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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Central Coast Mariners Women secure future under Holman Barnes Group

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Image Credits: Central Coast Mariners

The future of the Central Coast Mariners Women has been secured after the Holman Barnes Group (HBG) reached an agreement to become the new operator of the club’s A-League Women program. The deal ends uncertainty surrounding the team’s participation in the 2026/27 season.

The agreement between HBG, the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and Total Soccer Growth Holdings (TSG) ensures the Mariners will remain in the Ninja A-League Women competition. It also introduces a new operating model designed to provide long-term stability.

The uncertainty emerged following TSG’s acquisition of the Central Coast Mariners’ men’s side and academy in June. The women’s program was excluded from the original takeover. TSG already owns English football side Queens Park Rangers (QPR) and MLS club Los Angeles FC. The omission placed the future of the 2025 A-League Women champions in doubt. It also prompted the APL to seek a sustainable solution ahead of the new campaign.

A new operating model

Under the new arrangement, HBG will oversee all operational aspects of the women’s team. This includes the football program, staffing and day-to-day management. TSG will retain the club licence and continue overseeing the men’s program and academy. It will also support the women’s operation through its broader football network.

The agreement represents an innovative partnership between the three organisations. It has been designed to strengthen the long-term sustainability of professional women’s football on the Central Coast. HBG’s plans extend beyond the senior team. They include a strong focus on developing participation pathways and creating greater opportunities for female footballers throughout New South Wales.

Attention turns to the new season

The transition comes at a crucial time with preparations for the 2026/27 Ninja A-League Women season underway ahead of its October 16 start. The new operators are expected to begin managing the program immediately. This remains subject to the completion of the remaining regulatory processes. The team currently has no sponsors and games are expected to be moved away from Central Coast Stadium.

The A-League had previously set a July 31 deadline for new owners to be found to secure a place in the upcoming competition. With that now achieved, HBG will be on the clock to ensure the season begins without disruption and becomes a commercial success.

For the Central Coast Mariners Women, the agreement delivers certainty after a turbulent off-season. It also allows the club to shift its attention to the 2026/27 campaign and the team’s on-field performance.

South Melbourne’s Australia Cup triumph reignites promotion and relegation debate

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Image Credit: The Greek Herald

South Melbourne FC’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Adelaide United in the Hahn Australia Cup Round of 32 has reignited debate around promotion and relegation in Australian football, with Co-President Bill Papastergiadis stating the result is further proof that ambitious National Premier Leagues clubs deserve a pathway to the top tier.

The Victorian powerhouse produced one of the competition’s biggest upsets at Lakeside Stadium, overturning an early deficit to eliminate the Isuzu UTE A-League side and secure a place in the Round of 16.

While the result was celebrated as another example of the magic of the Australia Cup, Papastergiadis believes the victory carries a much broader message about the strength that exists outside Australia’s professional league.

Speaking following the win, Papastergiadis said South Melbourne’s performance demonstrated why the Australian football landscape should move towards a connected pyramid featuring promotion and relegation.

“The result was South Melbourne FC’s revenge 22 years in the making,” Papastergiadis said.

“It also demonstrates that clubs in the National Premier Leagues have the quality, professionalism and ambition to compete with A-League opposition when given the opportunity.”

For years, South Melbourne has been one of the strongest advocates for structural reform within Australian football, consistently calling for an open pyramid that rewards sporting merit rather than maintaining a closed league system.

Papastergiadis argued that Australia Cup fixtures continue to showcase the depth of talent throughout the domestic game, with NPL clubs regularly proving they can challenge and defeat professional opponents despite operating with significantly fewer resources.

He believes these performances should not simply be viewed as isolated “cupsets”, but as evidence that Australia’s football ecosystem is ready to embrace a promotion and relegation model that provides ambitious clubs with a genuine pathway to the top flight.

The result against Adelaide United adds another significant chapter to South Melbourne’s storied history. One of Australia’s most successful clubs, South Melbourne has long maintained aspirations of returning to the national stage, backed by a passionate supporter base, strong infrastructure and a proud footballing tradition.

For Papastergiadis, victories such as Thursday night’s reinforce the argument that clubs should earn opportunities through performances on the pitch.

“The Australia Cup continues to show what’s possible when clubs from different levels of the football pyramid compete against one another,” he said.

“Our football should be built on opportunity and merit. Clubs that perform consistently and invest in their communities should have the chance to progress to the highest level.”

South Melbourne will now turn its attention to the Round of 16, where it will look to continue its impressive cup run.

Beyond the result itself, however, the victory has once again fuelled discussion around the future of Australia’s football structure and whether the growing strength of clubs outside the A-League should accelerate the push towards a fully connected national competition.

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