Football Coaches Australia appoints Ernie Merrick as FCA Ambassador

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Merrick

Football Coaches Australia (FCA) is pleased to announce the addition of Premiership and Championship-winning A-League Men’s coach Ernie Merrick as an FCA Ambassador.

Ernie’s ongoing legacy in Australia football is assured. To date, he has left an indelible imprint on Australian football, and on those he has worked with.

Through his statesman role, FCA looks forward to Australian football coaches continuing to be able to tap into Ernie’s considerable football experience and expertise. Ernie will also be able to provide valuable commentary and insights on FCA issues relevant to coaches in Australia.

Ernie Merrick OAM was a PE teacher, as well as an amateur football player before entering the head coaching ranks.

Ernie’s most recent A-League role was as Newcastle Jets FC Head Coach where he took the Jets to the Grand Final in his inaugural 2017/18 season. He is the former head coach of the Victorian Institute of Sport, Hong Kong national football team, and A-League clubs Melbourne Victory FC and Wellington Phoenix FC.

Under Ernie’s leadership, Victory won the 2006–07 A-League Premiership, finished second in the group phase of the 2008 Asian Champions League and in the 2008–2009 season, won the treble, the Pre-Season Cup, the Premiership and the Grand Final.

During the 2009–2010 season, despite severe season-ending knee injuries to key players, Victory once again reached the Grand Final.

In committing to the FCA Ambassador role Ernie stated:

“When asked by FCA to become an Ambassador and Technical Advisor to FCA I felt privileged and honoured. I hope to be able to work with FCA to provide ongoing professional development mentorship to aspiring coaches.”

FCA President Phil Moss acknowledged the appointment by stating:

“Ernie’s credentials as a coach speak for themselves – without a doubt one of the most successful to grace the national competition – but he is also a top-class human being who passionately cares about people so he will add significantly to our organization & our members.”

Long-time football colleague, and current FCA Executive Committee member, Gary Cole endorsed Ernie’s role.

“I have had the pleasure of knowing Ernie (Merrick) since the mid-eighties when he came to Preston Lions in the NSL as a young assistant coach to Billy Murray. Our paths crossed again when he was Head coach of the Victorian Institute of Sport, where he helped develop wonderful players like Vince Grella, Simon Colosimo, Adrian Leijer and Billy Celeski. We then had the opportunity and privilege to help set up and build Melbourne Victory Football Club.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with Ernie as he is a wonderful leader and has the gift of being able to make the complex simple. He is a Pro-Licence Coach, with a teaching and sports science background, yet simplifies rather than confuses, which helps him to be the wonderfully successful coach he is, as well as a great developer of players.”

FCA looks forward to further Australian coach Ambassadorial role announcements within the near future.

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Socceroos Make Powerful $15K Play to Back Organ Donation Awareness

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Image Credit: Professional Footballers Australia

The Socceroos have reinforced football’s power beyond the pitch with a $15,000 donation to Transplant Australia Football Club (TAFC). The funding will support its 2026 Transplant World Cup campaign while raising awareness for organ and tissue donation.

The contribution, delivered through Professional Footballers Australia’s (PFA) Community Impact Fund, will assist TAFC’s preparations for the upcoming Transplant Football World Cup in Frankfurt. It is also amplifying the organisation’s broader mission to promote the life-saving impact of organ donation.

Presented during a national team training session, the donation reflects a growing commitment from Australia’s elite players to use their platform for meaningful social impact. Creating a connection between the game and causes that resonate far beyond football.

The initiative builds on an ongoing relationship between the Socceroos and TAFC, following a previous player-led contribution in 2024 that supported the team’s participation in the inaugural tournament in Italy.

More than just financial support, the partnership signals a longer-term collaboration aimed at increasing visibility for organ and tissue donation, leveraging the reach of both the national team and the PFA to drive awareness nationwide.

TAFC provides a unique pathway for transplant recipients, donors, and their families to re-engage with sport—offering not only competitive opportunities but a powerful platform to share stories of resilience, recovery, and second chances.

With the 2026 Transplant Football World Cup on the horizon, the Socceroos’ support will play a crucial role in enabling Australia’s team to compete on the global stage, while championing a message that extends far beyond results: the life-changing impact of donation.

As football continues to grow as both a cultural and social force, initiatives like this highlight the game’s unique ability to unite communities, elevate important causes, and create lasting impact where it matters most.

Melbourne Victory’s reaffirmed partnership backs local businesses

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Image credit: FiledIMAGE / Shutterstock.com

In an announcement made on Tuesday, Melbourne Victory revealed their continued alliance with the Committee for Melbourne. The partnership aims to unite and support local businesses, and grow sporting communities across Victoria.

The intersection for business and sport

The partnership between Melbourne Victory and the Committee for Melbourne stands as a reflection of the city’s leading culture for both business and sport.

The Committee for Melbourne strives to provide Melbourne with a better present and future, focusing on affordability, livability and sustainability. It is the result of a merger between two organisations – the Committee and the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce – resulting in an oragnisation backed by 200 years of combined expertise.

Furthermore, Melbourne Victory, through the Victory in Business (VIB) network, proudly presented by AGL, have facilitated over $225 million in transactions between member companies. It is one of Australia’s largest corporate sporting network groups with over 100 members.

Thus, uniting two organisations of such prestige and past success is an exciting development for business leaders and Victoria’s wider sporting landscape.

Together, they represent something far more important than business partners. Reflected in their extensive support network, they show that connection, success and identity can all be delivered at once.

 

Representing the best of Melbourne

Melbourne Victory Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie, outlined why the connection with the Committee for Melbourne is so important for members and for the city as a whole.

“Melbourne Victory is proud to represent the whole of Victoria – and proud to partner with the Committee for Melbourne to strengthen the link between sport and business,” Carnegie explained.

“Together, we’re building a network that connects people, creates opportunity and celebrates everything that makes Melbourne great.”

Moreover, Committee for Melbourne Chief Executive, Scott Veenker, reflected on the partnership’s connection to Victoria’s culture for business, sport and a united community.

“Business and sport are fundamental to Victoria’s identity and sucess. This partnership connects those worlds – from the boardroom to the pitch – creating real pathways for collaboration, innovation and growth,” Veenker said.

 

A meaningful partnership

As symbols of the city’s passion for sport and business, Melbourne Victory and the Committee for Melbourne have therefore built a connection which benefits all.

It is an alliance built on a shared identity, culture and dedication to making Melbourne an even more united, inclusive and competitive place.

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