Football Queensland secures $3.5M pledge for Endeavour Park

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Image credit: Football Queensland website

Football Queensland has welcomed the confirmation from Michael Healy, Member for Cairns and Minister for Tourism and Sport, of a $3.5 million funding pledge to upgrade Endeavour Park, contingent on Labor’s re-election in November.

The planned upgrades at Endeavour Park, the heart of football in Far North Queensland, would address key elements of Football Queensland’s Endeavour Park Master Plan.

The plan aims to enhance the football experience, support multi-use functionality, and generate economic benefits for the region.

FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci thanked Minister Healy for support and discussed improving participation in the Far North region.

“Football Queensland continues to advocate for infrastructure funding through our statewide #EQUALISER initiative to support the rapid growth of our game as the state’s largest participation sport, and we thank Minister Healy for his support of football in the Far North with this significant commitment to upgrade facilities at Endeavour Park,” Cavallucci said in a statement.

“As our home of football in the Far North region, Endeavour Park plays an integral role in the delivery of football competitions and programs for participants at every level while providing a pathway through the FQ Academy program to Australia’s national teams for local footballers with aspirations to be like former Cairns player and much-loved Matilda, Mary Fowler.

“As we continue recording strong year-on-year growth in participation across the region, an upgrade to Endeavour Park is crucial to ensure we can deliver a positive football experience for all who are part of our game.”

FQ General Manager – Northern Region Craig Ramage expressed the same sentiment as Cavallucci about the possible upgrade.

“Football Queensland welcomes the announcement by Minister Healy of a $3.5 million funding commitment to upgrade the home of football in the Far North, Endeavour Park,” Ramage said in a statement.

“The upgrade of Endeavour Park aligns with FQ’s Master Plan for the facility and will deliver incredible benefits to the more than 4,100 members of our football community who attend the venue each week and participate in football as Cairns’ most popular sport.”

Football Queensland’s State Election #EQUALISER Campaign is continuing to make strides in advocating for football, with a focus on community infrastructure and facility investments from candidates in every electorate.

The campaign’s impact is evident, as 16 grassroots clubs across Queensland have secured significant funding, ranging from $150,000 to $3.8 million, from both local councils and the state government.

After the $800k pledge from the LNP for the Mackay Football Park carpark upgrade if they win the election, FQ have covered all bases here and have guaranteed a mega upgrade to one or more of their facilities.

FQ are adamant on aligning with their 2024–2026 Infrastructure Strategy and this is another step in the right direction.

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Football NSW calls on clubs to Make It Red for Heart Health Round

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Football NSW is calling on clubs and associations across the state to register for the 2026 Make It Red campaign, joining a national awareness movement aimed at reducing heart-related deaths on sporting grounds ahead of Heart Health Round on the weekend of June 5 to 7.

The campaign, developed by the Heartbeat of Football Foundation, asks sporting clubs to wear red, raise funds and build awareness around heart disease and sudden cardiac arrest, which is the leading single cause of disease burden and death in Australia for both men and women, and one that health authorities say is largely preventable through modifiable risk factors.

The call to action comes as the Foundation continues its work to map and register Automated External Defibrillators across NSW sporting facilities, a project that has already engaged twelve football associations and fed data into both the NSW Ambulance GoodSAM registry and NSW Health’s public AED map. The availability of a functioning, registered AED on site is among the most significant determinants of survival following sudden cardiac arrest, with survival rates declining sharply for every minute without defibrillation.

Football NSW is encouraging clubs to engage with the campaign across three areas. Clubs can register for the Make It Red campaign to help fund research, education and prevention programs. Participants, particularly those aged over 35, are encouraged to seek a free heart health screening test from their local GP or enquire about hosting a Heartbeat of Football testing day. Clubs are also urged to ensure their grounds have active, accessible AEDs in place, with guidance available through Football NSW’s Rescue Ready Guide.

The Make It Red campaign runs from June 5 to July 12, with Heart Health Round taking place across the opening weekend. Clubs can register and access participation resources at makeitred.org.

Community Spirit Shines on AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026

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Image credit: Football Australia

This week, Football Australia (FA) celebrated AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026, championing the people and communities who continue to hold up a safe, inclusive and supportive environment in the football landscape.

‘For all, for life’

In collaboration with Football NSW, Canterbury Football Association and community club, Balmain & District Football Club, the day reflected the very best of what football provides.

The event brought in participants of all ages – from 4-74 years-old – and reached a total of 400 people. Girls-only programs, all-abilities sessions and over-age football ensured all were catered for.

Such a diverse range of participants builds on a wider drive during FIFA World Football Week, which seeks to promote the sport not just as the dazzling lights of 100,000-seater stadiums, but as a way to foster community spirit and social development.

Furthermore, FA support through its Club Changer program was a welcome addition to the action, emphasising the organisation’s commitment to nurture a real love for the game across communities in Australia.

“Through Club Changer we support our clubs to provide a safe, fun and enjoyable environment where everyone is welcome; whether that be as a player, volunteer, referee or supporter,” explained National Program Manager Club Development at FA, Grace Lambourne.

“Everyone should feel they belong and are welcome to play, stay, and love the game.”

 

A welcome celebration

While the upcoming FIFA World Cup will no doubt inspire millions of future Socceroos and Matildas, events like the AFC Grassroots Football Day represent something beyond just inspiration.

It is a platform. An opportunity to express a love for football and to connect with others while doing so.

And connections between the professional and grassroots game is more important than ever if Australia is to nurture the next generation of talent.

This is particularly clear in the rise of women’s football across the nation. Since the FIFA Women’s World Cup, female participation rose by 32%, and registrations for the MiniTillies Program skyrocketed from 264 in 2023, to 1223 in 2024.

The professionals spark passion. But communities turn that passion into playing time.

That is why celebrating grassroots football – and the volunteers and families who sustain it – is a vital part of Australia’s football future. Together, FA and the AFC are creating strong foundations built on positivity, engagement, and inclusivity for all with a love for the beautiful game.

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