinita.

Sun Wen the former China PR women’s captain, coach of the local Shanghai women’s team, and now Chinese FA Vice President, was among the audience at an event opened by Gao Hongbo, a former Chinese national player and coach.

Mr Gao said: “The Chinese FA are delighted at the trust the AFC places in us every year by hosting this important event in Shanghai. It is important that the CFA and Chinese football learns from the best practice that is available in Asia.”

Andy Roxburgh, the AFC Technical Director, added: “We thank not only the CFA but all the clubs and coaches who have given their support for this vital event. In the last four years we have gathered the finest minds in not only Asian but also world football.

“People like Gerard Houllier, Fabio Capello, Sven Goran Eriksson and Rafa Benitez have freely shared their experience with some of the younger coaches and this can only be good for the development of the coaching talent and competitions in Asia.”

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Clifton Hill FC Set for New Era as Pavilion Upgrade Nears Completion

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Image Credit: One-Nil Media

Community football in Melbourne’s inner north is set for a major boost, with Clifton Hill FC preparing to usher in a new chapter following the redevelopment of its pavilion at Quarries Park.

The upgraded facility, delivered with support from Yarra City Council, is expected to significantly enhance the matchday and training experience for players, families, and volunteers while supporting the club’s continued growth.

A long awaited upgrade for Clifton Hill FC

Club President Michael Tyrikos said the redevelopment represents a long-awaited milestone for the grassroots club.

“We’ve been waiting close to 10 years for this,” Tyrikos told SoccerScene. “I’ve been involved with the club for over two decades and improving the facilities has always been a major goal for us.”

The new pavilion replaces previously limited amenities, with the club formerly operating with just two change rooms and minimal communal space. The upgraded facility will provide modern change rooms, social areas, and improved spectator amenities.

Supporting growth in participation

Tyrikos explained the redevelopment will be particularly significant in supporting participation growth, including the club’s expanding girls’ program.

“Previously, we only had two change rooms, which made it difficult as our girls’ program continued to grow,” he said. “Now players can feel comfortable using proper facilities with access to showers and dedicated spaces, which is something we simply didn’t have before.”

Image Credit: One-Nil Media

Beyond player development, the pavilion is also expected to strengthen the club’s role as a community hub. The addition of indoor social spaces will allow families to engage more closely with the club environment, particularly during Melbourne’s winter months.

“Parents can now sit inside and watch games, and we can finally host club events, kids’ parties, and social gatherings,” Tyrikos said. “Before, we just didn’t have the capacity to bring people together like that.”

A new era at Quarries Park

Tyrikos also acknowledged the broader infrastructure improvements delivered alongside the pavilion redevelopment, including new lighting towers and an upgraded playing surface, highlighting the importance of council support in driving the project forward.

Clifton Hill FC is hopeful the new pavilion will be operational in time for its anticipated first home fixture scheduled for mid-May, marking the beginning of a new era for the community-focused club.

Image Credit: One-Nil Media

Mastering Influence: FVBL’s Networking Event Set to Empower Football Leaders

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Image Credit: FV Business League Launch

Football Victoria (FV) Business League powered by Sharp EIT Solutions opens its 2026 calendar with an event that addresses a core driver of success in sport and business: “The Power of Persuasion & Influence.” FV convenes a distinguished panel of leaders for an evening dedicated to real-world leadership, advanced negotiation tactics, and practical perspectives directly informed by top-level experience.

The Speakers

David Stevenson, CEO of the National Basketball League and “The Dealmaker,” brings more than twenty-five years of executive leadership to the discussion. His track record includes transformative commercial and operational roles at Nike, where he served as Vice President across multiple global business units, and at the AFL, where he led industry-defining initiatives such as Gather Round and AFL Finals. As CEO of the Western Bulldogs, Stevenson oversaw a landmark premiership year and drove record membership and revenue growth. Most recently, he has positioned the NBL as the fastest growing sports league in Australia, securing major broadcast partnerships and expanding fan engagement across the region.

Belinda Neil, “The Behavioural Expert,” offers unparalleled expertise in communication and crisis management. With eighteen years serving in the NSW Police, including roles as Hostage Negotiator, Undercover Operative, and Homicide Detective, she has cultivated advanced skills in behavioural analysis, conflict resolution and team leadership under pressure. Her post-policing career as an acclaimed author and sought-after corporate trainer further extends her impact, equipping organisations to manage critical negotiations and complex stakeholder interactions.

 

The panel will soon add “The Communicator,” a leader renowned in elite sports coaching, with an announcement forthcoming from Football Victoria.

FV Business League continues to provide a platform for senior decision-makers and professionals to access actionable strategies and genuine insight from proven leaders. Attendees will benefit from practical knowledge to elevate negotiation, leadership, and organisational influence across all commercial and sporting domains. Tickets are out now for April 24th at The Edge, Melbourne CBD.

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