Change Our Game Research Grants Program approaching deadline

Staff Writer
Change Our Game Research Grants Program
The Victorian Government’s 2022-23 Change Our Game Research Grants Program is available for state-based university researchers until Monday April 17 2023.

This Program provides grants of up to $25,000 to support projects that investigate emerging issues and find solutions regarding barriers for women and girls’ participation, as well as leadership in sport and active recreation in Victoria.

Grants can be used for Victorian universities to undertake projects aimed at improving the environment for women and girls in sport and active recreation.

Made possible by the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation (OWSR), it reflects the Victorian Government’s commitment to provide welcoming and inclusive sport and recreation environments, promoting health and wellbeing and boosting research throughout the state.

For the 2022-23 Program, eligible applicants can submit applications for projects within two streams.

For each, the OWSR has identified key areas of interest that are listed below. Applicants can nominate themes not listed, to be considered for their relevance.

Stream 1 – Community sport and active recreation

  • Fair access to community facilities
  • Taking an intersectional approach
  • Women in leadership roles in community sport
  • Adolescent girls’ participation in organised sport

Stream 2 – Sport leadership

  • Women in sports media
  • Gender equity in the sport job market
  • Men as allies in gender equity

To be eligible for funding from the Program, the applicant must be a Victorian university.

Applications must:

  • be submitted by a person employed by a Victorian university, with authority to submit the application on behalf of the Victorian university;
  • to be conducted by a proposed research team led by at least one Victoria-based lead researcher;
  • include at least one Victoria-based early career researcher in the proposed research team;
  • undertake the funded research project predominately in Victoria.

To submit an application, visit the Change Our Game website

Applications close at 5pm AEST, Monday April 17 2023.

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The road ahead: Football West announces its new regional pathways

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Football West has announced a major update to its Regional Academy player development program, launching in 2026 to strengthen talent identification across Western Australia.

At the centre of the new model is a State Carnival, which will replace the traditional Country Camp. The Carnival will prioritise real-match conditions over training-only sessions. This approach allows players to demonstrate technical and tactical ability in competitive environments.

The change gives Football West Academy coaches clearer insight into performance, decision-making and game awareness. It also gives young players a stronger platform to showcase their skills in match scenarios that reflect elite football.

A clearer pathway from region to state

The revamped Football West Regional Academies will operate in the South West, Goldfields, Great Southern, Mid West/Gascoyne, Pilbara and Kimberley regions. Each academy will deliver one weekly session, led by a Football West, appointed Regional Academy Coach. Selected players will also travel to Perth for additional match experience.

The program will serve boys and girls aged Under 13 to Under 16. It ensures equal access to high-quality development opportunities for regional male and female players.

Football West Development Manager Gareth Naven said the changes create stronger alignment with the elite pathway.

“We are evolving regional player development by introducing real-match scenarios that better assess technique and tactics,” Naven said.
“There will be a structured calendar of events, including Regional and State Carnivals.”
“The new set-up shows a clear progression from regional clubs to state and eventually national teams.”

The Regional Academies will focus on technical excellence, tactical understanding, game awareness, growth and mindset. This structure supports long-term player and coach development.

Further details, including key dates for the 2026 calendar, will be released in due course.

Bank of Sydney Continues its Collaboration with Bentleigh Greens

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Image Credit: Bentleigh Greens

Bank of Sydney’s ongoing investment in community-driven initiatives continues to make a measurable difference across Australia.

As an organisation that prioritises people over transactions, the bank has built a strong reputation for supporting grassroots sport, local schools, charities and cultural groups. Its focus on strengthening neighbourhoods and fostering inclusion aligns directly with the ethos of Bentleigh Greens. This shared vision makes the partnership both natural and highly valued.

The renewed sponsorship will allow Bentleigh Greens to expand programs that support young players and families. The club will invest further in junior development pathways, facility upgrades and new opportunities for children from all backgrounds to play and grow at Kingston Heath, with participation continuing to rise each year.

With Bank of Sydney’s backing, the club can keep delivering accessible, high-quality football experiences for the entire community.

Supporting the Future of Grassroots Football

Crucially, this support has direct implications for the long-term health of grassroots soccer in Australia. Community clubs like Bentleigh Greens sit at the base of the nation’s football pyramid. They nurture the talent, passion and skills that eventually reach elite levels. Strong sponsorship helps these clubs operate confidently and sustainably.

Partnerships like this also help level the playing field for families who may struggle to participate. More funding lowers barriers to entry and increases scholarship opportunities. It also strengthens support for young players from newly arrived or financially disadvantaged backgrounds. In a multicultural region like Melbourne’s south-east, this impact is significant. It ensures football stays a unifying space where every child can belong.

For the sport more broadly, committed sponsors act as catalysts. They help clubs plan for the future, develop stronger pathways and create environments that keep players engaged well into their teens. By backing grassroots programs today, partners like Bank of Sydney help build the talent pipeline that will drive the national game forward in the next decade.

Bentleigh Greens look forward to working closely with Bank of Sydney throughout the 2026 season. Together, they will continue strengthening the foundations of local football and enriching the community that supports it.

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