Football Australia confirm wellbeing support

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Football Australia

As part of an expanded partnership by Football Australia, Sport Integrity Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), anyone who has been involved in Football Australia’s national programs will have the opportunity to access free counselling via the AIS Mental Health Referral Network from November 1, 2021 to April 1, 2022.

The move, which offers free access to expert mental health and wellbeing support, includes:

  • Current and former members of the men’s and women’s national teams
  • Current and former members of the A-League Men
  • Current and former members of the A-League Women
  • Current and former members of the A-League Youth
  • All impacted Football Australia staff
  • Impacted family members of the athlete or staff groups above

Importantly, the support extends to all parties involved in the complaint process, including those who submit complaints or reports, and the respondents to those complaints.

Sport Integrity Australia CEO David Sharpe sees the value of the partnership as something that cannot be underestimated.

“We understand that speaking up, or being the subject of an investigation, can sometimes be extremely challenging. Ensuring people have access to professional support if they need it is essential and this partnership provides that through dedicated professionals who are experts in the field of elite sport,” he said.

AIS Director of People Development and Wellbeing Matti Clements was pleased to be able to expand support during the Football Australia process.

“We genuinely want everyone in Australian high-performance sport to be supported and feel like they can reach out for help if, and when, they need it. This year alone the AIS Mental Health Referral Network has received more than 350 referrals. So, don’t ever feel like you’re alone or there isn’t someone you can speak to,” she said.

“Your first point of call when you connect with the Mental Health Referral Network will be with a qualified psychologist who will discuss your concerns and circumstances, then offer to connect you to the most suitable clinician in our network. There’s no obligations, just support.”

Football Australia James Johnson CEO saw the expansion of the partnership as underlining the game’s commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for players and officials.

“The issues we’re talking about are inherently complex and deeply personal, so it’s important that people are provided the appropriate care and support so they are, and feel, equipped to participate in the process in a way that caters for their specific needs and circumstances,” he said.

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Tottenham Hotspur deliver player development workshop for Football NSW

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Image credit: Football NSW

The workshop focused on sharing knowledge and insights regarding player development, bringing together more than 120 coaches from across NSW with those from Tottenham Hotspur.

 

Experience, insight and education

Valentine Sports Park hosted the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) workshop, uniting Football NSW coaches and members of Tottenham Hotspur’s coaching staff to encourage discussion and learning opportunities about player development.

Tottenham’s player development pathway – from the academy to the first team – has produced some of the most respected names in Premier League history, including Harry Kane and Ledley King.

Under the leadership and guidance of Tottenham Hotspur Player & Coach Pathway Co-ordinator (and UEFA A Licence Coach), Jimmy Martin, as well as members of Tottenham’s coaching staff, Shannon Maloney, Kevin Moffatt and Tyler Blackwood, the workshop was a unique opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced coaches in the game.

“Coach education is a vital part of developing football across NSW, and having more than 120 coaches attend this workshop highlights the appetite within our football community to continue learning and improving,” explained Football NSW Head of Football, Edward Ferguson.

Ferguson continued to outline the value of learning from an organisation like Tottenham Hotspur, a team who have helped grow some of the game’s most exceptional talents. The lessons taken will consequently help to inform future approaches to coaching in NSW.

“The focus remains on creating better learning environments for players, encouraging decision-making, creativity and long-term development.”

What the workshop involved

The workshop encouraged coaches to dive into all aspects of player development: the technical, tactical, physical and mental aspects which contribute to the English academy setup.

Furthermore, Maloney, Moffatt and Blackwood – all of whom helped deliver a practical session for attendees – showed how a club’s playing identity can work alongside challenging training environments for players.

Game understanding, creative problem-solving and technical proficiency underpinned the main themes driving the workshop. In an age where individual expression on the pitch appears a dying art, Tottenham Hotspur coaches remain committed to encouraging players to feel confident adapating to a range of in-game scenarios.

Football NSW coaches were also able to attend a Q&A session with King, who spoke about his playing experiences for both club and country.

 

Final thoughts

As Australia continues to nurture the current and upcming generations of talented footballers, workshops such as this are a vital, fundamental part of the journey.

The fastest way to be among the best is to learn from them. The aim now is for Football NSW coaches to take the lessons learned, and apply them to football development in their own academies and teams across the state.

Ninja unveiled as major partner for A-League Women All Stars

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Image Credits: A Leagues

The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) has unveiled the official 2026 Ninja A-League All Stars playing kit, while confirming global lifestyle brand Ninja as the team’s new major partner ahead of this month’s clash with Chelsea FC Women.

Manufactured by Kappa Australia, the new kit will be worn by the Ninja A-League All Stars when they face Women’s Super League champions Chelsea at Allianz Stadium on Wednesday, August 12, as part of the Sydney Super Cup.

The announcement further strengthens Ninja’s growing presence in Australian football after becoming the naming rights partner of the Ninja A-League earlier this year. The partnership extends the global brand’s investment in the women’s game and places it front and center for one of the league’s biggest showcase fixtures.

Kappa Australia will once again supply the match apparel, continuing its association with the A-League All Stars concept. The new design is intended to celebrate the occasion while reflecting the continued growth and professionalism of women’s football in Australia.

The fixture against Chelsea provides the Ninja A-League All Stars with another opportunity to test themselves against elite international opposition, following the competition’s continued expansion as a marquee event on the Australian football calendar.

Supporters will be able to purchase the official playing jersey at Allianz Stadium on matchday, through Ultra Football and via Kappa Australia’s online store.

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