Football NSW and CORE Community Services deliver successful ALDI MiniRoos Settlement Program

Staff Writer

The recently established ALDI MiniRoos Settlement Program, organised by Football NSW together with CORE Community Services has become quite the success story.

A statement from the Football New South Wales can be found here:

Fifty-one kids including 13 girls of newly arrived Iraqi, Syrian and Jordanian families from the South Western Sydney communities registered to participate in a modified ALDI MiniRoos Kick-Off Program.

Its purpose to provide children between the ages of 4 and 11 who have experienced adversity in their lifetime with the opportunity to learn and play football.

The introductory program based at Ultimate Soccer in Fairfield embraces football as a way to endure the social challenges they face in the community.

It helps kids stay active, make friends and learn English on the go, while coaches teach them the fundamentals of football so they too can fall in love with the game.

Through the ALDI MiniRoos Settlement Program, the kids received a bag and ball bearing the Western Sydney Wanderers’ logo, shin pads, a water bottle and stickers in their participant packs; while the coaches were also provided with a delivery kit, inclusive of pop-up goals, cones, bibs, etc.

It’s a gesture of goodwill to encourage them to continue with their active lifestyles outside the program and practising football, while giving the kids some added responsibility, to bring the ball to each session.

Hind, a mother of 3 boys involved in the program was delighted to be offered an avenue to football for her kids.

“The program is great because it brings everyone together and there is a real sense of community.”

Football NSW’s Game Development Officer – MiniRoos, Kevin Guardado Amaya​, accompanied by Fouad David, a Fairfield Bulls Coach and daughter Mariam, delivered the recent program with the help of other Football NSW Community Coaches.

Before arriving in Australia from Syria in July 2016, Fouad coached at a high level with Al-Khabur SC and played as a goalkeeper but ultimately his passion was to become a goalkeeper coach.

While, Mariam is an active participant in Fairfield High School’s Football 4 Development and Football NSW’s Community FC programs.

This year she joined Bossley Park Football Club after connecting with Catherine Cannuli, the Women’s Technical Director at SDSFA (Southern Districts Soccer Football Association).

Mariam’s dream is to one day become a professional football and play for her beloved Matildas but knows the difficult road ahead and the dedication it takes.

CORE Community Services’, Aylin Yokhana is the lead case worker for the ALDI MiniRoos Settlement Program and initially started the football program with the help of the Telskuf Association and Fouad and Mariam.

Football NSW through the connections with various migrant resource centres then contacted CORE Community Services and eventually combined to provide additional resources in coaching, equipment, field hire and football packs for the kids with all the essentials.

 

MiniRoos Coaching Certificate

After the success of the first ALDI MiniRoos Settlement Program, CORE Community Services again linked up with Football NSW to organise a coach education night for adults on Thursday 1st August.

The event was held at Fairfield Hotspurs’ home ground at Prospect View Park and assisted by CORE representatives and the Telsfuk Association for the purpose of translating.

Football NSW’s Kevin Guardado Amaya delivered the program, where coaching experienced varied from never having coached before to an Olympic Football Team coach.

Once certified, participants will hopefully take up coaching at their local clubs next season.

For more information on ALDI MiniRoos Football visit miniroos.com.au

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Australian Championship set to revolutionise domestic football

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Image credit: Football Australia

Football Australia has unveiled the “Australian Championship,” a groundbreaking new competition that promises to reshape the nation’s football landscape.

Officially launching in October 2025, the Championship will serve as a vital bridge between state-based competitions and the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s system, bringing clubs, players, and communities closer together.

This announcement comes on the heels of the October confirmation of the National Second Tier (NST) format, marking a significant milestone in Australian football.

The Australian Championship will provide a national platform for clubs and players to showcase their talent while fostering stronger connections with fans and communities across the country.

Competition Format and Vision

The Australian Championship will feature 16 teams competing in a dynamic format designed to balance competitive integrity and fan engagement. The competition will include:

Group Stage: Four groups of four teams playing home-and-away fixtures.

Elimination Finals: The top two teams from each group advancing to knockout rounds.

Grand Final: The inaugural champion to be crowned in December 2025.

This structure highlights Football Australia’s ambition to create an inclusive, exciting, and commercially sustainable competition that celebrates the depth of Australian football talent.

Football Australia Chief Executive Officer James Johnson spoke on the importance of this announcement for the future of Australian football.

“The Australian Championship is much more than a competition – it’s a national celebration of football; uniting proud historic clubs, emerging talent, and inter-generational community connection. It reflects the core values of Australian football: authenticity, opportunity, and ambition,” Johnson said in the press release.

“This competition will complement the A-League, NPL, and Hahn Australia Cup, providing a connected, meaningful pathway for players and fans alike. Today’s brand launch is a statement of our commitment to grow domestic football in Australia and unlock its full potential.”

Founding Clubs and National Representation

The competition will include eight Foundation Clubs with storied histories, such as APIA Leichhardt FC (NSW), Avondale FC (VIC), Marconi Stallions FC (NSW), Preston Lions FC (VIC), South Melbourne FC (VIC), Sydney Olympic FC (NSW), Sydney United 58 FC (NSW), and Wollongong Wolves FC (NSW), representing some of the strongest footballing traditions in the country.

Joining them will be eight Member Federation clubs drawn from the National Premier Leagues (NPL) across all states and territories.

This model ensures representation from every corner of the national football community, giving grassroots and state-level clubs an opportunity to compete on a larger stage.

Core Pillars of the Australian Championship

The Australian Championship aims to unite Australian football under the following key values:

Authenticity: Honouring historic clubs, iconic venues, and long-standing rivalries.

Discovery: Showcasing emerging talent and rising stars from across the nation.

Connection: Strengthening ties between grassroots, state competitions, and professional pathways.

Pride and Belonging: Celebrating football’s ability to bring players, fans, and communities together.

A New Era for Australian Football

With its launch, the Australian Championship is set to redefine the country’s domestic football ecosystem, creating new opportunities for players, clubs, and fans. Football Australia’s initiative reflects a commitment to building a thriving national competition while staying true to the rich heritage and passion that underpin Australian football.

As October 2025 approaches, anticipation will only grow for what promises to be a transformative moment in the nation’s sporting history.

UEFA and Unilever renew partnership

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Image credit: Europa League website

UEFA has embraced Unilever as an Official Global Partner of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, kicking off in Switzerland on July 2 until July 27, 2025.

Unilever’s deal with UEFA builds off of their 2024 partnership and will see a wide array of Unilever’s Foods and Personal Care brands ignite their own integrated advertising campaigns to connect with fans and consumers in and out of the stadium, including household names like Dove, Rexona, Knorr and Hellmann’s.

UEFA marketing director, Guy-Laurent Epstein expressed UEFA’s excitement to work with Unilever again.

“Building on the success of our collaboration last summer, we are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Unilever for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025,” he said in a press release.

The support and interest in women’s football is on a sharp upward trajectory, and with Unilever’s portfolio of Food and Personal Care brands reaching billions of people every day, we look forward to celebrating the power of the game and bringing excitement to fans everywhere.”

General Manager of Unilever Foods Europe, Robbert de Vreede conveyed his enthusiasm for Unilever’s involvement in the upcoming Women’s EURO 2025.

“We are thrilled to partner with the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, enabling our Foods brands to connect with a large audience who come together enjoying the thrill of a football match with friends whilst sharing delicious foods,” he said in a UEFA press release.

“Just as a great BBQ brings people closer, football unites fans in a shared experience of passion and camaraderie. In this partnership we will create memorable moments that highlight the best of summer – good food, great company, and beautiful games.”

General Manager of Unilever Personal Care Europe, Fulvio Guarneri detailed why the collaboration between UEFA and Unilever was a perfect fit.

“This is an exciting opportunity for some of our biggest brands to tap into a big cultural moment and connect with millions of consumers who will be watching the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025,” he said via press release.

“It’s a great time for women’s football and this partnership fits perfectly with our Personal Care products which are all about feeling clean and confident, and taking part in sports. Together with our retail partners, we look forward to building on the success of last year’s men’s tournament, delivering unmissable campaigns across a variety of channels that celebrate the power of women’s football.”

Unilever joins an exciting list of brands for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 tournament, including household names such as adidas, Amazon, AXA, Booking.com, EA, Euronics, Grifols, Heineken, Hublot, Just Eat Takeaway.com, Lay’s, Lidl, PlayStation and Visa.

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