FFA seeks to bring AFC youth women’s qualifiers to regional Australia

Football Federation Australia (FFA) has submitted a second bid to host Asian Football Confederation (AFC) youth women’s qualification fixtures in Australia in 2021.

Round one of qualifiers for the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2022 are scheduled to take place in March next year.

FFA has already bid, along Cessnock City Council, to host a round one qualification group for AFC U-17s and furthermore partnered with Greater Shepparton City Council with the aim of hosting a round one qualification group for AFC U-20s.

If FFA’s bid is successful, three or four Asian nations would join the Young Matildas in regional Victoria for a tournament that would inject significant investment into the local economy.

“We are excited to have partnered with Greater Shepparton City Council to submit another bid to host AFC youth women’s football content in Australia next year,” said James Johnson, FFA CEO.

“This bid – alongside our submission with Cessnock City Council announced in August – aligns with our vision to host more national team matches on home soil, particularly in the lead up to our hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.”

Johnson added that FFA remains acutely aware of the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines in Victoria and nationally, meaning any event FFA event would only be held in close cooperation with authorities.

“We recognise and acknowledge Greater Shepparton for their foresight to work with us on this bid, which may result in some of the potential stars of 2023 featuring in regional Victoria just two years prior to the FIFA Women’s World Cup on our shores.

“The tournament will be a wonderful opportunity for our future stars to showcase their talent in front of friends and family. Football is a global game and we want to create more opportunities for our communities, particularly in regional Australia, to see international matches and connect with the game,” he said.

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Seema Abdullah, said the potential hosting of the qualification tournament would help her region on its road to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Council is very excited to partner with FFA to bid for such a prestigious international women’s tournament. Securing an event of such calibre would be a real coup for Australia and our region,” Cr Abdullah said.

“Our community has a proud football history and it would be great for the promotion of the sport in Australia and so inspiring to see our country’s best junior women’s footballers go up against Asia’s best, in our own backyard at the Shepparton Sports City precinct.”

“Local businesses in our visitor economy are doing it tough right now and if the tournament is secured and safe to go ahead it would be a real boost to our business community.”

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PFA and MoleMap Join Forces to Fight Skin Cancer in Football

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PFA MoleMap partnership awareness event with players

Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has partnered with MoleMap to offer full-body skin checks for the Socceroos, Matildas, A-League players, and members of the PFA Past Players Program. This initiative reinforces the PFA’s commitment to player wellbeing and helps ensure the early detection of skin cancer, one of Australia’s most preventable diseases.

Supporting Player Wellbeing On and Off the Field

Through this PFA MoleMap partnership, players receive comprehensive skin checks from accredited melanographers. The process includes high-resolution imaging reviewed by dermatologists, personalised risk assessments, and guidance on sun safety and self-checking. Additionally, players learn how to identify early warning signs and protect their long-term health.

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch said the partnership reinforces the organisation’s responsibility to care for players beyond the field.

“Skin cancer is one of Australia’s most common and preventable health issues. By partnering with MoleMap, we are taking proactive steps to protect our players and support their long-term wellbeing,” Busch said.

Continuing a Legacy of Awareness

The PFA first introduced skin checks after the passing of former National Soccer League player David Cervinski in 2019. Cervinski’s battle with melanoma inspired the PFA to make skin health a permanent part of its welfare programs.

Now, the PFA MoleMap partnership continues this legacy, encouraging early detection and awareness across the football community. As a result, players and fans alike are reminded to prioritise their skin health.

Players Leading the Way in Skin Health

MoleMap will appoint current and former players as ambassadors for skin health. These ambassadors will share personal stories, promote awareness, and encourage Australians to schedule regular skin checks.

MoleMap Chief Business Officer Jaime Schell said:

“Skin cancer can affect anyone. Through this PFA MoleMap partnership, we hope to inspire players, fans, and the wider community to prioritise skin health. Early detection saves lives.”

A Shared Commitment to Player Health

Ultimately, this PFA MoleMap partnership strengthens the PFA’s mission to protect, educate, and support players throughout every stage of their football journey. Together, the PFA and MoleMap are creating a healthier, more informed football community.

Melbourne’s A-League Rivals Unite to Tackle Racism Through Statewide Initiative

Staff Writer

Melbourne’s A-League rivals Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City have put competition aside to lead a major new anti-racism initiative aimed at promoting inclusion and respect across Victoria.

Backed by the Victorian Government, the Local Anti-Racism Initiatives (LARI) Program will engage more than 10,000 young people over the next four years through athlete-led workshops, football-based education sessions, community visits and school programs. The partnership will culminate in the inaugural Anti-Racism Symposium in 2026, bringing together players, educators and community leaders to share stories and strategies.

Developed initially by Reflect Forward in collaboration with Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), the initiative harnesses the unifying power of football to challenge racism both on and off the field.

To mark the launch, the captains of Victory and City will wear specially designed Reflect Forward armbands during this weekend’s Melbourne Derby – a powerful symbol of solidarity and the clubs’ shared commitment to inclusivity.

Earlier this week, the two clubs co-hosted a special screening of the ABC documentary series End Game at AAMI Park, which explores racism in Australian sport. The event was attended by government officials, media representatives and football stakeholders to celebrate the partnership’s official launch.

Reflect Forward’s Jamal Elsheikh said the collaboration represents the next step in a growing national movement.

“What started as a collaboration between Reflect Forward and PFA in 2021 is now growing – bringing clubs, athletes, and communities together to take real action against racism,” he said.

Melbourne Victory Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie, said the club is proud to lead by example.

“By working with Reflect Forward and Melbourne City, we believe we can help decrease the instances of racism in sport. “Collaborating on this project will create places in schools and football clubs that ensure all Victorians feel a greater sense of pride and belonging,” she stated.

Melbourne City’s Head of Community, Sunil Menon, added: “Melbourne City has always believed in the power of football to make a difference. Through our community programs, we’ve seen how the game can bring people together and build understanding across cultures.”

PFA Chief Executive, Beau Busch, said the program highlights players’ ongoing commitment to driving cultural change.

“Australian football is the beneficiary of our multicultural communities and diversity across our nation. With that comes the responsibility to proactively protect those who contribute so much,” he concluded.

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