Devonport’s Meercroft Park facility now complete

Liam Watson

Devonport’s new Meercroft Park Facility has been officially opened by Federal Member for Braddon Gavin Pearce MP, Deputy Premier of Tasmania the Hon. Jeremy Rockliff MP and Mayor of Devonport, Annette Rockliff.

The new facility was made possible by $1.5 million in funding by all tiers of government, as well as Football Tasmania and the Devonport Junior Soccer Association.

Devonport Mayor Annette Rockliff says there are new change rooms and toilets that are accessible for all abilities, coupled with a meeting room and canteen resources. Council provided the land and the supplies to manage the project – they will be responsible for the ongoing maintenance.

“Council is pleased to see this facility already being utilised by the hundreds of junior soccer goers and also running groups and athletics training,” Rockliff said.

“Meercroft Park can now cater for state and national sporting events and will host the 2021 Devonport Cup this June long weekend, which attracts thousands of visitors to the region. We already have a record 85 teams from around the state competing.”

Devonport Junior Soccer Association patron Mike Gaffney was a catalyst behind securing the $1.5 million in funding for the club.

“With more than 900 competitors in this year’s junior soccer roster, the new facility will not only be advantageous for the local community, but may also attract national and potentially international competitions,” Gaffney said.

Member for Braddon Gavin Pearce MP, said the Federal Government is committed to supporting the region’s sporting communities, adding $1 million in funding to the facility.

“With the growth of soccer across the North-West Coast, Meercroft Park is a popular weekend destination for our junior soccer players,” Pearce said.

“The Federal Government is proud to support this important community asset, which will not only benefit the region’s strong participation in junior soccer, but our next generation of athletes.”

Deputy Premier the Hon. Jeremy Rockliff said the Tasmanian Government is proud to give over $450,000 to the project, under the Levelling the Playing Field Grant Program.

“We are committed to increasing opportunities for participation in sport and active recreation in our regional communities, and the new Meerfcroft Park facility is an added bonus to an already popular sporting precinct,” Mr Rockliff said.

The Devonport Junior Soccer Association contributed $40,000 and Football Tasmania provided $10,000 to the project.

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Mito, Nagasaki and Chiba step up: will they prove themselves in J1 football?

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Image Credit: JLeague.co

The Meiji Yasuda J1 100-Year Vision League begins in a matter of weeks.

Mito Hollyhock, V-Varen Nagasaki and JEF United Chiba will all feature in Japan’s top flight following their second-tier campaigns last season.

Mito’s historic breakthrough and Nagasaki’s return

For Mito, it marks uncharted territory. The Ibaraki outfit have never played first-division football, having operated exclusively in J2 since their founding 26 years ago. Last year’s title, secured on goal difference after a 70-point haul, changes that.

Arata Watanabe anchored their attack despite an injury-interrupted season. He netted 13 times and created seven more. Sho Omori provided width and service from left-back, appearing in every match and registering the team’s highest totals for passes and crosses.

Nagasaki return after an eight-year absence. Their second-place finish came in their inaugural campaign at PEACE STADIUM Connected by SoftBank. Takuya Takagi, who previously guided them into J1 in 2017, regained control midway through last season. His side dropped just one match in 19 under his leadership. 

Matheus Jesus carried the attacking burden. The Brazilian struck 19 goals and was named J2 Player of the Year. His output alone accounted for much of Nagasaki’s upward trajectory.

Chiba’s journey back has taken 17 years. Once part of the J. League’s inaugural cohort in the early 1990s, relegation in 2009 began a prolonged exile. Third place in the regular season sent them into the play-offs.  A 4-3 comeback from three goals down against RB Omiya Ardija in the semi-final preceded a 1-0 victory over Tokushima Vortis in the final. Carlinhos Junior’s winner in the final capped one of the most dramatic promotion campaigns in recent J. League history.

Each club brings distinct narratives into the top flight. For Mito, Nagasaki and Chiba, survival will mean validating years of ambition, while success could redefine their place in Japanese football. Momentum from promotion campaigns will be tested when fixtures commence in early February.

Coach Education Exchange unites Football NSW and Japan FA

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Football NSW

The education program was a roaring success for the 14 coaches who made the trip, demonstrating Japan’s high-quality infrastructure and development systems from which football bodies across Australia can take inspiration. 

 

A valuable partner

The 2026 FNSW Japan Coach Education Exchange comes as the latest display of the strong connection between footballing worlds in Australia and Japan. 

14 Football NSW coaches travelled to Japan for unique insights into what makes the J-League and WE League tick. With both of these leagues being renowned for their distinct footballing identities, elite development pathways, and technical excellence, the program serves as a valuable opportunity for Football NSW to gain new ideas and know-how moving forward. 

During the visit to Japan, the coaching cohort visited several different clubs, including: 

  • Cerezo Osaka
  • Tokyo Verdy
  • JEF United Chiba
  • Urawa Red Diamonds
  • Gamba Osaka

Learning from international expertise

The trip was not, however, merely about uncovering the secrets to club or commercial success. 

Visits to the JFA Academy Sakai emphasised Japan’s commitment to creating elite pathways for talented young players across the country. They believe in nurturing players not only to be talented footballers, but to be confident leaders through their education and lodging system. 

“He or she being gifted does not always have his or her talent blossom. By providing those who have a talent with a good environment and encouraging them to make efforts, we nurture players who can shine in the world,” they explain via the JFA official website. 

Further meetings with Director of Coach Education at the JFA, Kimura Yasuhiko, as well as Head Coach of Japan’s Men’s National Team, Hajime Moriyasu, highlighted the wealth of knowledge which Australia can access during collaborations with the JFA. 

“The opportunity to meet and hear from a national team head coach operating at the highest level of international football proved both humbling and motivating, underscoring the value of global connection and shared learning in coach development,” Football NSW said via press release. 

Following the success of the 2026 FNSW Japan Coach Education Exchange, the objective should now be to transform insights into action. For Football NSW, or any other football association in Australia seeking to develop the game for current and future generations in the region, the lessons learned from international partners must be applied with real conviction and commitment.

 

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