Federal Government contributes $2.7 million to women’s football programs

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Football Australia has welcomed the Federal Government’s investment of $2.7 million into women’s football programs.

As announced in the 2022 Federal Budget, the Federal Government will contribute $2.7 million over two years to encourage greater participation in football through the delivery of specific women and girls’ diversity and inclusion programs as announced in the 2022 Federal Budget.

As part of Football Australia’s Legacy ’23 Plan – an ambitious strategy to ensure the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 delivers positive and enduring benefits for Australia’s largest sporting community beyond the tournament – the sport’s governing body will utilise this Federal Budget funding to support the delivery of two programs: Miniroos Multicultural Settlement Program and National Multicultural Youth Program.

The financial support further reaffirms the Federal Government’s dedication to aiding the growth of women’s football, with Football Australia already securing $230 million in Legacy ’23 funding from the Federal and several State Governments up to July, as stated per an earlier Football NSW media release.

Football Australia Chief Executive Officer James Johnson acknowledged and thanked the Federal Government for their continued support of Football Australia and Legacy ’23.

“Football Australia has been focused on ensuring the delivery of tangible long-term benefits for Australian football and is excited to continue to bring our vision for legacy to life,” Johnson explained in a Football Australia media release.

“We are delighted with the strong support of our Legacy ’23 Plan, with this additional support from the Federal Government helping our game to reach new community groups and help deliver more positive outcomes in the participation pillar of the Legacy ’23 Plan.

“By expanding the reach and impact of Australia’s most diverse and largest club participation sport, we can create more economic, health and social benefits for all Australians, and unlock the potential of women and girls from culturally-diverse communities.”

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Western United ruled out of 2026–27 A-League season

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Western United’s participation in the A-Leagues has officially been terminated, ending the club’s immediate pathway back into Australia’s professional football competitions.

The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) terminated Western United’s Club Participation Agreement on Monday, following months of discussions over the club’s future.

The decision comes after Western United’s attempt to secure a return to the A-League for the 2026–27 season was unsuccessful. Football Australia had previously determined that the club did not meet the requirements to retain its licence.

Western United has now turned its attention towards rebuilding the organisation under new ownership, with the club targeting a return to the A-League for the 2027–28 season.

In a statement, Western United said the termination creates an opportunity for “new custodians, new investment and a fresh start”, while emphasising the importance of maintaining the club’s identity in Melbourne’s west.

The club’s financial problems have been a major issue over the past two years with the club being placed into a conditional hibernation ahead of the 2025/26 A-League season.

The APL said its decision was made following the club’s breach of several obligations under the agreement, including compliance with Football Australia’s National Club Licensing Regulations.

The club’s proposed 2027–28 comeback will therefore depend on securing new investment, addressing its outstanding operational requirements and demonstrating that it can meet the conditions necessary to re-enter the A-Leagues.

While Monday’s decision brings an end to Western United’s current participation agreement, the club maintains that it is not the end for Western United.

Now, the club that won the A-League grand final just four years ago, will now turn its attention to restructuring the business and building a sustainable platform for a potential return to Australia’s professional football landscape.

 

 

Football Queensland Welcomes Musco Lighting as Official Lighting Partner

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Image Credit: Musco.com

Football Queensland has welcomed Musco Lighting as its Official Lighting Partner, bringing world-class sports lighting expertise to football clubs and facilities across the state.

The partnership will support Football Queensland clubs as participation continues to grow across the state, helping communities access safer, higher-quality and more accessible football facilities.

Musco Lighting is a global leader in sports lighting, with more than 50 years of experience delivering lighting solutions across sporting venues worldwide. The company was also the first in the world to be certified by FIFA as a Preferred Provider for Floodlight Systems and provided lighting for 12 of the 16 stadiums used at the recent FIFA World Cup.

Through the new partnership, Football Queensland clubs will have access to Musco’s specialist expertise and solutions as they look to improve and develop their lighting infrastructure.

Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci said the partnership represented an important step in supporting the continued growth of football across Queensland.

“I’m proud to see this partnership between Football Queensland and Musco come to life.

“With participation continuing to grow across Queensland, the need for quality football infrastructure has never been greater. This partnership will help our clubs access world-class lighting expertise to create safer, better and more accessible facilities for their communities.

The partnership provides an opportunity to combine Football Queensland’s extensive network across the state’s football community with Musco’s global expertise in sports lighting, supporting clubs as they continue to invest in facilities that meet the needs of their growing participation bases.

Football Queensland and Musco will work together to help clubs identify lighting solutions that can enhance facility quality and accessibility, supporting more opportunities for players and communities to participate in football.

Football Queensland Official Lighting Partner – Musco Lighting

With more than five decades of experience in sports lighting, Musco has delivered projects across some of the world’s most significant sporting venues and events.

The company’s FIFA Preferred Provider certification and involvement in the recent FIFA World Cup further demonstrates its expertise in delivering lighting systems to the highest international standards.

The partnership with Football Queensland will bring this expertise closer to Queensland’s football community, providing clubs with access to a specialist lighting partner as the game continues to grow across the state.

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