Football Coaches Australia and XVenture announce ‘Play it Forward’ support

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Football Coaches Australia (FCA) welcomes all Australian advance licence and community football coaches to the FCA XVenture College and the Essential Skills ‘Play it Forward’ program.

In a world first opportunity for all Australian football coaches, FCA and XV are offering a program which connects directly with FCA and XVenture’s DNA. A global mentoring (or buddy system) program which will allow for Australian coaches to help a fellow coach from around the world to undertake their own FCA XV Essential Skills study as a result of their helping hand.

The program supports football coaches in Australia and other countries who will be able to influence their community immensely as a result of our help.

XVenture Founder and CEO Mike Conway:

“For every coach who undertakes this program with Football Coaches Australia, we will “Play It Forward” by providing a coach who can’t afford the program full access to this body of work too. Imagine – coaches around the World helping the next generation! Improving lives and growing the game. Surely that’s what it’s about? There are no barriers.”           

This program is also in line with the FCA mantra of “Promoting and strengthening the reputation of football in Australia and the reputation of Australian football on the world stage”.

Glenn Warry FCA CEO:

“During the ongoing impact of COVID on world sport we at FCA, along with our valued partner XVenture, are just so proud to present the ‘Play it Forward’ program.

In 2020 FCA worked hard to lead in connecting the coaching community via an extensive coach PD webinar program for community and accredited coaches.

“The FCA XV College Essential Skills ‘Play it Forward’ Program is an incredible opportunity for Australian coaches to enhance the continuing education of every coach’s journey around the world no matter what level they are working at or what their circumstances are”.

How will the FCA XV ‘Play it Forward’ program work?

For every FCA XV Essential Skills full program undertaken by an Australian football coach a complimentary program will be provided to a coach from around the world who can’t afford the program to allow you both to work through the completion of the program together.

Initially FCA and XV will offer this program to coaches nominated by their current football network partners:

  • Association of Indian Football Coaches
  • John Moriarty Foundation
  • RISE Football Academy

FCA is also engaging with the Nepal Football Association, other Asian Football Coach Associations and the Oceania Football Confederation regarding the provision of support for coaches who meet the criteria.

As the program grows FCA will be looking to expand their network to provide this unique opportunity to coaches from all around the world, by connecting with organisations such as ‘Coaches Across Continents’.

The series of FCA XV College modules are delivered completely online, in a revolutionary virtual world environment which aims to develop the ‘essential skills’ of coaching across 5 modules – Emotional Intelligence, Leadership, Resilience, Culture and Communication Skills.

Phil Moss, President of FCA, introduces the course to participating coaches as they make their way through the virtual world of the FCA XV College foyer. View here.

XVenture Founder, Professor Mike Conway provides an Essential Skills Introduction which can be viewed here.

Find out how you can be part of this coaching revolution by visiting FCA XVenture’s College. 

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Football West Launches Second Year of Pivotal Mental Health Initiative

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Football West Launch Mental Health Initiative
Image Credit: Football West

Football West and health promotion partner Healthway have officially confirmed registrations are open for the 2025 “Kick off the Conversation” program.

This will be the second year of their groundbreaking mental health initiative for the Western Australian football community.

Following the remarkable success of last year’s campaign, which saw participation from more than 60 clubs across Western Australia, the program aims to expand its reach and deepen its impact on mental wellbeing within grassroots football.

The comprehensive initiative equips clubs with essential resources to address mental health challenges within sporting environments.

Participating organisations will develop capabilities to foster supportive club cultures, respond effectively to mental health concerns, implement tailored wellbeing policies, and appoint dedicated wellbeing officers.

To mark the launch of the 2025 program, Football West has collaborated with mental health organisation HelpingMinds to deliver two awareness sessions.

An in-person workshop will be held at the Sam Kerr Football Centre in Queens Park on May 28, followed by an online webinar on June 4.

Both sessions will cover mental health fundamentals, support strategies, and wellbeing enhancement techniques.

The popular Think Mental Health Round will return in July, with further details to be announced in coming weeks.

This year’s program will emphasise capacity building at club level, with particular focus on upskilling key personnel responsible for promoting wellbeing.

Clubs that completed the program in 2024 will be offered advanced training opportunities, including Mental Health First Aid certification for nominated wellbeing officers or club representatives.

Football clubs interested in participating are encouraged to visit the Kick off the Conversation webpage to register and access available resources.

Registration provides immediate access to educational materials designed to establish or enhance club wellbeing frameworks.

Mental Health has become present in the sporting world, especially in football.

The importance of Mental health for all participants is key to a healthy sport, community and everyone’s overall living.

It’s important that football institutions make sure that they offer quality mental health services and options for the community and tackle mental health head on.

This is a strong positive step by Football Western Australia and one that hopefully delivers positive outcomes.

To register your club, visit the Kick off the Conversation webpage for resources to build the mental health of your club.

To register for the Mental Health Awareness sessions presented by HelpingMinds click here.

Beckham and Neville Lead New Salford City FC Ownership Group

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Image Credit: Salford City FC website

Salford City FC has entered a new era following its acquisition by a diversified global ownership group, led by David Beckham and Gary Neville, alongside US businessman Declan Kelly and former UK government minister Lord Mervyn Davies, who will both serve as Co-Chairs of the club’s board.

The transition marks a significant strategic shift, aimed at scaling the club’s ambitions across sporting, commercial, and infrastructure sectors, with a focus on long-term sustainability.

A Unique Ownership Model Fusing Football Legacy and Global Expertise

The club’s unique ownership model stands apart in English football. Operating as a members’ club, it brings together nine high-profile individuals and entities across sectors including finance, law, technology, and entertainment.

Key investors include:

  • Dream Sports Group (India’s leading sports tech company)
  • Frank Ryan (Global Co-Chair & Americas CEO, DLA Piper)
  • Colin Ryan (Founder, Clipper Street Capital)
  • Nick Woodhouse (Executive Vice Chairman, Authentic Brands Group)
  • Shravin Mittal (Founder, Unbound)

This model, inspired by U.S. sports investment syndicates, offers a commercially-driven approach to ownership. It aims for multi-market expansion, making Salford City FC a more global brand while staying grounded in its local roots.

Building on the Class of ’92 Legacy

This strategic move builds on the foundation laid by the Class of ’92 — Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, and Phil Neville — who, together with Peter Lim, took Salford City from non-league football to League Two status. While Lim has stepped down as a shareholder, the Class of ‘92 remains involved in the club’s operations, spanning technical roles, football development, commercial strategy, and the academy.

Co-Chair of Salford City FC’s new ownership group, Gary Neville emphasises the long-term vision for Salford City FC, with a clear focus on both footballing success and financial sustainability.

“Football will come first, but it’s critical we drive the club toward sustainability in the next 4–5 years,” he said via press release.

Consello to Lead the New Commercial Strategy

Salford City FC’s new commercial strategy will be developed in collaboration with Consello, a global advisory and investment firm founded by Declan Kelly. Janey Whiteside, former Walmart CCO, will lead growth efforts as Chief Growth Officer, focusing on partner acquisition across the UK, U.S., Europe, and Asia. The goal is to evolve Salford City from a local football project into a global, sustainable brand with strong community connections, elite player development, and diversified revenue streams.

Beckham’s Personal Connection to Salford City FC

Co-Chair of Salford City FC’s new ownership group, David Beckham, expressed an emotional connection to the club’s vision.

“Salford City is at the heart of its community… I’m proud to be part of its next chapter,” he said via press release.

Beckham’s involvement brings significant cultural influence and global brand recognition, particularly in North America and Asia, where he continues to maintain strong commercial sway.

Broader Strategic Implications for the Football Business

This acquisition highlights key trends in the evolving football business:

  • Diversified ownership models bringing cross-sector expertise and capital to smaller clubs
  • A shift towards sustainability and structured growth, not just on-field success
  • Global brand building, even at lower league levels
  • Growing interest in football investment from institutional players outside traditional sport ownership

If successful, Salford City FC could become a prime example of how a commercially viable football brand can be built from League Two upward, all while staying true to its local community roots.

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