Epping Eastwood Tigers FC commemorate 70 years since formation

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Epping Eastwood
Image provided by Football NSW

This past weekend saw North West Sydney Football Association side Epping Eastwood ‘Tigers’ FC celebrate 70 years since their formation.

Over a hundred local football players past and present gathered in Parramatta on Saturday to commemorate what was the birth of community football in the district.

Football legends Robbie Slater and Leigh Wardell were joined by Federal Member of Bennelong Jerome Laxale and Lord Mayor of Parramatta Donna Davis, and Karen Waud from North West Sydney Football Association, to mark the occasion.

Epping Eastwood Tigers FC Club President Chris Salmon said 70 years on from the first ever games being played locally, the legacy of the Tigers remained about bringing people together, creating a sense of community and enjoying the great game of football.

“As one of the founding Clubs in Sydney’s North West it is an honor to still be growing men’s and women’s football and testament to the hundreds of volunteers who keep community sport alive,” Salmon said in a statement.

“We are the Family Club and very proud to have introduced thousands of kids to the great game of football over this time, many still playing for the Club 10, 20, 30 and even 40 years later. We want to still be doing this another 70 years from now.

“The next 20 years will be focused on growing women’s football back to where it was in the 1980’s when the Tigers were the first Club in the district to introduce women’s teams.

“Being recognised as one of the Legacy 23 Clubs in North West Sydney Football was a great privilege for the club and we are proud to be an active force in growing women’s football and meeting the needs of a changing demographic.”

The Special Guest speeches were a highlight of the night including an animated entertaining guest spot by Robbie Slater and supportive words from ex-President Ian Kendall, the Mayor and attending local member – as well as a special video message from NSW Premier and Local MP Dominic Perrottet.

The night celebrated both the important milestone and a season of football post-COVID. A number of 20 Year Service Medals were awarded during the night as well as a Life Member acknowledgment and perpetual trophies.

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Shepparton Cup – Victoria’s biggest junior football tournament – set for 2026 edition

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Image Credits: Shepparton Cup

Victoria’s largest junior football tournament is set to kick off in style as the Shepparton Cup returns for 2026. With age groups from under-sevens through to under-17s, the Shepparton Cup welcomes players of all genders and abilities as the perfect way to end the 2026 club season.

The tournament kicks off on the 23rd of October with an Olympic-style opening ceremony. The 2025 edition saw 385 teams and 4,600 players take to the pitch across both Liga and Copa Divisions. The Liga Division is for grassroots teams of all abilities who want a fun competitive experience; the Liga Division is for NPL and state league teams who will compete in a competitive carnival.

Rolando Navas, Managing Director of Sports Group Melbourne, says the tournament is not only beneficial for young players but also for the community of Shepparton.

“The Shepparton Cup is a great opportunity for families and the wider Shepparton community to embrace the regional community and provide a platform for young players to participate and experience a competitive and fun three day festival of football.”

The 2026 Shepparton Cup will be held from 23rd to 25th October 2026 at Shepparton Sports City. For more information about the Shepparton Cup, click the link here.

Australian Sports Group reveals ambitious blueprint for Canberra United

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Image Credits: Canberra United

New Canberra United owners, Australian Sports Group, have outlined an ambitious investment blueprint for the future of the club.

The plans centre around strengthening the club’s foundations, establishing elite academy pathways, and the introduction of an A-League Men’s team. More broadly, it aims to create a stronger football ecosystem that connects players, clubs and communities across the Australian Capital Territory.

A key pillar of the strategy is the development of an elite academy. The proposed pathways will create opportunities for emerging talent to progress towards professional football, strengthening the connection between grassroots participation and the elite game. The academy would form an important foundation for the proposed A-League Men’s team. ASG are targeting an entry into the Men’s competition from 2028/29, pending required process.

The introduction of a men’s team would expand the club’s professional offering and create additional opportunities for players, coaches and football staff. It would also give local talent a clearer pathway towards senior football without having to leave the region.

Infrastructure investment is another central component of the blueprint. The group plans to improve football facilities and secure a long-term home for the club. These developments would support the women’s program while laying the groundwork for future expansion.

The strategy also prioritises stronger engagement across the ACT football community. The ownership group plans to work with local stakeholders and government to align the club’s growth with broader priorities for sport and community development.

The immediate focus remains on stabilising the women’s program and building the structures needed for long-term success. This approach provides a foundation for the club to expand its operations while maintaining its existing identity and community connections.

The investment blueprint signals a broader ambition for Canberra United. By combining elite player development, improved infrastructure and the potential introduction of a men’s team, the group aims to establish a sustainable professional football model for the capital. The vision positions Canberra United as a platform for growth across the region, with a pathway to connect grassroots participation, academy development and professional competition.

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