Football Queensland reveals top hosts for the Football Convention

Football Queensland is introducing four nationally recognised hosts for the inaugural Queensland Football Convention, led by top football journalist Vince Rugari, with co-hosts Daniel Garb, Heather Garriock, and Amy Chapman.

The statewide convention, themed ‘Elevate the Debate,’ will bring together clubs, coaches, referees, and football enthusiasts from across Queensland to discuss key issues shaping the future of the sport on Saturday, 2 November, and Sunday, 3 November 2024, at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Vince Rugari, the author of Angeball: The Definitive Biography of Ange Postecoglou, is celebrated for his detailed coverage of major events like the FIFA World Cups, Asian Cups, and A-League Grand Finals. His insightful reporting has been featured in prominent outlets such as The Guardian, Australian Associated Press, Stan Sport, and The Sydney Morning Herald.

Daniel Garb, a seasoned football presenter and reporter with over 20 years of experience covering national teams, domestic leagues, and international matches in Australia, will join Vince at the inaugural convention.

Heather Garriock, a revered Matilda and member of the Football Australia Hall of Fame, brings over 25 years of experience, including playing in three FIFA Women’s World Cups and two Olympic Games. She currently serves as a Football Australia Board Member and Vice President of Football Coaches Australia.

Amy Chapman, a former Matilda and Westfield W-League player, is recognised for her extensive commentary and analysis with Optus Sport, FIFA, Channel 10, and Channel 7. She has also made significant contributions to football by negotiating the W-League Collective Bargaining Agreement and leading player support initiatives.

“We are excited to welcome Vince as our host, and Daniel, Heather and Amy as co-hosts of the inaugural Queensland Football Convention and are confident that their expertise and unique perspectives will be crucial as we address key themes including Growth, Sustainability, and Technology within the game,” Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci said via press release.

“Their diverse backgrounds and experiences in the sporting world will help guide discussions as we strive to harness the excitement and growth surrounding the game in recent years and use that momentum to build a promising future for football both within the state and across the country.

“The two-day convention will serve as a crucial forum for innovative dialogue and collaborative exploration, offering attendees the chance to engage in transformative discussions, discover innovative solutions, and partake in interactive and insightful sessions.

“With a comprehensive agenda that includes exploring governance and administration structures, sustainable club models, and the role of technology in football, the Queensland Football Convention promises to be an essential event for anyone eager to be at the forefront of our game’s evolution.”

Alongside two days of convention sessions, the Queensland Football Convention will feature a cocktail networking event at the Brisbane Roar Men’s home opener at Suncorp Stadium and the football in Queensland Awards Night at Brisbane City Hall.

Click here to get additional information on the Queensland Football Convention.

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Western United ruled out of 2026–27 A-League season

Western United’s participation in the A-Leagues has officially been terminated, ending the club’s immediate pathway back into Australia’s professional football competitions.

The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) terminated Western United’s Club Participation Agreement on Monday, following months of discussions over the club’s future.

The decision comes after Western United’s attempt to secure a return to the A-League for the 2026–27 season was unsuccessful. Football Australia had previously determined that the club did not meet the requirements to retain its licence.

Western United has now turned its attention towards rebuilding the organisation under new ownership, with the club targeting a return to the A-League for the 2027–28 season.

In a statement, Western United said the termination creates an opportunity for “new custodians, new investment and a fresh start”, while emphasising the importance of maintaining the club’s identity in Melbourne’s west.

The club’s financial problems have been a major issue over the past two years with the club being placed into a conditional hibernation ahead of the 2025/26 A-League season.

The APL said its decision was made following the club’s breach of several obligations under the agreement, including compliance with Football Australia’s National Club Licensing Regulations.

The club’s proposed 2027–28 comeback will therefore depend on securing new investment, addressing its outstanding operational requirements and demonstrating that it can meet the conditions necessary to re-enter the A-Leagues.

While Monday’s decision brings an end to Western United’s current participation agreement, the club maintains that it is not the end for Western United.

Now, the club that won the A-League grand final just four years ago, will now turn its attention to restructuring the business and building a sustainable platform for a potential return to Australia’s professional football landscape.

 

 

Football Queensland Welcomes Musco Lighting as Official Lighting Partner

Football Queensland has welcomed Musco Lighting as its Official Lighting Partner, bringing world-class sports lighting expertise to football clubs and facilities across the state.

The partnership will support Football Queensland clubs as participation continues to grow across the state, helping communities access safer, higher-quality and more accessible football facilities.

Musco Lighting is a global leader in sports lighting, with more than 50 years of experience delivering lighting solutions across sporting venues worldwide. The company was also the first in the world to be certified by FIFA as a Preferred Provider for Floodlight Systems and provided lighting for 12 of the 16 stadiums used at the recent FIFA World Cup.

Through the new partnership, Football Queensland clubs will have access to Musco’s specialist expertise and solutions as they look to improve and develop their lighting infrastructure.

Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci said the partnership represented an important step in supporting the continued growth of football across Queensland.

“I’m proud to see this partnership between Football Queensland and Musco come to life.

“With participation continuing to grow across Queensland, the need for quality football infrastructure has never been greater. This partnership will help our clubs access world-class lighting expertise to create safer, better and more accessible facilities for their communities.

The partnership provides an opportunity to combine Football Queensland’s extensive network across the state’s football community with Musco’s global expertise in sports lighting, supporting clubs as they continue to invest in facilities that meet the needs of their growing participation bases.

Football Queensland and Musco will work together to help clubs identify lighting solutions that can enhance facility quality and accessibility, supporting more opportunities for players and communities to participate in football.

Football Queensland Official Lighting Partner – Musco Lighting

With more than five decades of experience in sports lighting, Musco has delivered projects across some of the world’s most significant sporting venues and events.

The company’s FIFA Preferred Provider certification and involvement in the recent FIFA World Cup further demonstrates its expertise in delivering lighting systems to the highest international standards.

The partnership with Football Queensland will bring this expertise closer to Queensland’s football community, providing clubs with access to a specialist lighting partner as the game continues to grow across the state.

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