FFA Cup returns to put local clubs back in the spotlight

Liam Watson

The sixth edition of the FFA Cup will again showcase some of the best talents from around Australia’s National Premier Leagues.

NPL sides have had to make it through their state’s preliminary rounds of qualifying, with those successful sides set to begin their FFA Cup venture when Matchday 1 of the Round of 32 begins tonight (Wednesday July 24).

On an opening night dominated by NPL match ups and local ties, there will be plenty of sides able to make it past to the next round and eventually test themselves against one of the A-League clubs (excluding Western United).

The FFA Cup will continue to reward NPL sides for every goal they score and allow players to express themselves and make the next step in their career. Being on the big stage is a massive incentive for any local-level club or player with the opportunity to prove their worth.

The Magic of the Cup will be in full swing, with upsets once again a realistic possibility given A-League sides are only in their pre-season.

It could even be the first year in the FFA Cup’s history that an NPL team will go all the way to the Grand Final – a moment to remember when it first transpires.

Fans will have a variety of ways to view this year’s FFA Cup if they’re unable to attend the game. All games can be found on Fox Sports, Kayo, the My Football app or via a stream from Fox Sports’ website.

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Football Victoria unveils CoacHER Pathway Program

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Image Credit: Football Victoria Website

Football Victoria (FV) proudly launched the CoacHER Pathway Program at The Home of the Matildas on May 10, marking a significant milestone for women in coaching, the largest female-only coaching course ever delivered in the state.

More than 85 passionate women came together for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration. The CoacHER initiative is all about breaking down the barriers women face in coaching, while building a supportive, long-term development pathway for both new and experienced female coaches.

Coach Education Coordinator Emily Sutcliffe reflected on the launch, and its aim to build a sense of community, confidence, and belonging among women in football.

“Seeing such a large group of women all in one space, learning and supporting one another, was incredibly powerful,” she said via press release.

“The day was more than just technical training — it was about creating an environment where women felt genuinely seen, heard, and valued. In a powerful moment, two participants approached staff in tears, overwhelmed by the sense of belonging in a space filled with like-minded women who share their passion for football.

“For many of these women, this was the first time they’d ever been in a coaching space surrounded entirely by other women. It’s hard to put into words how meaningful that is.

“One coach shared her journey in football, recalling the challenges she faced when coaching her son’s team – including repeated derogatory comments questioning her capability simply because she was female. She shared with tutors that this was the first time in years, she felt truly supported.”

Nearly 72 women proudly completed their Foundation of Football course, while 15 advanced coaches took part in FV’s first-ever in-person, female-only CPD workshop, themed ‘Match Day’. The CoacHER Pathway Program is open to women of all ages and experience levels — from seasoned coaches to current players and those completely new to coaching.

Participants also had the special opportunity to attend the Melbourne Victory FC semi-final the past weekend, further strengthening bonds and creating space for meaningful conversations among women in the football community.

With only 14% of coaches in Victoria identifying as female, CoacHER is a key part of FV’s commitment to achieving gender equity in football.

The program is designed to:

  • Remove financial and accessibility barriers to coaching education and CPD
  • Boost female representation across all levels of football — from grassroots to elite
  • Provide meaningful mentorship, peer support, and networking opportunities

“Visibility is critical,” Sutcliffe continued via press release.

“The more women we see in coaching roles, the more we inspire the next generation of girls to step up — not just as players, but as leaders in our game.”

Saturday’s launch was just the beginning. FV is committed to delivering more female-only coaching programs, expanding the CoacHER network, and ensuring every woman involved in football has the opportunity to thrive. With the help of the Growing Football Fund, this program was able to come to life, proudly supported by Football Australia and CommBank.

Elevating Aintree Football and grassroots sports

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Image credit: Football Victoria

Football Victoria has acknowledged Melton City Council for the official opening of the $15.3 million Aintree North Recreation Reserve — a pivotal investment in community sport and active recreation that will serve the area’s growing demand for football and broader sporting participation.

In April, City of Melton Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi and State Member for Kororoit Luba Grigorovitch MP officially unveiled the reserve, which is positioned to play a central role as a district-level facility in Melbourne’s west and will accommodate a range of local sports groups, including football clubs.

City of Melton Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi described the reserve as a transformative development for the local community.

“Spaces like these make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to take part in regular exercise, social connection and outdoor activity,” he said via press release.

“I’d like to thank the Victorian Government and Woodlea for their contributions to this fantastic project.”

The state-of-the-art reserve features premium soccer pitches, an inclusive play area, a youth-focused skate park, a jogging track with a fitness trail, an off-leash dog park, public restrooms, a network of shared pathways, and a contemporary community sports pavilion.

The project was supported by a $11.9 million investment from Melton City Council, alongside a $2 million contribution from the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund and an additional $1.46 million from developer Woodlea.

Josephine La Pila, Football Victoria’s Club Development Program Manager, expressed support for the reserve’s opening and commended the commitment to enhancing community football facilities.

“This precinct is a fantastic example of local government, developers and state partners working together to support grassroots football,” she said via press release.

“The facilities at Aintree will open new doors for clubs, players and families – especially in such a fast-growing area. We’re excited to see the positive impact it will have on participation, development and community connection.”

Football Victoria is excited to maintain its partnership with the City of Melton and local clubs, working together to establish the new reserve as a flourishing centre for football and community sports.

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