Avondale FC and LALIGA collaborate to focus on football excellence

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Avondale FC at the National Second Tier announcement - credit Football Australia/Brett Costello

Avondale Football Group (AFG) and LALIGA have made their arrangements official through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance the game through a mutual alliance by undertaking to focus on football excellence.

Playing their home matches at Avenger Park in Parkville, Avondale FC are the current champions of NPL Victoria as well as they were recently selected alongside seven other clubs to be the foundation club for the National Second Tier which is likely to commence from 2025.

Ivan Codina, Managing Director of LALIGA for Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea and Australia, said via press release:

“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with Avondale FC to elevate football development at this crucial moment in their history in Australian professional football, taking advantage of the experience we have after more than 90 years leading professional football in Spain, and more specifically in the six years that LALIGA has been in the country.

“This MOU signifies our commitment to the football development beyond Spanish barriers through knowledge sharing and collaboration with regional partners.”

Avondale President Anthony Wardan reflected on the sides progression as a National Second Tier member, adding via press release:

“Following a historic season including recently being announced as a National Second Tier Foundation Club, we are extremely pleased to continue our growth by announcing a new partnership with LALIGA.

“LALIGA’s unparalleled expertise and extensive networks will enhance our capabilities on and off the field, nurture young Australian talent, and make a positive contribution to the growth of football in Australia.”

The goal of this partnership being through bilateral relations, the MOU will augment the flow of proficiency and mastery from LALIGA in what is the largest football ecosystem in the world implemented into the Australian club.

Both parties will work diligently towards the greater good of increasing football involvement and developing the youth programs and pathways for aspiring boys and girls across the state.

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Queensland Government grants boosts growth and affordability

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Image credit: PxHere website

Queensland’s sporting community will benefit from comprehensive state government grants, which will help kids join local clubs, support elite athletes, and upgrade facilities.

For children

  • Access up to $200 in FairPlay vouchers per eligible child to assist with sport and recreation club membership costs.
  • Support of up to $800 is available through Emerging Athlete Pathways for athletes and officials under 18 attending state, national and international competitions.

For clubs and organisations

  • Become a registered organisation to accept FairPlay vouchers, allowing eligible children to use up to $200 towards membership, registration or participation fees.
  • Register your organisation’s competitions at state, national and international levels through Emerging Athlete Pathways to enable athlete and official funding eligibility.
  • Apply for the Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities Fund to create accessible, safe and inclusive community sport and recreation spaces.
  • Not-for-profit sport and recreation organisations can access Active Clubs funding to support volunteers and deliver flexible, safe physical activities to boost participation.

Disaster recovery

  • Eligible not-for-profit sport and recreation organisations affected by significant weather events can apply for up to $5,000 through the Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program to restart operations.

Other Sports and Recreation funding sources

  • Explore funding opportunities for not-for-profit organisations through your local council.
  • Contact your state sport and recreation organisation for information about activity-specific funding options.
  • Access various funding programs for individuals and sporting organisations through Sport Australia.

Sporting clubs have always been vocal about the importance that government backing has in the upkeep of the sporting industry.

Though it will take time to see the full effect of these grants, this comprehensive list of grants shows that Queensland’s government is dedicated to supporting its sporting industry.

It’s a positive sign and hopefully, it will help increase the sporting output and relieve the financial stress for the people of Queensland. A strong sporting Queensland is a benefit for sport in the country as a whole.

Learn more here.

Major grant boost for women’s football in NSW

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NSW Government - Level the Playing Fund
Image credit: Football NSW

In a major win for women’s football growth in NSW, a $654,000 grant from the Federal Government has been awarded to support the ‘Play Our Way’ initiative for women and girls.

Football NSW’s ‘Empower Her’ project, focused on leadership, education, and inclusion for women in football, was among 120 grants awarded as part of the Federal Government’s $55 million scheme.

The grant will focus on three key areas—leadership, education, and inclusion—to attract, retain, and develop women in football. It will also support intersectional communities through initiatives like the NAIDOC Cup for First Nations youth and community sustainability efforts for priority groups via Football4All and the State Parafootball team.

Football NSW CEO, John Tsatsimas, mentioned the crucial role that the funding will have for Football NSW.

“The generous funding from the Federal Government will play a pivotal role in supporting Football NSW’s mission to expand and elevate female participation in football across the state, ensuring that more women and girls can thrive in the sport at every level,” he said via press release.

“Female football continues to soar following the incredible success of last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™.

“Over the past 12 months, female participation has surged by an impressive 23%, reflecting the growing enthusiasm and opportunities for women and girls in the sport.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Federal Government for their invaluable support. This funding will help us grow and create more opportunities for women and girls to participate in all facets of football across NSW.”

Sport Minister, Anika Wells, added her comments about the Play Our Way initiative.

“Play Our way is the single biggest package for women’s sport participation and facilities ever and these 120 projects will create greater opportunities for women and girls to enjoy being physically active,” she said via press release.

“The huge response to this grant opportunity, and the range of great project ideas, show that Australian communities want to be more supportive of women and girls.”

The grants are part of the participation stream, the first funding confirmed under the Albanese Government’s $200 million Play Our Way program.

A second phase of the Play Our Way program, focused on facility grants, will be confirmed soon.

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