Football Coaches Australia launch ‘The Football Coaching Life Podcast’ with Gary Cole

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Football Coaches Australia (FCA) have launched a new podcast this week titled ‘The Football Coaching Life’ with former Socceroo Gary Cole hosting the series.

The podcast will look to highlight the stories behind the journeys of Australia’s football coaches, from current and former Socceroos and Matildas managers to those who coach at a community football level.

According to Cole, episodes of the podcast will showcase Australian coaches in a way that isn’t usually explored.

“When we hear from coaches it is usually before or after a game, a player signing, getting a job or losing a job,” he said.

“We have rarely asked them about the great adventure that is their coaching journey. We don’t necessarily understand why they do it, what success looks like, how they have grown and developed, what help they may have had along the way and so forth.

“We believe it is important that these stories are told and as you will learn (through the podcast) all of the coaches have been incredibly open and honest in talking about their journeys.”

Cole, a member of FCA’s Executive Committee, believes the information and insights that can be gathered throughout the conversations in the podcast will be extremely beneficial for up-and-coming coaches, as well as the wider football community.

“I think it’s very important for coaches to hear these conversations,” he stated.

“Our beautiful game has not done a great job of honouring the history of our game and by listening to these incredible men and women, coaches and the football community will gain a much greater insight into our amazing coaches.

“As well as this, they will have access to an incredible well of knowledge and wisdom that they can draw from.

“For example, understanding why it is so important to know why you want to do this, learning how important developing resilience is for coaching longevity and understanding what success looks like. I’ve been around Australian football for fifty years and I have been amazed at how much I have learned from these fantastic conversations.”

The first instalments of the podcast will see the former Socceroos assistant coach speak with some of Australia’s most successful coaches.

“The first episode is an amazing conversation with arguably Australia’s most successful coach in Ange Postecoglou, Head Coach at Yokohama F. Marinos. He was very generous with his time and this conversation was open, honest and filled with his great passion for our game,” Cole said.

“Episode two is with Tom Sermanni, Head Coach of the Football Ferns. Tom has a very relaxed and humorous style and talks about his growth and development as a coach.

“The wisdom in these two conversations is incredible! Both Ange and Tom have been to twelve FIFA World Cups between them, they are both still striving to improve their players, their teams and themselves.

“In episode three we talk with my very good friend and lifetime developer of both players and coaches, Dr Ron Smith, currently Technical Advisor at Football Australia. Ron talks in depth about the amazing work that was done in player development at the Australian Institute of Sport, in conjunction with the State Institutes of Sport and why it was successful. Ron also discusses changes in the game, including how analysis has changed aspects of the game.”

Other guests on the show include former Canberra United W-League coach and current FCA Vice President Heather Garriock, with many more from the women’s side of the game to feature, as the podcast aims to provide an overall perspective of the history of football coaching in Australia.

Making Media Australia director, Ralph Barba, who specialises in film and radio production, has supported Cole in delivering the project.

The first episode of the podcast, with Ange Postecoglou, is available here on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

 

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Fremantle City Launches 2026 NPL Season with Focus on Youth and Community

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Image Credit: Football West

Fremantle City FC has officially launched its 2026 New Balance NPL WA Men’s and Women’s seasons, championing a community-first approach that puts young players at the heart of the club’s future.In a vibrant ceremony at Hilton Park, club juniors presented first-team shirts to senior Men’s and Women’s squads, symbolising a critical pathway from grassroots to elite football within the Fremantle family.

“This is very important for us- our juniors presenting shirts to our NPL Women’s and Men’s teams,” said Club President Tony Estrano. “2026 is the ninth year of our academy, running from under-nines up to under-16s, for both boys and girls. Today’s shirt handover by our Under 13s Academy and JDL teams shows these kids there is a real pathway to the first team.”

Head coach Samantha Geddes has reaffirmed the sentiment, emphasising Freo’s commitment to club unity: “Getting the whole club involved like this is brilliant. It’s great for our young girls to see that connection to the senior team and for senior players to inspire and support the next generation.”

Momentum and Ambition for 2026

Fremantle’s Women’s side enters 2026 riding high after a historic State Cup triumph last season, with captain Annabelle Leek setting her sights even higher: “Winning the State Cup was massive. We’re ready to build on that momentum, with new signings and a renewed focus on finishing in the top four.”

On the men’s side, after avoiding relegation last year and freshening up the roster with key signings, captain Cam Edwards is confident: “We’re ambitious, and with this group, we know we can put on a good show.”

Fremantle City has committed itself to turning club culture and youth pathways into on-field results, inspiring the next generation to wear the crest at every level.

NPL partnership updates: Local support stronger than ever

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Image credit: PeopleImages / Shutterstock.com

Read here for this week’s updated list on the recently announced NPL partnerships across each state.

NPL VIC

Dandenong Thunder

Alencia Wedding Reception & Function Venue – The newest wedding reception venue in Melbourne, Alencia provides clients with unforgettable experiences built on unique designs and elegance.

Caroline Springs

Get Sourced – Beginning during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, Get Sourced aims to provide marketing, merchandising and advertising resources to businesses.

Hume City

Zaparas Lawyers – An award-winning team of compensation lawyers, Zaparas Lawyers are committed to fighting for injured Victorians. Their services span WorkCover, TAC, public liability, occupational disease and superannuation claims.

XÜBI Finance – The team at XÜBI help clients find competitive solutions to borrowers, offering extensive services including supporting first home buyers, investment loans, commercial loans and more.

Altona Magic

Detail Excavations – For over 50 years, Detail Excavations have delivered major infrastructure and construction projects across Melbourne. They are known for reliability and experience when working with clients.

Ice Corp – Delivering quality building and construction across Melbourne since 1998, Ice Corp is a reliable and trusted organisation in the industry. Led by former Altona Magic player, Ice, they have a strong connection to the club.

Pollution System Maintenance (PSM) – PSM specialises in dust extraction, fume filtration and air quality solutions. It delivers exceptional service from system designs to installation.

Fleet Plant Hire – Since 1998, Fleet Plant Hire have provided truck hire, machine hire and material solutions to the Australian Civil Construction Industry.

Leadweigh Scales – The team at Leadweigh Scales supplies and services high-quality industrial weighing equipment. They are committed to providing practical and economic solutions for a range of industries including agriculture, construction, manufacturing and more.

Danton Group – For over 30 years, Danton Group has been a leader in render and texture coating systems across Victoria. The team is renowned for their craftsmanship and keen eye for detail in residential and commercial builds.

Home Builders Corp – Specialising in new homes and unit developments, Home Builders Corp has consistently delivered high-quality builds built on attention to detail and efficiency.

Deer Park Building & Garden Supplies – A trusted supplier for builders, landscapers and homeowners. They supply a large range of construction and landscaping materials including soils, sands, pebbles and more.

Tetris Containers – With over 40 years in the industry, Tetris Containers have built a wealth of knowledge about reefer container maintenance and servicing. They offer services across container sales, hire and customisation.

Masterpiece Cabinetry – A Melbourne-based custom cabinetry company established in 2010 specialising in designing, manufacturing, and installing high-quality kitchens, bathrooms, and bespoke joinery for homes and renovations.

Misk Designer Living – The team at Misk Design specialise in interior design and home living inspiration, highlighting modern, stylish spaces and design aesthetics for contemporary homes.

The Tyre Professionals – Servicing the Sunshine community since 1998, The Tyre Professionals help customers with tyres, batteries, suspension and more.

Milieu Early Education & Care – Located in Brooklyn, Victoria, Milieu Early Education & Care provide welcoming and nurturing environments to young learners.

Hydration Hub – Connecting businesses with beverage products, distributing well-known brands and up-and-coming drinks across cafes, venues and retailers.

Cleaning Melbourne – The team at Cleaning Melbourne provides commercial cleaning services for offices, strata properties, events, pressure washing and more.

 

NPL QLD

Wynnum Wolves

Cramer’s Plumbing Co. – Led by Cale Cramer, the team provides services to Wynnum, the Bayside and greater Brisbane. They pride themselves on being reliable, friendly and trusted in the community for all plumbing needs.

Colpol Cleaning Services – A trusted domestic and commercial cleaning company known for exceptional service, providing a safe and professional environment for its staff for over 15 years.

Moreton City Excelsior

Valet Mortgage Brokers – A Brisbane-based mortgage broker, striving to build real and honest relationships with its clients. Led by William Whitby, the team helps people make smarter property decisions.

Rochedale Rovers

Inna Essence – Located in Underwood, Brisbane, Inna Essence focus on creating a space for wellness, health and transformation. The studio includes a dedicated Reformer Pilates room, Yoga mats, private training sessions and more.

 

NPL NSW

Blacktown City

Proview Scaffolding – A leading scaffolding provider in NSW, Proview Scaffolding’s team is built on a commitment to safety and compliance, trust and over 50 years of experience.

NPL WA

Western Knights

Romano’s Smash Repairs – With over 35 years of experience, the team at Roman’s Smash Repairs can provide top quality service for all makes and models of vehicles.

Dr Ross Radic Orthapaedic Surgeon – With expertise in knee surgery and trained in shoulder and hip-related issues, Dr Ross Radic is a leading surgeon in WA. Radic is also Chief Supervisor for the Perth Knee Fellowship.

Dianella White Eagles

Abodium Design & Construct – Renowned for quality and innovative home designs in WA, Abodium is committed to using the latest technology to ensure homes are built to last.

Theme Group – Western Australia’s leading provider of facility management, food services and cleaning solutions. They are renowned for reliability and exceptional customer service.

ENC Group – Specialising in project and contracts management, engineering design, procurement, renewable energy and more. The team at ENC Group have delivered professional and quality solutions for over 40 years.

Stirling Macedonia 

Instant Products Group – A specialist group of companies providing an extensive range of services, including instant transpirtable offices, instant bathroom facilities, instant products hire and more.

NPL Northern NSW

Kahibah FC

Positive Survey Solutions – Professional and motivated surveyors with experience servicing clients across the Central Coast to the border with Queensland. They will team with Kahibah FC’s U15 team as partners.

Son Of A Gun – Founded in 2019, Son Of A Gun is a family-owned and run diner. It is a cornerstone of the Hamilton community.

Edgeworth Eagles

Harrigan’s Cameron Park – The first new pub in the Newcastle/Lake Macquarie region for 20 years, Harrigan’s is a place for locals to come together and enjoy extensive dining and beverage options with live sport and events.

 

NPL NT

Darwin Olympic

Ostojic Group – Founded in 1972 by Tomo Ostojic from a single truck and trailer, the company now has over 100 specialised trucks and provides services across transport, logistics, civil construction, quarrying and more.

Steeline – One of Australia’s leading manufacturers, distributors and installers of metal roofing and steel structures. The team has been delivering affordable product ranges and qualuty customer service since 1991.

NTF Construction Supply Specialist – Situated in Berrimah and founded in 1961, the team specialises in supplying a variety of industrial and construction related products.

Azzurri United

4Kitchens & Joinery – 4Kitchens help clients with designing, manufacturing and installing new kitchens, furniture units and more. They stay up to date with the latest trends from Europe, ensuring designs are both practical and elegant.

Owl & Wolf Investments – An online space dedicated to sharing news about finance, business, investing and crypto.

Stelph – Stelph Group of Companies strives to serve humanity through various branches, including medical equipment, international trading & services provider, marine support services and energy supplies.

North West Constructions – A team of dedicated builders and building contractors, providing services across commercial, residential and industrial projects.

NPL SA

West Adelaide SC

First Drop Wines – Combining passion and creativity, First Drop Wines leads with quality, sustainability and purity in all its products. They will join West Adelaide SC as the Official Wine Partner.

IP Partners – With offices across the country, IP Partners is a trusted company which provides IT support, products and services.

 

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