Football NSW continue with NOVA Employment for another two years

NOVA Employment

The long-standing collaboration between Football NSW and NOVA Employment as the presenting sponsor of the annual Football4All Gala Day has been extended, as confirmed by the member federation.

Football4All is a Football NSW programme that was launched in 2008 with the goal of providing persons with special needs or disabilities with a way to enjoy “The World Game” with family and friends.

With NOVA Employment returning as the naming partner for the NOVA Employment Football4All Gala Day, NOVA Employment Football4All League, and the NOVA Employment AWD Futsal League in 2023 and 2024, the partnership between Football NSW and NOVA Employment, which has been going for ten years, will continue.

NOVA Employment is a non-profit organisation that seeks to place disabled individuals in award-paying jobs among the general population. They are a Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) Programme that works only with persons who have significant impediments to employment or a range of impairments and provides specialised job searching help and post-placement support.

Football NSW’s CEO John Tsatsimas was delighted with NOVA Employment’s partnership extension.

“I am pleased to announce the continuation of our long-standing partnership with NOVA Employment who have been instrumental in the growth of our inclusion programs in NSW,” he stated via press release.

“Through their support we have been able to kick many goals in this space and look forward to another successful two years starting off with this Sunday’s Football4All Gala Day.”

NOVA Employment’s CEO Martin Wren added via press release:

“We’re privileged to have worked together for 12 years, and the NOVA Employment Football4All Gala Day is one of the most enjoyable days of the year, If you haven’t been a part of it, you don’t know what you are missing out on.

“Participating in team sport is something NOVA Employment really encourages, and Football4All provides a fantastic environment where lifelong friends are made and skills developed in a safe and fun environment.”

The NOVA Employment Football4All Gala Day successfully took place on Sunday, 18th June at Valentine Sports Park.

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Shepparton Cup – Victoria’s biggest junior football tournament – set for 2026 edition

Victoria’s largest junior football tournament is set to kick off in style as the Shepparton Cup returns for 2026. With age groups from under-sevens through to under-17s, the Shepparton Cup welcomes players of all genders and abilities as the perfect way to end the 2026 club season.

The tournament kicks off on the 23rd of October with an Olympic-style opening ceremony. The 2025 edition saw 385 teams and 4,600 players take to the pitch across both Liga and Copa Divisions. The Liga Division is for grassroots teams of all abilities who want a fun competitive experience; the Liga Division is for NPL and state league teams who will compete in a competitive carnival.

Rolando Navas, Managing Director of Sports Group Melbourne, says the tournament is not only beneficial for young players but also for the community of Shepparton.

“The Shepparton Cup is a great opportunity for families and the wider Shepparton community to embrace the regional community and provide a platform for young players to participate and experience a competitive and fun three day festival of football.”

The 2026 Shepparton Cup will be held from 23rd to 25th October 2026 at Shepparton Sports City. For more information about the Shepparton Cup, click the link here.

Australian Sports Group reveals ambitious blueprint for Canberra United

New Canberra United owners, Australian Sports Group, have outlined an ambitious investment blueprint for the future of the club.

The plans centre around strengthening the club’s foundations, establishing elite academy pathways, and the introduction of an A-League Men’s team. More broadly, it aims to create a stronger football ecosystem that connects players, clubs and communities across the Australian Capital Territory.

A key pillar of the strategy is the development of an elite academy. The proposed pathways will create opportunities for emerging talent to progress towards professional football, strengthening the connection between grassroots participation and the elite game. The academy would form an important foundation for the proposed A-League Men’s team. ASG are targeting an entry into the Men’s competition from 2028/29, pending required process.

The introduction of a men’s team would expand the club’s professional offering and create additional opportunities for players, coaches and football staff. It would also give local talent a clearer pathway towards senior football without having to leave the region.

Infrastructure investment is another central component of the blueprint. The group plans to improve football facilities and secure a long-term home for the club. These developments would support the women’s program while laying the groundwork for future expansion.

The strategy also prioritises stronger engagement across the ACT football community. The ownership group plans to work with local stakeholders and government to align the club’s growth with broader priorities for sport and community development.

The immediate focus remains on stabilising the women’s program and building the structures needed for long-term success. This approach provides a foundation for the club to expand its operations while maintaining its existing identity and community connections.

The investment blueprint signals a broader ambition for Canberra United. By combining elite player development, improved infrastructure and the potential introduction of a men’s team, the group aims to establish a sustainable professional football model for the capital. The vision positions Canberra United as a platform for growth across the region, with a pathway to connect grassroots participation, academy development and professional competition.

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