Auckland FC and NRF launch free junior clinics

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Image credit: Auckland FC

Auckland FC, in collaboration with Northern Region Football (NRF), has launched a series of free community football clinics aimed at junior players across South Auckland.

The initiative will see NRF deliver coaching sessions alongside Auckland FC at local football clubs, with the program tailored for boys and girls aged 8 to 13. Open to all ability levels, from complete beginners to emerging talent, the clinics aim to remove participation barriers, particularly the cost of registration.

Football remains the largest team sport in Aotearoa, with more than 170,000 registered players in 2024. As the sport continues to grow, Auckland FC is committed to ensuring football is accessible to young people from all backgrounds and communities.

While the initial rollout focuses on South Auckland, Auckland FC has plans to expand the program into other regions across Auckland, Northland, and WAIBOP, particularly in areas with limited access to structured football development.

The initiative is backed by community funders and major partners including ANZ, Barfoot & Thompson, and Anchor, whose support ensures the clinics remain free of charge.

Each participant will receive an Auckland FC training kit, a player workbook, and coaching from qualified staff. The first clinic kicks off this weekend and will run for eight weeks across eight clubs, aligning with the school term.

Auckland FC CEO Nick Becker spoke about the importance of the football clinics for the future of the sport.

“Football is the global game. Kids are playing it in schools, clubs, parks and streets in every corner of the world,” said Becker in a press release.

“We are working with NRF to deliver football clinics in our communities in South Auckland and beyond to create pathways, help build confidence and bring people together through the power of football.”

NRF CEO Laura Menzies shared a similar sentiment and was excited by the partnership.

“Our goal is creating thriving football communities. This is an exciting opportunity for the community to experience football, and we’re delighted to partner with Auckland FC on this initiative. We’re working with South Auckland community groups and clubs to understand what’s stopping people trying football, and removing the barriers so they can get involved,” said Menzies in a press release.

“This programme will enable young people to give football a go and learn some new skills in a fun and welcoming environment. We’re excited to make these connections as part of our long term commitment to helping clubs reflect their communities.”

This grassroots initiative strengthens Auckland FC’s connection with the community, helping to grow the game locally while also building long-term support for the club across key regions.

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FQ Academy State Championships Return to Moreton Bay

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Image Credit: Football Queensland

Football Queensland (FQ) has confirmed the FQ Academy State Championships will return to Moreton Bay from Tuesday, 7 July to Saturday, 11 July 2026, delivered in partnership with City of Moreton Bay across South Pine Sports Complex and Moreton Bay Sports Complex.

This year’s edition is the most expansive yet. Under 13 to Under 16 Boys and Girls divisions will compete, drawing talent from the FQ Academy Leagues and the statewide FQ Academy Emerging Program, with regional centres from Wide Bay, Central Coast, Whitsunday Coast, Northern, and Far North & Gulf all represented.

The split-venue format is new. Boys’ fixtures will be held at South Pine Sports Complex, with girls’ fixtures at Moreton Bay Sports Complex- a structural change that reflects both the tournament’s growth and FQ’s broader push to elevate the event experience.

“More teams than ever before will participate in an expanded edition of the event this year, showcasing the skills of our most talented emerging players as they compete in a high-performance environment in front of FQ talent identification and technical staff,” said FQ State Technical Director Tom Laxton.

The Championships also carry direct selection implications. With the 2026 CommBank Emerging Matildas and Emerging Socceroos Championships on the horizon, Moreton Bay will function as a key filter in FQ’s ‘One Queensland’ talent identification pipeline.

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery welcomed the event’s return, pointing to the region’s infrastructure investment as central to its appeal as a host. “We’ve invested in quality sporting infrastructure to ensure young athletes have access to the best possible facilities, and it’s great to see that recognised with major events returning to our city,” Flannery said.

TX Football Unveils New 2026 Kit Range in Partnership with Corio Soccer Club

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Image Credit: TX Football

TX Football has unveiled its 2026 kit range in collaboration with Corio Football Club, marking a partnership that combines tradition, performance, and a shared commitment to the grassroots game.

Built around Corio’s unmistakable green and white hoops, the new kit honours the club’s history while introducing a refined, modern design suited to the demands of contemporary football. The bold horizontal pattern symbolises unity and collective strength — a reflection of the players, volunteers, and supporters who form the backbone of the club.

Alongside the home strip, TX Football has also introduced Corio’s striking 2026 away kit. Built on a commanding deep red base, the design reflects pride, passion, and presence on the pitch. Sharp tonal pinstripes run vertically through the body of the jersey, creating a structured and confident silhouette that balances classic football aesthetics with a modern edge.

The range is engineered with elite-grade performance fabric, breathable airflow zones, and an athletic cut, the away kit is designed to support high-tempo football while maintaining comfort and durability across both match day and training environments. Worn proudly over the heart, the Corio crest remains a symbol of unity and heritage, while the TX mark across the chest highlights the strength of the partnership between Corio Soccer Club and TX Football.

Competitive Edge

The collaboration also reflects TX Football’s broader philosophy of precision, transparency, and quality within the football industry. The Australian brand prides itself on focusing on the technical details behind its products and maintaining full oversight of its manufacturing process. By controlling production from start to finish through its dedicated factory, TX Football ensures every piece of equipment meets strict quality standards developed through more than six decades of football manufacturing experience.

Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives

Beyond performance, the partnership highlights shared values around responsibility and community impact. TX Football supports charitable initiatives through its work with the Reagan Milstein Foundation, donating $2 from every retail football sold to help promote access to the game and redistribute sports equipment to communities in need.

The company also maintains a strong commitment to ethical manufacturing practices, undertaking independent workplace and environmental audits while fostering a gender-diverse and inclusive workforce.

For Corio Soccer Club, the partnership represents more than a kit launch. It reflects a collaboration with a brand that understands the importance of quality, transparency, and supporting football at every level.

As players step onto the pitch in 2026, the jersey will serve as more than a uniform — it will be a symbol of Corio’s identity, pride, and the enduring strength of the community that stands behind it.

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