Football NSW: South Coast grassroots clubs receive welcome funding boost

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Image Credit: Football NSW

Three Football South Coast clubs are the latest recipients of the NSW Government’s ‘Active Regional Communities’ package, a community program which seeks to invest in facilities in the hope that safer, more accessible playing environments will lead to increased participation across the board.

The purpose of the package, as per Service NSW’s website, is to enhance liveability, resilience and long-term sustainability in rural NSW by championing events that support social cohesion and improve amenities in the region.

It is comprised of 3 streams:

1.⁠ ⁠Regional Events and Partnerships – with grants of up to $2 million available for either the development of new events, or to improve on existing events, via upgraded infrastructure.

2.⁠ ⁠Community Participation – grants of up to $1 million, with a focus on greater accessibility. This funding could go towards sports grounds, safe transport and supervision, or staffing for events that boost local wellbeing and connection.

3.⁠ ⁠Local Priorities – Covers grants of up to $100,000, targeted at upgrading safety and equipment, hiring and training skilled staff, introducing and funding new groups, and/or increasing the frequency and range of existing activities.

On October 9, Football NSW announced upgrades would be received by Fairy Meadow United FC, Woonona Football Club and Albion Park White Eagles Soccer Club, as part of a comprehensive $7 million investment which will support a total of 24 community-led projects across the South Coast.

The clubs have secured $177,566, $18,182 and $46,297 respectively, which will support improvements to club awnings, goalposts and ball stop fences  in a bid to enhance matchday experience safety.

Football NSW’s Infrastructure and Club Development Coordinator Lachlan Mainwaring congratulated the clubs on this essential period of growth.

Mainwaring described the regional funding projects as ‘fantastic examples’ of how the impact of grassroots investments can reverberate through wider communities, assisting players, volunteers and families alike.

To ensure the sport remains sustainable for future generations, Football NSW welcomes ongoing partnership between clubs, association, government and councils.

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Football Queensland remove fees for match officials in 2027

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Football Queensland has announced referee enrolment fees across the state will be removed in 2027, to help create an affordable and accessible pathway to officiating.

The decision marks another moment in FQ’s ten point plan to transform refereeing.

Whereas referees in Victoria can be charged between $100-$250 annually, FQ have opened the doors for all.

CEO Robert Cavallucci said in a statement via FQ, ‘Football Queensland is proud to confirm that all match officials will pay $0 in FQ enrolment fees to referee in 2027, in a major boost for Queenslanders as we make it even easier for participants in every corner of the state to become a referee.’

As football grows at an exponential rate in Australia, so too does its need for officials. 

This welcoming and direct route to refereeing will hopefully see football in Queensland benefit in numerous ways. More trained officials means more games can be played; with more games comes more talent, and further opportunity for it to develop.

Cavallucci continued: ‘By reducing barriers to officiating through the removal of match official enrolment fees for 2027, Football Queensland’s additional investment in referee ‘match day’ development and training will also see a significant expansion of the statewide match day coaching program, delivering benefits to match officials in every region.’

With increased investment comes recognition the development of referee welfare frameworks must continue to be improved. A central aspect to FQ’s strategy is the concept of rest and rotation; with more referees comes the ability to step out of the high-pressure environment on the pitch on occasion, ensuring burn out of stress can be regulated in what is ostensibly a challenging job.

Football Queenslands commitment to the game via officials should be celebrated and inspire other organisations to do the same. Investing in officials can only further advance football in Australia.

Football NSW backs 20 female coaches with qualification scholarships

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Image Credit: Football NSW

Football NSW has supported 20 female coaches to complete their AFC/Football Australia C Diploma qualification in 2026, using scholarships funded through Football Australia and CommBank’s Growing Football Fund to reduce the cost of coach education.

The initiative included a dedicated female-only C Diploma course delivered by Football NSW in April and May, attended by 13 coaches. An additional seven received support to complete courses closer to their local communities, improving access for coaches across metropolitan and regional New South Wales.

Football NSW Head of Women’s and Schools Football Hayley Todd said the scholarships had helped address a key barrier to coaching development.

“These scholarships have helped remove a significant barrier for many female coaches seeking to progress their coaching journey,” Todd said.

Todd said the combination of a female-only course and support for locally accessible qualifications had created pathways for 20 women to develop their skills and contribute to football in their communities.

The program reflects an ongoing challenge for the sport: increasing women’s participation also requires investment in the coaches who lead teams, develop players and help shape club environments.

By helping cover qualification costs, the scholarships give recipients an opportunity to strengthen their coaching knowledge and leadership capabilities while expanding the pool of qualified female coaches available to clubs.

The support also connects to the wider Growing Football Fund, a joint Football Australia and CommBank initiative aimed at creating more opportunities for women and girls in the game.

The fund’s community grant program offers eligible clubs and associations grants of up to $5,000 to help attract or retain women and girls in football, with applications for the 2026–27 round closing on 20 October 2026.

The governing body also offers Women in Football Coaching Scholarships worth 50 per cent of course costs, with applications limited.

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