Football Coaches Australia Launch 2026 Coaching Workshop Series with Martin Hunter

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Football Coaches Australia (FCA) will kick off its 2026 online coaching workshop program with a world-class session led by one of the most respected coach educators in the global game, Martin Hunter, on Monday February 2 at 7:30pm.

A UEFA Pro License holder, Hunter is internationally recognised for his work as a coach educator, technical director and national coach, with experience spanning elite clubs, national federations and governing bodies across Europe and North America. His influence on coach development and high-performance systems has shaped some of the modern game’s leading environments, including an eight-year tenure at Southampton FC during a period that produced multiple Premier League players and over £114 million in player value.

Hunter’s session, “Set Plays and Their Importance in Today’s Game,” will explore the growing tactical and strategic significance of set pieces at the highest levels of football. The workshop is CPD approved, reinforcing the importance of continued professional development for coaches at all stages of their journey. While formal qualifications are essential, ongoing education through sessions such as these remains critical to maintaining accreditation, staying current with the evolving game, and refining coaching practice.

Following a successful 2025 program, FCA is delivering an even stronger lineup of world-class presenters in 2026, supported by its close association with Football Australia. FCA members can access all sessions free of charge, while non-members can attend for $22.50 per session.

FCA’s 2026 program sets the benchmark for coaches committed to excellence and lifelong learning

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JH Allan Reserve in Keilor East to undergo lighting upgrades

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Image credit: Football Victoria

After strong backing from the community and Football Victoria, Moonee Valley City Council confirmed the green light for upgrades to proceed later this year.

Resounding support

Ahead of the council meeting on Tuesday 24 March, Football Victoria and five Moonee Valley Council clubs created a petition backing lighting improvements at JH Allan Reserve.

What followed was an astounding 624 signatures – a demonstration of the power of united, community support. As a result, main tenants Moonee Ponds United SC and four addition clubs (including Essendon Royals FC, Avondale FC, FC Strathmore and the Moonee Valley Knights) will all benefit from the developments.

“As one of the only facilities within Moonee Valley not shared with other codes, ensuring that JH Allan Reserve meets the needs of our participants is crucial for Football Victoria,” said FV Head of Government Relations and Strategy, Lachlan Cole.

“It was fantastic to see participants and officials from those five clubs come together, support this project, and unite to speak on behalf of their needs. And it was even more heartening to see the wider football community throw their support behind the development by signing the petition.”

 

A long-awaited verdict

The decision comes as a huge step forward for the local football community, arriving after an extended process of consultations and surveys.

In September 2022, Moonee Valley City Council endorsed the Moonee Valley Soccer Strategy, which sought to identify potential upgrades at JH Allan Reserve.

Furthermore, during the community consulation between March and April 2023, 365 people participated in a survey regarding the developments. In the end, 65% of responses supported or strongly supported the installation of sports lighting at the ground.

It is therefore clear that, for much of the community, this was a cause worth fighting for. Over three years since the initial endorsement from Moonee Valley City Council, JH Allan Reserve is now set for a vital upgrade.

Final thoughts

More importantly, however, are the current and future athletes who will feel the benefit from these developments.

Football participation is growing and will continue to do so, in Moonee Valley, Victoria and Australia as a whole. That is why developments like this are so vital.

They are not merely nice to have, but are fundamental to supporting future footballers in the community by providing them with the facilities and environment to play.

Football NSW and Heartbeat of Football extend partnership

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In an announcement made via social media last week, Football NSW announced that their collaboration with Heartbeat of Football will continue for another three years.

 

Promoting health and welfare

The partnership between Football NSW and Heartbeat of Football stands as an essential part of New South Wales’ football landscape.

Promoting awareness about heart health issues, Heartbeat of Football ensures players, fans and participants of all kind can enjoy a healthy, sporting life.

“Football is a year-round activity with a large number of participants, so it’s important to educate our community about heart health and share practical steps people can take to protect themselves and their families,” said Football NSW CEO, John Tstatsimas.

“We value the work of the Heartbeat of Football team and look forward to collaborating with them on some exciting campaigns and initiatives over the coming years.”

Indeed, a three-year partnership extension is testament to the essential role which Heartbeat of Football plays. Through their work, participants in the game learn about risk factors and sensible health choices when it comes to heart health.

As awareness and education increases, the number of unexpected tragedies decrease.

 

The Mapping Project

This is not just a collaboration on paper, however.

Football NSW and Heartbeat of Football are working to promote their Heartbeat of Sport AED Mapping Project, a campaign which aims to ensure all clubs and associations have a registered AED.

Furthermore, through these campaigns, future generations will possess the resources needed to ensure football grounds remain safe, protected environments. Providing this security – for all involved – is the ultimate objective.

“Heartbeat of Football has enjoyed the support of Football NSW from the start of our journey in 2016,” outlined Heartbeat of Football Founder, Andy Paschalidis.

“With sudden cardiac arrest a leading cause of death in sport, we recognise the importance of education and raising awareness of heart disease risk factors.”

 

An unavoidable issue

According to Heartbeat of Football, 28,000 Australians suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year. Unfortunately, survival rates are less than 10%.

But through the contributions of the organisation, backed by associations like Football NSW, there is a brighter future on the horizon.

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