Football Federation Australia teams up with Football Coaches Australia

Football Federation Australia (FFA) today announced it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Football Coaches Australia (FCA) in a ground-breaking partnership to enhance coach development.

Football Coaches Australia President Phil Moss said, “This is a crucial moment for our code.

“The importance of having the governing body and an organisation that represents our professional and community coaches formally working together for the betterment of the game cannot be understated.

“FCA is about ensuring coaches are respected as skilled professionals working in an environment that has a framework and standards within which reflect the importance of the role we play.

“FCA and FFA are aligned with the goal to provide ‘Community, Connection and Camaraderie’ within the coaching network to enable our coaches to perform their role and best promote our great game.

“James, FFA Chair Chris Nikou and the FFA board, along with Greg O’Rourke and the A-League, have embraced this with a collaborative approach that deserves recognition. We look forward to working closely with FFA and all key stakeholders to ensure the game thrives into the future,” Moss concluded.

The agreement will see the organisations collaborate across three key areas, and FFA Chief Executive James Johnson said he was delighted with the partnership.

“Creating world class environments for coach development is a high priority for FFA. Our focus on coach development to the long-term success of Australian football is highlighted by our inclusion of Principle VI within the XI Principles for the future of Australian football (XI Principles) which details the creation of a strong culture around coach development by emphasising the importance of the role as a skilled position and a vital link in player development.

“Establishing a Memorandum Of Understanding with FCA to build key partnerships to enhance coach development was one of a number of proposed measures which we advanced in pursuit of Principle VI.  The signing of this Memorandum is an important step for FFA and we are excited to already begin realising some of the work we anticipated within the XI Principles,” he said.

“This agreement will focus on the development and implementation of standard form contracts for coaches engaged by professional Australian football clubs, and the establishment of a national arbitration tribunal to hear employment disputes between coaches and professional Australian football clubs.”

Importantly FFA and FCA will collaborate to deliver aligned technical education and professional development programs for Advance Licence and Community coaches at all levels.

Johnson added, “FFA and Football Coaches Australia agree to cooperate with each other based on the principle of genuine consultation whilst acknowledging each other’s independence.

“I am very excited that we can move forward together to further improve on the healthy and steady increase we’ve experienced in the numbers of participants on coaching courses and develop many more world-class Australian coaches.”

“We are also seeing more and more Australian coaches succeed on the global stage. Most recently, Harry Kewell was appointed as Head Coach of Oldham Athletic. We congratulate Harry on his appointment and take inspiration from his success, and those before him, to create the type of conditions domestically which will support more Australian coaches to test themselves internationally, should they wish to do so.”

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Chelsea FC Partners with Ticketmaster on Digital Ticketing Strategy

Chelsea FC has secured a multi-year partnership with Ticketmaster, appointing the global ticketing company as its Official Ticketing Partner.

This agreement marks a significant operational shift, with Chelsea set to introduce a digital-first ticketing system for the 2025/26 season, designed to simplify access, enhance security, and combat ticket resale fraud.

This collaboration marks a significant upgrade to Chelsea’s matchday operations, aligning the club with world-class ticketing infrastructure already used by leading sports venues globally.

Starting with the 2025/26 season, digital tickets will replace physical tickets for all fixtures at Stamford Bridge, providing fans with a more efficient and secure access system. This move also aims to tackle ticket touting, a persistent issue in top-tier football, by leveraging Ticketmaster’s secure and traceable digital delivery platform.

Teaming up will grant Chelsea access to Ticketmaster’s suite of tools, including:

  • Seamless mobile ticket delivery
  • Anti-touting features
  • Scalable event ticketing for high-demand matches
  • Real-time ticket validation and fan data insights

Chelsea FC’s Chief Revenue Officer, Casper Stylsvig, reflected on the importance of the club’s new partnership with Ticketmaster.

“Partnering with a leading force in the industry brings significant value to our operations, ensuring we offer our fans a smoother, safer experience with best-in-class products, while continuing to address the issue of ticket touts,” he said via press release.

As one of the most recognised football brands globally, Chelsea’s shift to Ticketmaster’s platform underscores the club’s commitment to modernising fan engagement and match day experiences.

Managing Director at Ticketmaster Sport, Chris Gratton, shared his enthusiasm about the new partnership with Chelsea FC.

“Chelsea FC is one of the biggest clubs in football, and we’re excited to be part of their journey. Our goal is to make ticketing as simple as possible for fans,” he said via press release.

This move reflects a wider trend in the industry towards contactless, mobile-first stadium entry, which has become increasingly common in Premier League and UEFA competitions, especially after the accelerated adoption of digital solutions during the COVID era.

The alliance between Chelsea FC and Ticketmaster signals a new era for the club, introducing leading technology and expertise to elevate the match day experience for fans.

New initiatives advancing girls’ and women’s football participation

A Government program designed to increase female participation in sports will provide almost 50 clubs and organisations with support to upgrade and develop sporting facilities, programs and equipment.

Around $5.4 million has been allocated for the 2024-25 round of The Power of Her – Infrastructure and Participation Program (IPP), which aims to create more inclusive spaces for girls and women in sports.

The funded projects include things like unisex clubrooms, better lighting and playing surfaces, new uniforms and equipment, and opportunities for professional development.

The South Australian Government led by Peter Malinauskas launched the program to build on the success of the Matildas and the legacy of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

To support the growth of girls’ and women’s football, 14 football clubs will receive nearly $2.4 million in funding this round.

Other sports also benefit from the program, such as basketball, cricket, hockey, netball, gymnastics, and Australian Rules Football, providing more chances for girls and women to get involved and succeed in their chosen sports.

For example, Norwood Basketball Club is receiving $14,600 to launch their ‘Rising Flames’ program, helping girls progress to elite senior levels and develop local talent.

Other projects funded through the program include:

  • Metro United Women’s Football Club, Pooraka: $25,000 for new uniforms.
  • Booleroo Centre Tennis Club: $80,000 to resurface three tennis courts, replace fencing, and build a new equipment shed for their drought-affected club.
  • Cove Netball Hub: $392,700 to build four new netball courts in Hallett Cove.
  • Elizabeth Grove Soccer Club: $750,000 (through the council) for a new clubroom, synthetic soccer pitch, and multi-purpose oval at Munno Para Regional Sportsground, Davoren Park.

So far, over $7.6 million has been distributed through the IPP, with the second year providing more than twice the amount of support compared to the first round.

Nearly half of the infrastructure project recipients this round – including Jervois Bluds Netball Club and Murraylands Gymnastics Academy – are located in regional and greater metropolitan areas, showing the broad impact on communities across South Australia.

The State Government has committed $18 million to the IPP over three years, with $10 million specifically set aside for football.

This effort is part of a wider push to eliminate barriers to female participation, including support for clubs with period products and menstrual health training.

South Australian Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Emily MLC Bourke highlighted the importance of supporting women in sport at a grassroots level.

“Our Government recognises the importance of supporting grassroots sports to ensure girls and women have opportunities to thrive in whichever sport they pursue,” she said in a press release.

“Having the right facilities, programs and equipment in place gives girls and women the space and confidence they need to get involved and stay active with their local club.

“As The Power of Her investment continues to grow, it’s inspiring to see clubs and organisations finding new and creative ways to grow female participation and facilitate high performance pathways in their communities.”

For more information, you can find the full list of 2024-2025 IPP grants here.

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