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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Record deal puts Australian Lucas Herrington on Premier League stage

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Image Credits: Hull City

Australia’s Lucas Herrington’s rapid rise has reached another major milestone. The 18-year-old Socceroos defender has joined newly promoted Hull City in a reported $33 million deal. The move makes Herrington the most expensive Australian footballer in history.

Hull City have signed the centre-back from Colorado Rapids on a five-year contract. The deal comes after a breakout year for the Queenslander.

World Cup breakthrough

Herrington emerged as one of Australia’s biggest young prospects at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He became the youngest Socceroo to start a World Cup match. His composed performances against top-level opposition helped put him on the radar of clubs in Europe.

After a rapid rise with the Brisbane Roar, where Herrington began his senior career, he then moved to Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer.

Now he is heading to the Premier League.

Dream move to England

Hull won the race for Herrington after a strong push to bring him to England.

The club has just returned to the Premier League. It now hopes the teenager can help strengthen its defence.

Herrington has made no secret of his ambition. He described the chance to play in the Premier League as a dream come true. He also revealed that former Hull midfielder Jackson Irvine helped convince him the club was the right fit.

Irvine played alongside Herrington at the World Cup. His positive view of Hull gave the young defender added confidence in the move.

Herrington had attracted major interest from European clubs but his move will see him compete in the biggest league in the world.

Manchester United awaits

Herrington could make his Premier League debut on the opening weekend. Hull face Manchester United on August 22. The fixture offers a huge stage for the teenager.

It is also a remarkable next step for a player who only recently broke into the Socceroos. The reported $33 million fee has added plenty of attention. But Herrington’s focus will now shift to earning his place in Hull’s starting XI.

His move also highlights a growing pathway for young Australian players. After impressing on the international stage, At just 18 years old Herrington now has the chance to test himself every week in the Premier League.

Manchester City and Charlotte Soccer Academy join forces on youth development

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Image Credits: Charlotte Soccer Academy

Manchester City has announced a new youth soccer collaboration with Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA) and PUMA. The partnership will bring Manchester City’s coaching methodology into CSA’s daily program.

Two full-time Manchester City coaches will relocate to Charlotte, and they will work alongside CSA coaches, players and club leaders. There will also be opportunities for Charlotte’s young players to move to Manchester.

Focus on young players

The main focus will be CSA’s Foundation Phase. That covers players aged 10 to 12, helping them create a foundation.

City coaches will introduce the club’s Play Model and development approach. The sessions will focus on technical skills and decision-making.

They will also help players build a positive relationship with the game. The program will extend across CSA’s wider U9-U12 competitive pathway.

Coaches will benefit too

The collaboration goes beyond player development. Manchester City staff will support CSA coaches throughout the club.

They will help with curriculum planning and coaching development.  The teams will also share best practices that could strengthen CSA’s wider player development pathway.

A pathway to Manchester

CSA players in the program will also have the chance to travel to Manchester each year.

The trips will include competitive matches and access to the Manchester City Academy. The partnership will give young players a direct connection to Manchester City’s football environment.

PUMA backs the project

PUMA is supporting the collaboration as a long-term partner of Manchester City and CSA. CSA has been a PUMA King Club since 2019.

The project brings the three organisations together around youth development. Players, parents and coaches will see the partnership in action from the 2026-27 season, with Manchester City coaches working on the field in Charlotte every day.

The move also marks another step in City’s growing youth soccer presence in the United States.

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