Canberra United A-League Men’s debut delayed to 2025/26 season

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Canberra have been dealt a cruel blow in their bid to have an A-League Men’s side, with the A-League confirming that the expansion bid wouldn’t be viable for season 2024/25.

A-Leagues commissioner Nick Garcia has however backed Canberra United to join as the 14th team in the league for the 2025/26 season, following the announcement of Auckland FC as the 13th.

Initially, the goal was to have a 14 team league for 2024/25 to avoid any fixture difficulties with a bye, however the lack of movement surrounding funding for a team in the capital halted those ideas.

The group behind an expansion bid “aren’t able to stand up a team in time for season 2024-25” and frustratingly, fans in the ACT are made to wait another 12 months to see a team they were promised a long time ago.

A-Leagues commissioner Nick Garcia discussed the next steps the league will take to ensure the team stands up and is sustainable long term.

“We are still in discussion with a preferred consortium for an A-League licence in Canberra, but they aren’t able to stand up a team in time for season 2024-25,” he said in a press conference confirming the news.

“The ACT has a fantastic football fanbase, and we remain committed to Canberra and a 14th A-League team. We want to give new owners the proper runway to set up a team to ensure long-term success.

“The preferred consortium has the right capability – a mix of European top-flight experience, and local Canberra knowledge and relationships – and we continue to work with them.”

The APL had hoped to raise $100m in franchise fees – $25m per club – from Canberra, Auckland and two other sides by the start of the 2025-26 season.

This news comes not long after Canberra United Women’s team were saved by a crucial $200,000 investment by the ACT government and Capital Football were confirmed to be owning the team for the next season.

It is all a bit unorganised from the A-Leagues and the failure to start this Canberra Men’s team will create a bit of fixture difficulty with a bye that compromises the schedule.

The success of Auckland FC is vital for the A-League to be correct in their decision to delay Canberra United and both teams will need to hit the ground running on and off the field to save any embarrassment.

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The only road to the national stage: FQ Academy Inter-Conference Carnival 2026

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Image Credit: Brook Desbois

Football Queensland (FQ) has confirmed Mackay Football Park as the host venue for the 2026 FQ Academy Inter-Conference Carnival, scheduled for the 14th to 17th of April.

Backed by the Mackay Regional Council, the event unites FQ’s five Regional Academies across the Northern and Central Conferences. This expanded four-day schedule marks a significant shift in regional programming. It allows for a greater volume of match play and enhances talent identification windows for technical staff.

Strengthening the Regional Pathway

The Carnival serves as a critical junction in the state-wide pathway. FQ Technical Director and Player Development, Tom Laxton, emphasized the event’s role in exposing players to new competitive environments.

“The Inter-Conference Carnival remains a key foundational element of the regional FQ Academy pathway,” Laxton said. “Expanding the Carnival in 2026 to four days reinforces our commitment to delivering more meaningful opportunities.”

Importantly, the FQ Academy stands as the only pathway in Queensland recognized by Football Australia for national selection. This event ensures equity amongst regional talent whom often fly under the radar of high-performance scouts. The extended format also benefits referees and coaches, providing a longer window for development and assessment.

Economic and Regional Impact

The partnership with Mackay Regional Council highlights the economic value of youth football tourism. Mayor Williamson noted the expanded timeline benefits the local visitor economy.

“By expanding the carnival to four days, it gives visitors a much better opportunity to explore what our region has to offer,” Williamson said.

The event draws players, support staff, and families from across the northern half of the state. It positions Mackay Football Park as a central hub for elite youth development in Queensland.

Registration and scheduling details regarding the 2026 FQ Academy Inter-Conference Carnival will be released here as they emerge.

Westside Strikers FC’s reveal glimpse into new Recreation Reserve

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Westside Strikers FC / Facebook

The club, based in Caroline Springs, Melbourne, updated fans with a sneak-peek into the newly revamped Taylor’s Hill Recreation Reserve.

 

Embracing development 

The prospect of new and improved facilities at Taylor’s Hill Recreation Reserve is one which should excite fans and players alike.

Taylor’s Hill Recreation Reserve. Image credit: Westside Strikers FC / Facebook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Turf installation has now been completed on Pitch 1 and our home ground is looking incredible,” the club said via social media announcement on Thursday. 

“With only the grandstand due to be completed in the coming months, almost 5 months of hard work has led to this transformation.” 

With the backing of the City of Melton, the improvements made to the facilities are proving to be thorough and extensive. The club revealed just over a month ago that  lighting upgrades and installations, irrigation and drainage systems for all pitches, ground fencing and coaches boxes had all been completed. 

Furthermore, by giving supporters insight into the progress being made at the club, it will no doubt help to stir up even more excitement and anticipation for when the project is completed in the coming months.

Facilities which align with ambitions

While they proudly remain a community-focused club, Westside Strikers FC is no stranger to rapid growth and expansion.

Initially established in 2014 for talented junior footballers, the club has evolved into one of the largest community football clubs in Melbourne’s West. In just over 10 years of operating, they have expanded into a network of over 600 players across the Men’s, Women’s, Miniroos and Metropolitan teams.

Therefore, as a club aiming to grow and support the careers of local talents from junior to senior level, it is only right that their facilities are built to accomodate such ambitions. By providing their players with high-quality pitches and updated facilities off the pitch, Westside Strikers FC can continue pursuing and nurturing excellence on it.

Furthermore, the developments reflect Westside Strikers’ genuine commitment to giving back to those who make the club special: the fans. By constructing a new grandstand for spectators, Westside Strikers FC is ensuring that everyone in the community is made to feel included in the club’s ambitions going forward.

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