Football NSW Begins Schools Activity Book Initiative

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Image credit: Rido / Shutterstock.com

In the build-up to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ 2026, Football NSW has commenced a new initiative across classrooms in NSW to inspire excitement for the competition among young learners. The Schools Activity Book had its first session last Friday, 21 November, at Birchgrove Public School. 

Football NSW hopes that increasing the competition’s presence in classrooms will allow students to celebrate the tournament, as well as learning more about the nations involved in a fun and engaging manner. 

From the Boardroom to the Classroom

Students at Birchgrove Public School were provided the opportunity to see the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ Schools Activity Book in a session led by Football NSW coach, Zac Bloem. The book is designed with young learners in mind and features activities such as crosswords, maps, and ‘Find The Ball’ challenges, all of which aim to create an engaging learning experience about the tournament due to be held in Australia in March 2026.

Football NSW Program Manager – Sporting Schools, Tunahan Guner, has revealed that the Activity Book has been popular both among students and the coaches leading the sessions. 

“Our coaches love stepping into the classroom and helping students learn about the tournament in a fun, interactive way. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect education with football and inspire the next generation of fans and players,” he said via press release.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Through initiatives like the School Activity Book, Football NSW is not only encouraging students to remain engaged with the sport in the build up to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ 2026, but is also providing an interactive framework to educate young learners about diversity, inclusion and participation. 

By teaching students about the 12 nations who form the competition, as well as the myriad of players who will be performing on Australian soil, Football NSW is showing that football is a game for everyone, regardless of nationality, race or gender, making it an extremely valuable addition to the classroom environment. 

This is also not the first time Football NSW has displayed its commitment to inspiring young fans. This year alone, more than 200 Sporting Schools Programs were carried out by Football NSW, including the Miniroos Schools Program which runs over 6 weeks and gives students a safe environment in which to have fun, develop motor skills, and participate as equals.

Schools or parents wishing to access the Activity Book can find it here

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APL and PFA remain without agreement as bargaining tensions continue

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The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) remain without a new collective bargaining agreement, with negotiations continuing less than three months before the start of the 2026–27 A-Leagues season.

The APL presented the players’ union with a new one-year interim proposal on August 5, which included an increase to the A-League Women salary cap and a commitment to establish a pathway towards full-time professionalism for the women’s competition within 12 months.

The proposed agreement would provide an interim framework while the two parties continue discussions over a longer-term collective bargaining agreement.

APL chief executive Steve Rosich said the proposal reflected the league’s commitment to reaching a sustainable agreement with players following eight months of negotiations.

However, the PFA criticised the APL for publicly announcing the proposal shortly after presenting it to the union, arguing that the approach had further damaged trust between the two parties.

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch also said players had overwhelmingly rejected the APL’s previous final offer, citing a lack of trust in the league’s ability to ensure its future.

Full-time professionalism for the A-League Women remains a key priority for the PFA, with players seeking improved conditions and greater investment in the competition.

The A-League Men and A-League Women seasons are both scheduled to begin on 16 October 2026.

With the new season approaching, both parties face pressure to resolve the dispute and establish the framework governing player conditions across the A-Leagues.

 

 

Jeff Bezos consortium set for $2.7 billion Liverpool investment

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Image Credits: Fortune

Liverpool could soon welcome one of the world’s richest men into its ownership structure.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is part of a consortium in advanced talks to buy a 30% stake in the club.

The proposed deal values Liverpool at around $8.6 billion (4.5 billion pounds). Bezos has a personal fortune estimated at $363 billion.

The investment would give Fenway Sports Group (FSG) a major financial return. It would also allow FSG to keep control of the club, which they bought in 2010.

The proposal has attracted attention across football. It has also created concern among sections of the Liverpool fanbase.

FSG set for major return

FSG bought Liverpool for $573 million (300 million pounds) in 2010. The ownership group later provided further funding through loans. In the last 16 years, the club has undergone major growth.

Liverpool ended a 30-year wait for a league title in 2020. The club also won the Champions League in 2019. Another Premier League title followed in 2025.

Stadium redevelopment and a new training centre have also increased the club’s value. FSG could cash in on $2.7 billion (1.4 billion pounds) if the 30% share is sold.

The deal would therefore represent a huge return on its original investment. However, whilst the investment would provide a massive cash out for the owners of Liverpool, due to Financial Fair Play there won’t be increased investment in the transfer market.

Why Bezos wants Liverpool

Bezos has explored sports investments before. He has been linked with major American franchises such as the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.

Liverpool would give him a stake in one of football’s biggest global brands. The club also has a large following in the United States. The New York Times has also reported Liverpool has 26 million fans in America.

That makes the investment attractive for investors looking to expand their reach in global sport. American businessmen Eduardo Saverin and Amit Bhatia are also reportedly involved in the consortium.

The deal would add to the growing American influence across English football.

Fans remain cautious

Liverpool supporters have not automatically welcomed the proposal.

The club’s previous experience under Tom Hicks and George Gillett still influences the fanbase.

Supporters also want greater clarity over the consortium’s intentions. Questions remain over board representation, control and the long-term purpose of the investment.

For many fans, ownership must involve more than financial ambition. The Bezos proposal could strengthen Liverpool’s commercial position. It could also deliver a huge payday for FSG.

But until the consortium reveals more about its plans, supporters are likely to treat the deal with scepticism.

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