Australian Sports Group reveals ambitious blueprint for Canberra United

New Canberra United owners, Australian Sports Group, have outlined an ambitious investment blueprint for the future of the club.

The plans centre around strengthening the club’s foundations, establishing elite academy pathways, and the introduction of an A-League Men’s team. More broadly, it aims to create a stronger football ecosystem that connects players, clubs and communities across the Australian Capital Territory.

A key pillar of the strategy is the development of an elite academy. The proposed pathways will create opportunities for emerging talent to progress towards professional football, strengthening the connection between grassroots participation and the elite game. The academy would form an important foundation for the proposed A-League Men’s team. ASG are targeting an entry into the Men’s competition from 2028/29, pending required process.

The introduction of a men’s team would expand the club’s professional offering and create additional opportunities for players, coaches and football staff. It would also give local talent a clearer pathway towards senior football without having to leave the region.

Infrastructure investment is another central component of the blueprint. The group plans to improve football facilities and secure a long-term home for the club. These developments would support the women’s program while laying the groundwork for future expansion.

The strategy also prioritises stronger engagement across the ACT football community. The ownership group plans to work with local stakeholders and government to align the club’s growth with broader priorities for sport and community development.

The immediate focus remains on stabilising the women’s program and building the structures needed for long-term success. This approach provides a foundation for the club to expand its operations while maintaining its existing identity and community connections.

The investment blueprint signals a broader ambition for Canberra United. By combining elite player development, improved infrastructure and the potential introduction of a men’s team, the group aims to establish a sustainable professional football model for the capital. The vision positions Canberra United as a platform for growth across the region, with a pathway to connect grassroots participation, academy development and professional competition.

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Shepparton Cup – Victoria’s biggest junior football tournament – set for 2026 edition

Victoria’s largest junior football tournament is set to kick off in style as the Shepparton Cup returns for 2026. With age groups from under-sevens through to under-17s, the Shepparton Cup welcomes players of all genders and abilities as the perfect way to end the 2026 club season.

The tournament kicks off on the 23rd of October with an Olympic-style opening ceremony. The 2025 edition saw 385 teams and 4,600 players take to the pitch across both Liga and Copa Divisions. The Liga Division is for grassroots teams of all abilities who want a fun competitive experience; the Liga Division is for NPL and state league teams who will compete in a competitive carnival.

Rolando Navas, Managing Director of Sports Group Melbourne, says the tournament is not only beneficial for young players but also for the community of Shepparton.

“The Shepparton Cup is a great opportunity for families and the wider Shepparton community to embrace the regional community and provide a platform for young players to participate and experience a competitive and fun three day festival of football.”

The 2026 Shepparton Cup will be held from 23rd to 25th October 2026 at Shepparton Sports City. For more information about the Shepparton Cup, click the link here.

Ford Australia joins Newcastle Jets as major partner for 2026/27

The Newcastle Jets have secured Ford Australia as a major partner for the 2026/27 season. This brings one of the country’s most established automotive brands onto the club’s A-League Men’s playing shirts.

Announced on 16 October, the partnership will see Ford Australia feature on the sleeve of the Jets’ men’s jerseys throughout the season.

The agreement connects Ford with a club that has a strong identity in the Hunter region. In addition, it provides a platform to engage with local supporters, families and the wider community through football.

Ford Australia Marketing Director Ambrose Henderson said the partnership would help the company connect with Jets fans across the region.

“Sport brings people together, and the Jets are an important part of the Hunter region,” Henderson said. “We’re looking forward to sharing that connection with the club’s fans and families – and helping them make the most of every journey, from match day to weekend adventures.”

For the Jets, the deal adds another major brand to their commercial portfolio as the club enters the 2026/27 campaign. Executive Chairman Maurice Bisetto welcomed Ford’s involvement.

“It is fantastic to have a partner on jump on board with enormous calibre such as Ford Australia,” Bisetto said.

The partnership also provides Ford with a connection to a growing football audience following a hugely successful 2025/26 season through a club whose reach extends beyond matchday, creating opportunities to engage with supporters through the season.

Financial terms and the duration of the agreement beyond the 2026/27 season were not disclosed.

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