FFA launches Skills Hub for its #PlayatHomeChallenge

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Football Federation Australia (FFA) has launched its official Skills Hub as another part of its #PlayatHomeChallenge.

The Skills Hub will allow those in the Australian football community to stay connected, ensuring both physical and mental health are looked after.

There are twelve challenges that can be completed within four core categories of football skills.

The four categories are: First touch, Striking the ball, Running with the ball and 1v1.

According to the FFA, here is how the #PlayatHomeChallenge works:

  • Every week the organisation will announce a skill for you to master
  • Record yourself showing your best efforts or your own skills
  • Challenge three of your friends to match your moves
  • Post your video on social media – and be sure to tag your three friends and include #PlayAtHomeChallenge and #StayAtHomeChallenge

More information, including the first skill to master in the #PlayatHomeChallenge can be found here.

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Football NSW: South Coast grassroots clubs receive welcome funding boost

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Image Credit: Football NSW

Three Football South Coast clubs are the latest recipients of the NSW Government’s ‘Active Regional Communities’ package, a community program which seeks to invest in facilities in the hope that safer, more accessible playing environments will lead to increased participation across the board.

The purpose of the package, as per Service NSW’s website, is to enhance liveability, resilience and long-term sustainability in rural NSW by championing events that support social cohesion and improve amenities in the region.

It is comprised of 3 streams:

1.⁠ ⁠Regional Events and Partnerships – with grants of up to $2 million available for either the development of new events, or to improve on existing events, via upgraded infrastructure.

2.⁠ ⁠Community Participation – grants of up to $1 million, with a focus on greater accessibility. This funding could go towards sports grounds, safe transport and supervision, or staffing for events that boost local wellbeing and connection.

3.⁠ ⁠Local Priorities – Covers grants of up to $100,000, targeted at upgrading safety and equipment, hiring and training skilled staff, introducing and funding new groups, and/or increasing the frequency and range of existing activities.

On October 9, Football NSW announced upgrades would be received by Fairy Meadow United FC, Woonona Football Club and Albion Park White Eagles Soccer Club, as part of a comprehensive $7 million investment which will support a total of 24 community-led projects across the South Coast.

The clubs have secured $177,566, $18,182 and $46,297 respectively, which will support improvements to club awnings, goalposts and ball stop fences  in a bid to enhance matchday experience safety.

Football NSW’s Infrastructure and Club Development Coordinator Lachlan Mainwaring congratulated the clubs on this essential period of growth.

Mainwaring described the regional funding projects as ‘fantastic examples’ of how the impact of grassroots investments can reverberate through wider communities, assisting players, volunteers and families alike.

To ensure the sport remains sustainable for future generations, Football NSW welcomes ongoing partnership between clubs, association, government and councils.

Football Queensland remove fees for match officials in 2027

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Football Queensland has announced referee enrolment fees across the state will be removed in 2027, to help create an affordable and accessible pathway to officiating.

The decision marks another moment in FQ’s ten point plan to transform refereeing.

Whereas referees in Victoria can be charged between $100-$250 annually, FQ have opened the doors for all.

CEO Robert Cavallucci said in a statement via FQ, ‘Football Queensland is proud to confirm that all match officials will pay $0 in FQ enrolment fees to referee in 2027, in a major boost for Queenslanders as we make it even easier for participants in every corner of the state to become a referee.’

As football grows at an exponential rate in Australia, so too does its need for officials. 

This welcoming and direct route to refereeing will hopefully see football in Queensland benefit in numerous ways. More trained officials means more games can be played; with more games comes more talent, and further opportunity for it to develop.

Cavallucci continued: ‘By reducing barriers to officiating through the removal of match official enrolment fees for 2027, Football Queensland’s additional investment in referee ‘match day’ development and training will also see a significant expansion of the statewide match day coaching program, delivering benefits to match officials in every region.’

With increased investment comes recognition the development of referee welfare frameworks must continue to be improved. A central aspect to FQ’s strategy is the concept of rest and rotation; with more referees comes the ability to step out of the high-pressure environment on the pitch on occasion, ensuring burn out of stress can be regulated in what is ostensibly a challenging job.

Football Queenslands commitment to the game via officials should be celebrated and inspire other organisations to do the same. Investing in officials can only further advance football in Australia.

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