Football Coaches Australia unveil Football Coaching Life expansion

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Gary Cole FCA

Football Coaches Australia (FCA) have announced that The Football Coaching Life Podcast will make the exciting transition into video format and be available via YouTube from this week.

Since February 2021, The Football Coaching Life Podcast has steadily grown into one of the strongest sources of insight and information for professional, semi-professional, grassroots and aspiring coaches in Australia.

The Football Coaching Life Podcast reflects not just the range of Australian coaches located across the world, but also the variety of talented male and female coaches involved in the men’s and women’s game both domestically and abroad.

Hosted by legend of Australian football and recent inductee into the Football Victoria Hall of Fame, Gary Cole, the podcast has sought to give a platform to some of Australia’s most successful and brightest up-and-coming coaches, with guests including Tanya Oxtoby, Ange Postecoglou and Alen Stajcic.

“The podcast has been running for just over a year now thanks to the significant help of MAKING MEDIA, the podcast professionals. From day one we recorded them initially via Zoom because our intent was always that we would find a home for them. We’ve captured around 25 episodes now and have reviewed what we’ve been doing on an ongoing basis, and we’ve got well over 16,000 listens of the podcast now,” Cole says.

“I think the whole purpose of moving it to video is that it will touch more people – more people will watch and more people will listen. It’s a fantastic opportunity for coaches of any sport to learn because there’s so much knowledge and wisdom about leadership and culture being shared. There’s so much of the coaches telling their story, and we all have different stories. And the reason we started was because most of the stories haven’t been told.

“We believe that there’s not a ‘one size fits all’ for coaching, it’s something that is very personal and you’ve got to find your way. And across that journey, their coaching and approach to coaching changes. Now we have the opportunity to watch and listen, not just listen.

“At the end of the day, FCA was setup to help coaches at all different levels. That includes supporting their mental health, representing them and helping them with their ongoing education.”

Sarah West, Vice President of FCA and Assistant Coach/Analyst for Canberra United, expressed her excitement at being able to effectively reflect the values of FCA through amplifying the podcast’s reach with the new video format.

“One of our goals is to enhance the profile of Australian coaches, and the other is to provide Australian coaches with resources; whether that be educational, professional development and opportunities to have positive conversations about football.

“Effectively, through the work that we’re doing with MAKING MEDIA and Ralph Barba, packaging up those podcasts and having them delivered to our audio channels has been hugely successful.

“The diversity of FCA’s modern media and coach education platforms for coaches is not matched by any other Australian football coaching provider.”

Karen Grega FCA Executive Committee member and podcast editor stated:

“‘The Coaching Life’ provides an insight into the personalities of the coaches, as well as their own journeys (sometimes warts and all). This is something which obviously comes from them being in a comfortable environment. This makes for great viewing and listening for coaches at all levels and the football-loving public generally.  

The calibre of Australian female coaches making their mark (in often challenging circumstances) in the game both locally and oversees is impressive. It’s certainly a far cry from my days as a player and referee. I’m sure the content in ‘The Coaching life’ will resonate with coaches from many other sports as well.”

There are many ‘take-aways’ for those in the corporate sector as coaches share their views and experiences on topics such as Resilience, Leadership, Mentoring and even the impact of social media.

Gary’s own invaluable contribution to both the questions he poses and the coaches responses comes from his own football and teaching experience, empathy and of course, passion for the game and adds to the valuable lessons learned from each episode.

The Football Coaching Life Podcasts and YouTube videos are available now.

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GIS Sydney connects students with Australia’s sporting industry

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Image Credit: Global Institute of Sport

The Global Institute of Sport (GIS) is giving students new opportunities to build careers in Australia’s growing sports industry. Combining academic study with direct access to sporting organisations, venues and industry professionals. Based at Allianz Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground, GIS Sydney places students at the heart of Australia’s sporting landscape. The campus gives students the chance to study while surrounded by major sporting organisations and events, creating a direct connection between education and the industry they hope to join.

Students also benefit from regular access to experienced sports professionals. More than 50 guest speakers have shared their expertise with GIS students, including representatives from FIFA, Red Bull, Cricket Australia and the AFL. These sessions give students a valuable insight into the different roles and career pathways available across the sports sector. GIS Sydney delivers programs including Sports Analytics and International Sports Business in partnership with the University of Newcastle. The courses combine academic learning with opportunities for students to develop practical skills that they can take into the workplace.

Industry experience forms another important part of the student journey. GIS provides students with 140 hours of relevant work experience, allowing them to apply their knowledge in professional settings. Students have secured placements with organisations including the Professional Football Scouts Association, Football Coaches Australia and Basketball NSW.

GIS also works with Yakka Sport to create paid employment opportunities for students while they study. This allows students to gain workplace experience while developing professional networks within the sporting community. The opportunities extend internationally, with GIS Global Sports Summits giving students access to sporting organisations and venues in destinations including London and Miami.

For students pursuing careers in sport, GIS Sydney is creating a pathway that combines education, practical experience and industry connections. By bringing students closer to the people and organisations shaping the sector, GIS is helping the next generation turn their interest in sport into professional opportunities.

Active Club Program offers South Australian football clubs a funding boost

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Image Credits: Shutterstock 2327752993

South Australian football clubs can tap into another round of government support, with the Active Club Program offering grants of up to $3,000 to help clubs improve participation and strengthen their local communities. The Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing (ORSR) opened its new round of funding on the 28th of August. Clubs have until midday on Wednesday, 14 October 2026 to apply.

The grassroots benefits

The South Australian Government has allocated $1.448 million to the round. Clubs with fewer than 100 members can receive $1,500. Clubs with 100 or more members can receive $3,000. The program targets grassroots sport, including football. It helps clubs purchase equipment and resources that make participation easier and more affordable.

Football clubs can use the funding for sporting equipment, uniforms and protective gear. They can also fund playing venue maintenance equipment, professional development, medical equipment and training. The program also supports projects that improve inclusion. Clubs can use grants for positive health initiatives and hardship subsidies. These measures can help remove barriers that stop people from playing sport.

That focus creates opportunities for football clubs to support more women and girls. It can also help clubs create more welcoming environments for players of different ages and backgrounds. Water and energy efficiency also form part of the program. Clubs can fund eligible initiatives that reduce water use or improve energy efficiency. That could prove particularly valuable for football clubs managing local playing venues and facilities. The program also allows minor club infrastructure upgrades and technology that directly supports participation or club sustainability.

Who is eligible?

To qualify, a club must operate as a not-for-profit sport or active recreation organisation in South Australia. It must have at least 20 members and have operated for at least 12 months.

ORSR will also consider a club’s participation profile when assessing applications. The assessment looks at female and male junior and senior participation, alongside factors such as the club’s affiliation and when it last received Active Club Program funding.

How to apply

The funding can make a direct difference at grassroots level. In the previous round, 558 South Australian clubs shared more than $1.4 million. The government says the investment helped clubs meet essential costs while supporting participation and inclusion.

For football, that support can stretch beyond the playing field. Stronger clubs create more opportunities for players, coaches and volunteers. They also provide places where people can build connections and stay active. Applications for Round 56 will be screened in November, assessed in December, with clubs notified in January 2027.

To learn more about the South Australian Active Club Program, visit their website.

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