FCA Relaunches Coach Education Program with Expanded CPD Opportunities Through 2026

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Image Credit: Football Coaches Australia

Football Coaches Australia (FCA) is set to relaunch its Coach Education Program, offering coaches across the country a comprehensive schedule of online workshops and new education opportunities through to the end of 2026.

Following a break in the program during the FIFA Men’s World Cup period, FCA’s coach education schedule returns this month with a strong focus on providing coaches with opportunities to complete the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours required to maintain their coaching licences.

FCA plans to deliver two online workshops per month through to December, alongside a range of additional coach education initiatives covering the technical, tactical, physical and emotional aspects of the game.

The program returns on Monday, August 24, with Scottish FA Coach Education Manager Martyn Buckie presenting Technical and Tactical Priorities – The Differences When Coaching Junior/Youth and Adults.

Buckie has been a regular presenter across FCA’s coach education program and will return with another engaging session designed to provide practical insights for coaches working across different levels and age groups.

FCA members can attend the session free of charge when using the FCA member code, while guests and non-members can register for $22.50.

The following week, on Monday, August 31, Scottish National Women’s Team coach Melissa Andreatta will present The Identity Advantage – Building a Team to Stay Connected When Pressure Is Highest.

Andreatta’s session will explore the importance of team identity and connection, particularly in high-pressure environments, providing coaches with insights applicable across the game.

FCA President Ian Greener said the return of the program represents an important opportunity for coaches to continue developing their knowledge while meeting their CPD requirements.

“Our ongoing relationship with Football Australia to provide these sessions, all supported with CPD, is a valuable component of the coach education landscape and one we here at FCA are proud to bring to coaches at all levels of our game,” Greener said.

The program will continue throughout September, with Ernie Merrick among the presenters already confirmed and further speakers to be announced in the coming months.

FCA’s expanded schedule is designed not only to help coaches accumulate vital CPD hours, but also to expose them to a diverse range of perspectives and expertise from across the football community.

A major new initiative will begin in October, with renowned coach Ron Smith delivering a six-part series focused on using information technology to develop coaches’ skills in match analysis.

The series will provide Australian coaches with a new opportunity to explore the use of technology and match analysis as part of their coaching development. Initially, the program will be limited to 10 coaches, with further details to be announced by FCA shortly.

With two quality sessions planned each month through to the end of the year, FCA’s renewed Coach Education Program will provide coaches at all levels with regular opportunities to learn, connect and continue their professional development.

Further presenters, workshops and education opportunities will be announced throughout the coming months.

Registrations for Martyn Buckie’s August 24 workshop are now open via this link.

FCA looks forward to welcoming coaches back to its Coach Education Program and continuing to support the development of coaches across Australian football.

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GIS Sydney connects students with Australia’s sporting industry

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Image Credit: Global Institute of Sport

The Global Institute of Sport (GIS) is giving students new opportunities to build careers in Australia’s growing sports industry. Combining academic study with direct access to sporting organisations, venues and industry professionals. Based at Allianz Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground, GIS Sydney places students at the heart of Australia’s sporting landscape. The campus gives students the chance to study while surrounded by major sporting organisations and events, creating a direct connection between education and the industry they hope to join.

Students also benefit from regular access to experienced sports professionals. More than 50 guest speakers have shared their expertise with GIS students, including representatives from FIFA, Red Bull, Cricket Australia and the AFL. These sessions give students a valuable insight into the different roles and career pathways available across the sports sector. GIS Sydney delivers programs including Sports Analytics and International Sports Business in partnership with the University of Newcastle. The courses combine academic learning with opportunities for students to develop practical skills that they can take into the workplace.

Industry experience forms another important part of the student journey. GIS provides students with 140 hours of relevant work experience, allowing them to apply their knowledge in professional settings. Students have secured placements with organisations including the Professional Football Scouts Association, Football Coaches Australia and Basketball NSW.

GIS also works with Yakka Sport to create paid employment opportunities for students while they study. This allows students to gain workplace experience while developing professional networks within the sporting community. The opportunities extend internationally, with GIS Global Sports Summits giving students access to sporting organisations and venues in destinations including London and Miami.

For students pursuing careers in sport, GIS Sydney is creating a pathway that combines education, practical experience and industry connections. By bringing students closer to the people and organisations shaping the sector, GIS is helping the next generation turn their interest in sport into professional opportunities.

Inspiring the future of women’s football: The Growing Football Community grant now open

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Image Credit: Football Australia

Grassroots football is where the game grows. It is where players find their first team, coaches develop skills, and clubs function as part of local communities. Football Australia’s Growing Football Community Grant is designed to strengthen those foundations, with a particular focus on creating more opportunities for women and girls to play, coach and stay involved in football. The 2026/27 program is now open, and eligible clubs and associations can apply for grants of up to $5,000.

What is the Growing Football Community Grant?

The grant forms part of Football Australia’s Growing Football Fund, which was established with the support of CommBank following the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 hosted in Australia. Its main goal is simple: help clubs and associations attract and retain women and girls in football. Funding can support projects that improve the experience of existing players or create new pathways into the game. It can also help clubs develop coaches and build more inclusive, safer environments.

The program is about more than getting people onto the pitch. It aims to create the conditions that encourage participants to keep coming back.

Who does it support?

The program is aimed at eligible football clubs and associations across Australia. For participants, that can mean new opportunities to play, and for coaches, it can mean better access to education and development. For clubs, it can provide practical support to remove barriers that can make participation harder.

Previous grants have supported a wide range of grassroots projects, and these have included ‘come and try’ programs, female-only football activities, subsidised registration fees, improved playing uniforms, coaching education and leadership programs. The program also has a strong regional and community focus. Football Australia says 93 of the 297 clubs supported across the first three grant rounds were from regional and remote communities.

What is the community benefit?

The biggest impact can extend beyond the individual player. A club that creates a stronger pathway for girls can help build participation across an entire community. Better coaching can improve the experience for players. More women in coaching and leadership can create new role models. Removing financial or practical barriers can also make football more accessible.

That can help clubs build stronger connections with families and their local communities. Football Australia’s stated objectives include providing quality experiences for new and returning participants, developing community coaches and helping clubs create inclusive and safe environments that support the retention of women and girls. Recent recipients show how that can work in practice. Broulee Stingrays Soccer Club is using grant funding to support a female coaching pathway in the Eurobodalla region, including subsidised coaching courses for girls from the age of 14.

How can clubs apply and key dates

Applications for the Growing Football Community grants opened on the 8th of September. The deadline is 10 pm AEDT on Tuesday the 20th of October. Clubs and associations should first review the Growing Football Community Grant guidelines and check their eligibility.

Applicants then need to develop their project and budget before completing the online application. The application asks clubs to explain how their project aligns with the program objectives, the barriers they face and how the funding will help address those barriers. Successful applications are scheduled to be announced in December, with funded projects to be delivered during 2027.

For clubs looking to grow women’s and girls’ football, the grant offers an opportunity to turn a local idea into a practical community project. The impact does not stop with one season. Stronger pathways, better coaching and more welcoming clubs can help build a football community where more women and girls can start playing, stay involved and find their place in the game.

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