FIFA celebrates Bahrain talent academy with milestone event

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Image Credit: Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

FIFA celebrated Bahrain’s successful FIFA Talent Academy under the FIFA Talent Development Scheme with a milestone ceremony in the country’s capital, Manama, last week.

The event saw significant figures such as President of the Bahrain Football Association, His Excellency Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and legendary former manager Arsene Wenger, the FIFA Chief of Global Football Development attend, highlighting a major moment in FIFA and Bahraini collaboration.

The event marks an inaugural celebration of the first of over 20 operational FIFA Talent Academies under the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS).

Launched in February 2022, the TDS aims to bolster the footballing prowess of men’s and women’s national-team football across the globe by providing pathways for sustainable long-term development for member associations. Across its lifespan, the TDS has so far assisted more than 200 FIFA Member Associations, developing players in all corners of the world.

As the TDS continues to march on successfully, the scheme has a key focus to develop at least 75 FIFA Talent Academies around the world by 2027.

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, expressed his admiration for the FIFA Talent Academies and Bahrain’s work in a video message.

“Bahrain has been a pioneer in the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, and I want to thank you for your support. Together, we celebrate the great progress that has been made,” he said via press release.

“We are also aware that football has an important role to play beyond the pitch, so the FIFA Talent Academies will look to develop well-rounded individuals by instilling values such as discipline, teamwork and leadership through football in a safe environment. This will ensure that players not only excel on the pitch but also grow as responsible, contributing members of society.”

A core tenant of every FIFA Talent Development Academy is the responsibility to protect and educate players, allowing them to flourish in a safe environment.

FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Arsène Wenger, spoke of the goals of the academies.

“The ultimate objectives of FIFA Talent Academies are to develop young players by providing them with the highest levels of training, education and development to help them reach their full potential, contributing to the overall growth of football in the country,” he said via press release.

FIFA will continue to investigate and develop ways to create sustainable long-term football systems to elevate player skill and the sport as a whole.

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Victorian Government Renews $10,000 Sporting Club Grants to Power Grassroots Sport in 2025-26

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Victorian grassroots football club training session

The Victorian State Government has announced the renewal of the Sporting Club Grants Program for 2025-26, delivering another boost for local players, coaches, and volunteers across the state. The program offers up to $10,000 in funding for eligible non-profit clubs to strengthen participation, upgrade equipment, and enhance community engagement.

Since its inception in 2015, the initiative has invested more than $19.5 million into Victorian sport, empowering clubs to stay active and connected. Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence praised the program for driving a “healthier, more connected Victoria,” highlighting its success in supporting grassroots development across all levels.

This year’s round places stronger focus on regional communities, following an additional $60 million investment in the Regional Community Sport Development Fund. The renewed focus ensures rural clubs—often the backbone of local communities—can access the same resources, skills, and opportunities as metropolitan teams.

Partnering with Active Victoria, the initiative aligns with the state’s 2022–26 roadmap, which champions inclusivity and representation across all sporting levels. The roadmap prioritises increased participation for women, queer, and underrepresented groups, reflecting the program’s role in building a fairer, more accessible sporting environment.

Beyond participation, the program also delivers significant economic benefits for regional areas, generating jobs and local investment through grassroots sport. By funding local initiatives, the government aims to create positive ripple effects that extend well beyond the playing field.

Applications for Round One open on October 23, 2025, and close on November 26, 2025. Clubs can apply across five categories: Uniform and Equipment, Volunteers and Officials, Access and Events, Travel, and Governance and Engagement. Round Two opens in early February 2026, closing mid-March.

For Victoria’s sporting communities, the renewed program marks another vital step in sustaining grassroots sport and reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of connection, health, and community pride.

Football Queensland Launches Upgraded Club Support Hub to Boost Volunteer and Administrator Support

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Volunteer using Football Queensland Customer Service Booking Portal

Football Queensland has unveiled its redesigned Club Support Hub, providing enhanced resources and a new Customer Service Booking Portal to assist club administrators and volunteers ahead of the 2026 season. The upgraded hub is designed to streamline support and ensure clubs have the tools they need to operate efficiently.

The Club Support Hub now offers a comprehensive suite of practical resources, covering every stage of the football season – from pre-season planning to post-season wrap-ups. Administrators and volunteers can also book dedicated support directly with FQ’s Customer Service team, making guidance more accessible than ever.

FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said, “Football Queensland acknowledges that the success of club operations is fuelled by the hard work and dedication of volunteers across the state. We are proud to continue to bolster the support available to them with more resources and more access to FQ Customer Support.”

Building on the original Hub launched in 2021 and FQ’s Future Club+ initiative, the upgrade aims to make volunteer workflows more efficient. Checklists, guides, and direct triaging options ensure clubs receive the right support at the right time, allowing administrators to focus on value-adding activities that enhance the football experience.

To support the rollout, FQ will deliver a series of webinars in the coming months, guiding administrators through the extensive new resources available. “We are excited to continue strengthening the support available to our clubs and volunteers as we reinforce our commitment to improving the experience for every member of our football community,” Cavallucci added.

The upgraded Club Support Hub marks a significant step in Football Queensland’s ongoing efforts to provide a more efficient, club-focused service model, ensuring administrators and volunteers have the tools and guidance they need to succeed.

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