Football Australia has made key selections for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026

Avatar
Asta
Image credit: PxHere website

Football Australia has appointed two senior leaders to the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™, enhancing its preparations for the upcoming tournament.

Bill Allen has been appointed as Tournament Director, and Alex Hamilton as Executive General Manager – Event Growth & Experience.

Football Australia’s CEO, James Johnson, voiced confidence in the new appointments and emphasised the key roles they will play in the tournament’s success.

“Bill and Alex are outstanding leaders in their fields, and their combined expertise will be pivotal in delivering a world-class AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Their appointments reflect our commitment to excellence as we aim to create a tournament that showcases the very best of women’s football and leaves a lasting legacy for the game in Australia and across Asia,” he said via press release.

“Bill’s operational expertise and track record in major tournaments ensure that every aspect of the event’s delivery will be meticulously planned, while Alex’s vision for fan engagement and growth will amplify the tournament’s reach, connecting new audiences and enhancing the overall experience for fans. Together, they bring the capability to deliver an unforgettable event that will not only inspire but also elevate the profile of women’s football on a global scale.”

Allen brings a wealth of experience to the LOC from his distinguished career in the sports and events industry. He most recently served as Head of Operations for the highly successful FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ and has also played key roles in organising the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015™ and the Qatar 2011 tournament.

Allen’s expertise in stakeholder management, project and event operations, competition, and venue planning will be vital as preparations continue. Renowned for his leadership and collaborative style, his appointment provides confidence that the tournament will be efficiently and successfully delivered.

Bill Allen expressed his excitement in the appointment and to continue the growth of women’s football.

“I’m excited to join Sarah Walsh and be part of the team bringing the AFC Women’s Asian Cup to Australia,” he said via press release.

“With the momentum of the recent Women’s World Cup behind us, I look forward to continuing the growth of women’s football locally and across Asia, whilst delivering a tournament that will inspire players and fans alike.”

Alex Hamilton brings a fresh and innovative approach to the LOC, with over 12 years of experience in tennis leadership, including her role as Chief Event Officer for the Australian Open.

In her role as Executive General Manager – Event Growth & Experience, she will spearhead initiatives to provide a world-class fan experience and attract new markets, especially within the Asian diaspora, to ensure lasting support for football beyond the tournament.

Alex Hamilton commented she is looking forward to working with her team and Government partners.

“I’m thrilled to bring my experience from tennis into football and help create a truly exceptional event that will leave a lasting impact,” she said via press release.

“I look forward to working closely with the Football Australia team, the Asian Football Confederation and our Government partners to create and deliver an incredible event experience that will resonate with fans across the entire region.”

As preparations for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ intensify, the LOC is expanding, with the team diligently working to create an unforgettable experience for players, fans, and communities.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Mapping the Future: GIS Innovation Takes Off in Australia

Avatar
Image credit: Global Institute of Sport

Global Institute of Sport (GIS) is expanding its influence in the Asia-Pacific, in particular, Australia where they have already made significant progress and will be opening a brand new campus.

GIS is a leader in sports education, offering innovative online and in-person courses at campuses and iconic sports venues around the world, including the likes of Wembley Stadium in London, Chase Stadium in Miami, and Melbourne’s MCG.

But it’s Australia where GIS is now focusing its attention and they’ve already made some big strides.

In episode four of Soccerscene’s Off the Pitch podcast, Asia-Pacific Regional Director Ray Boggiano spoke about the progress GIS has made in Australia so far.

“We’ve had the MCG partnership since 2019, so we’ve been doing our first summit, so study tour was in January 2020, we had a couple of virtual ones in between and then we brought our students back for the last couple of years as well,” he said in the podcast.

“From last year we started doing these residentials, so we have various sites, the MCG, Darebin, our partner clubs like Preston, they’re signed off as sites that we can deliver for face-to-face teaching for our British programs.”

Additionally, Boggiano spoke about the new GIS campus opening in Australia next year.

“Our vision and something that’s very soon to be realised is to have a sports campus in Australia,” he said.

“We will be opening the doors to our Sydney campus next year so our first intake will be in January 2026.

“The partnership is with the University of Newcastle, but it’s with their Sydney CBD campus, and also in partnership with Venus NSW, so very pleased to be able to use the Allianz Stadium and the SCG as well, so we’ve got access to two incredible stadiums.”

Boggiano also added that the new campus will be taking applications as soon as this month and highlighted the importance of Australia to GIS.

“We will be starting to take applications likely from April this year and the first intake will be January 2026, so this is a major milestone for us,” he said.

“We have always had Australia central to our strategy, it is really a vibrate sports economy, sports market, and sports industry.

“Over the next ten years that’s only going in one direction with obviously the build-up Brisbane games in 2032.”

The new campus will offer a wide range of degrees and industry-focused programs designed to give students the skills they need to succeed in the global sports industry.

To hear and learn more about GIS, you can listen to the full interview with Ray Boggiano on episode four of Soccerscene’s Off the Pitch Podcast, available on all major podcasting apps and here.

Football Queensland Forms Regional Partnership with McDonald’s

Avatar
Image Credit: Football Queensland Facebook

Football Queensland (FQ) is excited to announce McDonald’s as the Official Quick Service Restaurant Partner for the Far North & Gulf region.

Under the two-year regional collaboration, McDonald’s will take on naming rights to the home of football in Cairns, with Endeavour Park now officially named Macca’s Park.

The partnership also includes support for grassroots football, with McDonald’s backing local clubs and celebrating junior players across the Far North and Gulf through the weekly MiniRoos Player of the Week voucher initiative.

FQ General Manager – Northern Conference, Craig Ramage, said the partnership was a major win for the region, highlighting FQ’s continued focus on growing the game in regional Queensland.

“This is an exciting opportunity to partner with an iconic brand in McDonald’s, whose long-standing support of community football aligns strongly with our vision for the game across the state,” he said via press release.

“We’re proud to extend this relationship into the Far North & Gulf, with the support from McDonald’s set to deliver direct benefits to grassroots programs, local clubs and junior players right across the region.

“The renaming of Endeavour Park to Macca’s Park is a powerful symbol of this partnership and our shared commitment to creating vibrant and welcoming regional football hubs that inspire the next generation of participants and bring communities together.”

McDonalds Far North Queensland Marketing Manager Jill Lennox, expressed that the partnership reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting active lifestyles and local communities through sport.

“Active lives are happier and healthier lives. McDonald’s wants to deliver valuable benefits to the wider community. With the goal of helping people live a more balanced, active and enriched lifestyle, McDonald’s is passionate about its sports and community sponsorships program,” she said via press release.

“McDonald’s is very proud to be the naming rights sponsor to the home of football in Cairns now known as Macca’s Park. This partnership is our way of giving back to the community which supports us and to assist in the development of important life skills such as commitment, hard work, and friendship.

“On behalf of McDonald’s, we would like to thank all competitors, parents, organisers, volunteers and other sponsors for their incredible support of Football Far North and Gulf region and we look forward to seeing you at Macca’s Park soon.”

This alliance marks an exciting chapter for football in the Far North & Gulf, as Football Queensland and McDonald’s work together to support the growth of the game across the region.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend