Culburra Cougars unveil new Club House

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With the support of the Federal Government’s Community Development Grant Programme, Shoalhaven District Football Association side Culburra Cougars officially opened its new Club House.

The Community Development Grant Programme provided a total of $345,000 – which went to the Culburra facilities upgrade at Crookhaven Oval.

The Culburra Cougars Club House was officially opened by Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley along with Deputy Mayor Clr Greg Watson, Clr Jo Gash, Clr Mitchell Pakes, Clr Patricia White, Kiama MP Garth Ward, and Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips, who were also in attendance at the official opening event.

Following the completion of the new Club House, Shoalhaven City Council undertook site restoration works on the oval, including levelling and installing new turf.

Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley acknowledged the importance of the infrastructure for the Culburra sporting community going forward.

“I would firstly like to thank the Federal Government for their support of the Culburra Cougars. The funding has allowed the club to design and construct new storage and toilet facilities at Crookhaven Oval,” she said.

“These facilities will be able to be used by generations of Cougars to come. These are important facilities not only provide a safe space for the club to store their training equipment, but club house also provides a safe space for club members to change before and after training and games.”

Daniel Ristic, Football NSW Manager for Government Relations, Funding & Infrastructure, was ecstatic about the upgrade for a club which is part of is the largest regional association in NSW with well over 3,100 participants donning the boots during the 2021 winter season.

“Storage and unisex toilets are the essentials of any community facility in the 21st century,” he said.

“As part of the NSW Football Infrastructure Strategy, storage was identified as a key priority by football associations across NSW.”

This upgrade was part of the club’s first stage in its redevelopment of its facility with Stage 2 to include new change rooms, referee room and canteen.

Local Council have committed funding towards Stage 2 in the 2022/23 financial year.

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Bundesliga DNA to the Boardroom: German-born Martin Kugeler Takes the Helm at Football Australia

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Image Credit: Stan

German-born executive, Martin Kugeler, shaped by Europe’s football culture and based in Australia since 2009, will step in as Football Australia CEO in February as the game eyes a defining 2026.

Reaching new heights

During the press conference held earlier this morning, Kugeler displayed both confidence and ambition as he prepares to lead a new era for Football Australia next month.

“Football in Australia has a strong foundation for growth. Our national impact is massive,” he said, highlighting both the immense number of participants and local clubs in Australia. He then continued to underline both the Socceroos and the Matildas as valuable assets in the nation’s football sphere.

“We have exceptional national teams that continually make us proud. They perform at a truly global scale and unite not only the football community, but the entire nation.”

With both the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and the FIFA Men’s World Cup both on the horizon in 2026, the year certainly represents a huge opportunity for both the men’s and women’s game to showcase Australian footballing talent on an international scale. But the focus, as Krugeler underlined, will extend beyond the national team and address all levels of football in Australia to help the game grow.

“Football brings people and communities together. For a healthy lifestyle, for connection, for enjoyment, for belonging, powered by a remarkable, passion [and] dedicated players, referees, coaches, volunteers and fans,” he continued.

An inspiring reminder to all those involved in the game across Australia, and one which will hopefully show participants and stakeholders at all levels that 2026 will begin a new period of stability, growth and innovation.

 

Expertise, passion and ambition

Of course, the dawn of a new era for Football Australia cannot be successfully achieved without addressing the past and current issues, while still keeping an ambitious eye on what football can become at both national and international level for Australia.

Alongside Kugeler in the FA leadership team will be Football Australia Chair, Anter Isaac, as well as former Matilda, and current interim CEO of Football Australia, Heather Garriock. With their combined industry expertise and true passion for the game, all fans, players and stakeholders can be optimistic for the future of football governance in Australia.

But while expertise and passion are undoubtedly valuable assets for the FA, it remains essential that these help to inform the decisions and solutions made with the game’s best interests at heart.

 

 

 

 

Heidelberg United strengthens ties with Melbourne City Toyota

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Heidelberg United FC

It was announced via social media on Tuesday this week that Melbourne City Toyota would be extending their longstanding collaboration with Heidelberg United FC ahead of the 2026 season. 

 

A longstanding connection

The news of a collaboration between Heidelberg United and Melbourne City Toyota will come as no surprise to all those associated with the club. With a connection going all the way back to 2013, their professional relationship is built on solid foundations rooted within the Melbourne community. 

‘Heidelberg United FC is pleased to announce the continued support of our valued partner, Melbourne City Toyota, a proud sponsor since the inception of the NPL,’ the club said via an announcement made on social media. 

With a strong presence across several locations in Melbourne, including Heidelberg itself, Melbourne City Toyota represents an invaluable source of local support for Heidelberg United. 

 

An exciting project 

Since their first collaboration when the NPL first formed in 2013, Melbourne City Toyota have been an ever-present part of Heidelberg United’s journey to becoming one of the most formidable clubs in the NPL. 

In the past three seasons, the club has consistently risen up the NPLM VIC table. A mere two years on from finishing 9th in 2023, the men’s team achieved huge success last season as they became NPLM Victoria champions and reached the final of the Australian Cup. Although the latter ended in defeat, victories against A-League giants like Auckland FC showcased Heidelberg’s quality. 

The women’s team has also enjoyed plenty of success since joining the NPLW in 2016. Most notably, they achieved back-to-back Premiership titles in 2024 and 2025. With such success being showcased in both the NPLM and NPLW, there are certainly no question marks over Heidelberg United’s standing as one of the most exciting footballing projects not only in Victoria, but in all Australia.

 

New chapter, old partners

As clubs continue their preparations for the 2026 season, establishing local support and building community connections will be crucial. ‘The Bergers’ will no doubt be looking to count on the backing of Melbourne City Toyota as both a local and loyal partner in their endeavours on and off the pitch. 

 

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