Football Australia pilots FIFA Coach Education Development Pathway Program

Staff Writer

17 of Australia’s emerging coaches have converged on Sydney this week to participate in a joint FIFA-Football Australia Coach Educators’ Development Pathway Program.

Football Australia was one of five Member Associations selected by FIFA to run this pilot program, focusing on the development of home-grown coach educators through 150 hours of theory and practical learning linked to the fundamental coach educator’s competence, which will ultimately lead to graduates supporting Football Australia and Member Federations to develop more qualified coaches.

Commencing in November 2021, selected participants from the Australian football community embarked on this 12-month program featuring 40 online modules, with this five-day (2–6 May) in-person element providing the opportunity to deliver sessions in the classroom and on-pitch, enabling attending FIFA and Football Australia technical experts to guide and provide feedback.

Leading this week’s in-person modules are FIFA experts Branimir Ujevic (FIFA Head of Coaching & Player Development), Dany Ryser (FIFA Technical Expert and current U17 Men’s Switzerland Head Coach) and Mohamed Basir (FIFA Senior Manager, Coaching Development Department).

Joining them are Trevor Morgan (National Technical Director & U17 Men’s Head Coach), Rae Dower (Women’s Technical Advisor & U17 Women’s Head Coach) and Ron Smith (Technical Consultant) from Football Australia.

Australia joins Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, and the United States in being selected to roll-out this pilot program, which Trevor Morgan acknowledges is a nod to the ongoing work of Football Australia and the Member Federations in the development of coaches at all levels.

“Football Australia is looking to evolve coach and player development and participating in this coach educators’ pathway program, as developed by and delivered in collaboration with FIFA, will enable Australian coaches to get a head start on this new program which will be implemented the world over in the coming years,” Morgan said.

“In this program, FIFA brings a certain methodology, a pathway to follow step by step, and the necessary tools for the current course participants – and ultimately coach education instructors – to perform as effectively as possible.

“If Australian football can develop and grow a pool of highly skilled coach educators in all parts of the country, the multiplier effect this will have on not only on coach development but in delivering elite player training, will have a huge impact on both the volume and quality of footballers we produce as a nation.”

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Bundesliga DNA to the Boardroom: German-born Martin Kugeler Takes the Helm at Football Australia

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Image Credit: Stan

German-born executive, Martin Kugeler, shaped by Europe’s football culture and based in Australia since 2009, will step in as Football Australia CEO in February as the game eyes a defining 2026.

Reaching new heights

During the press conference held earlier this morning, Kugeler displayed both confidence and ambition as he prepares to lead a new era for Football Australia next month.

“Football in Australia has a strong foundation for growth. Our national impact is massive,” he said, highlighting both the immense number of participants and local clubs in Australia. He then continued to underline both the Socceroos and the Matildas as valuable assets in the nation’s football sphere.

“We have exceptional national teams that continually make us proud. They perform at a truly global scale and unite not only the football community, but the entire nation.”

With both the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and the FIFA Men’s World Cup both on the horizon in 2026, the year certainly represents a huge opportunity for both the men’s and women’s game to showcase Australian footballing talent on an international scale. But the focus, as Krugeler underlined, will extend beyond the national team and address all levels of football in Australia to help the game grow.

“Football brings people and communities together. For a healthy lifestyle, for connection, for enjoyment, for belonging, powered by a remarkable, passion [and] dedicated players, referees, coaches, volunteers and fans,” he continued.

An inspiring reminder to all those involved in the game across Australia, and one which will hopefully show participants and stakeholders at all levels that 2026 will begin a new period of stability, growth and innovation.

 

Expertise, passion and ambition

Of course, the dawn of a new era for Football Australia cannot be successfully achieved without addressing the past and current issues, while still keeping an ambitious eye on what football can become at both national and international level for Australia.

Alongside Kugeler in the FA leadership team will be Football Australia Chair, Anter Isaac, as well as former Matilda, and current interim CEO of Football Australia, Heather Garriock. With their combined industry expertise and true passion for the game, all fans, players and stakeholders can be optimistic for the future of football governance in Australia.

But while expertise and passion are undoubtedly valuable assets for the FA, it remains essential that these help to inform the decisions and solutions made with the game’s best interests at heart.

 

 

 

 

Heidelberg United strengthens ties with Melbourne City Toyota

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Heidelberg United FC

It was announced via social media on Tuesday this week that Melbourne City Toyota would be extending their longstanding collaboration with Heidelberg United FC ahead of the 2026 season. 

 

A longstanding connection

The news of a collaboration between Heidelberg United and Melbourne City Toyota will come as no surprise to all those associated with the club. With a connection going all the way back to 2013, their professional relationship is built on solid foundations rooted within the Melbourne community. 

‘Heidelberg United FC is pleased to announce the continued support of our valued partner, Melbourne City Toyota, a proud sponsor since the inception of the NPL,’ the club said via an announcement made on social media. 

With a strong presence across several locations in Melbourne, including Heidelberg itself, Melbourne City Toyota represents an invaluable source of local support for Heidelberg United. 

 

An exciting project 

Since their first collaboration when the NPL first formed in 2013, Melbourne City Toyota have been an ever-present part of Heidelberg United’s journey to becoming one of the most formidable clubs in the NPL. 

In the past three seasons, the club has consistently risen up the NPLM VIC table. A mere two years on from finishing 9th in 2023, the men’s team achieved huge success last season as they became NPLM Victoria champions and reached the final of the Australian Cup. Although the latter ended in defeat, victories against A-League giants like Auckland FC showcased Heidelberg’s quality. 

The women’s team has also enjoyed plenty of success since joining the NPLW in 2016. Most notably, they achieved back-to-back Premiership titles in 2024 and 2025. With such success being showcased in both the NPLM and NPLW, there are certainly no question marks over Heidelberg United’s standing as one of the most exciting footballing projects not only in Victoria, but in all Australia.

 

New chapter, old partners

As clubs continue their preparations for the 2026 season, establishing local support and building community connections will be crucial. ‘The Bergers’ will no doubt be looking to count on the backing of Melbourne City Toyota as both a local and loyal partner in their endeavours on and off the pitch. 

 

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