Floreat Athena FC unveils modernised club facilities

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Image credit: Floreat Athena FC

Floreat Athena Football Club has officially completed a multi-million-dollar redevelopment, unveiling state-of-the-art changerooms and clubrooms in a landmark moment for one of Western Australia’s most storied football institutions.

This long-awaited redevelopment first took shape back in August 2018, when former WA Senator Peter Georgiou helped secure $3 million in Federal Liberal Government funding kickstarting a project years in the making.

That crucial funding paved the way for a complete transformation of the club’s aging facilities at Litis Stadium, bringing them into a new era.

The State Government also stepped in with $800,000 to upgrade the lighting, helping bring the venue up to modern standards for both training and match days. Meanwhile, the City of Vincent is supporting the next phase by reinstating perimeter fencing which is part of preparations to ensure Litis Stadium is ready to serve as a key training base for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2026.

Former President Con Poulios played a key role in bringing the project to life, dedicating countless volunteer hours over several years to help turn the vision into reality.

Club President Sam Albanis said the redevelopment marks a big step forward not just for Floreat Athena, but for the wider sporting community as well.

“This project has been years in the making, and today we proudly stand in a space that honours the legacy of our club while embracing the future of football in Western Australia,” he said via Club Statement.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to former Senator Peter Georgiou for his advocacy in securing the Federal funding, and to the State Government and City of Vincent for their critical support. I also want to acknowledge the incredible voluntary contribution of former President Con Poulios, who acted as project coordinator and committed countless hours to see this project through.”

The revamped changerooms now feature gender-inclusive facilities, improved medical and physiotherapy spaces, modern lockers, and better accessibility, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for every athlete.

This redevelopment fits perfectly with the club’s bigger goal of becoming a hub of excellence and a proud host venue for major events like the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2026.

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Football NSW calls on clubs to Make It Red for Heart Health Round

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Football NSW is calling on clubs and associations across the state to register for the 2026 Make It Red campaign, joining a national awareness movement aimed at reducing heart-related deaths on sporting grounds ahead of Heart Health Round on the weekend of June 5 to 7.

The campaign, developed by the Heartbeat of Football Foundation, asks sporting clubs to wear red, raise funds and build awareness around heart disease and sudden cardiac arrest, which is the leading single cause of disease burden and death in Australia for both men and women, and one that health authorities say is largely preventable through modifiable risk factors.

The call to action comes as the Foundation continues its work to map and register Automated External Defibrillators across NSW sporting facilities, a project that has already engaged twelve football associations and fed data into both the NSW Ambulance GoodSAM registry and NSW Health’s public AED map. The availability of a functioning, registered AED on site is among the most significant determinants of survival following sudden cardiac arrest, with survival rates declining sharply for every minute without defibrillation.

Football NSW is encouraging clubs to engage with the campaign across three areas. Clubs can register for the Make It Red campaign to help fund research, education and prevention programs. Participants, particularly those aged over 35, are encouraged to seek a free heart health screening test from their local GP or enquire about hosting a Heartbeat of Football testing day. Clubs are also urged to ensure their grounds have active, accessible AEDs in place, with guidance available through Football NSW’s Rescue Ready Guide.

The Make It Red campaign runs from June 5 to July 12, with Heart Health Round taking place across the opening weekend. Clubs can register and access participation resources at makeitred.org.

Community Spirit Shines on AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026

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Image credit: Football Australia

This week, Football Australia (FA) celebrated AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026, championing the people and communities who continue to hold up a safe, inclusive and supportive environment in the football landscape.

‘For all, for life’

In collaboration with Football NSW, Canterbury Football Association and community club, Balmain & District Football Club, the day reflected the very best of what football provides.

The event brought in participants of all ages – from 4-74 years-old – and reached a total of 400 people. Girls-only programs, all-abilities sessions and over-age football ensured all were catered for.

Such a diverse range of participants builds on a wider drive during FIFA World Football Week, which seeks to promote the sport not just as the dazzling lights of 100,000-seater stadiums, but as a way to foster community spirit and social development.

Furthermore, FA support through its Club Changer program was a welcome addition to the action, emphasising the organisation’s commitment to nurture a real love for the game across communities in Australia.

“Through Club Changer we support our clubs to provide a safe, fun and enjoyable environment where everyone is welcome; whether that be as a player, volunteer, referee or supporter,” explained National Program Manager Club Development at FA, Grace Lambourne.

“Everyone should feel they belong and are welcome to play, stay, and love the game.”

 

A welcome celebration

While the upcoming FIFA World Cup will no doubt inspire millions of future Socceroos and Matildas, events like the AFC Grassroots Football Day represent something beyond just inspiration.

It is a platform. An opportunity to express a love for football and to connect with others while doing so.

And connections between the professional and grassroots game is more important than ever if Australia is to nurture the next generation of talent.

This is particularly clear in the rise of women’s football across the nation. Since the FIFA Women’s World Cup, female participation rose by 32%, and registrations for the MiniTillies Program skyrocketed from 264 in 2023, to 1223 in 2024.

The professionals spark passion. But communities turn that passion into playing time.

That is why celebrating grassroots football – and the volunteers and families who sustain it – is a vital part of Australia’s football future. Together, FA and the AFC are creating strong foundations built on positivity, engagement, and inclusivity for all with a love for the beautiful game.

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