Football SA launches academy for state’s referees

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Football SA has announced the creation of the Football SA Referee Academy, with 19 members chosen for 2020.

The academy will be divided into two groups, a development squad and a senior squad.

Young officials will have the opportunity to receive specific training and coaching through the academy, enabling the next generation of referees to evolve.

Development squad member Thomas Brinkworth was looking forward to starting the program.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn from not only some of the best match officials in the state but also some of the best in the nation. The knowledge and experience they will be able to pass on will prove invaluable in my refereeing future,” he said.

A-League referee Daniel Elder will take up the role of lead instructor at the academy in 2020.

AFC Assistant Referee of the Year Matthew Cream will be one of a number of guest presenters involved in academy sessions.

“The 19 members of the referee academy are an extremely promising group who should be proud of their selection,” Elder said.

“I’m looking forward to working with them and guiding them on their journey to becoming high-quality match officials. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate enough to experience the great coaching Football SA has to offer young match officials, and I hope to continue that throughout this course.”

Football SA State Referee Committee Chair Rick Schneider said: “The program to be led by Daniel & his team of presenters will be a fantastic step in providing quality development for younger referees so that they can grow into excellent match officials – for competitions in South Australia, and also on the national stage in the A-League, W-League and Y-League.”

The Football SA Referee Academy squads are listed below.

Lead Instructor: Daniel Elder

Senior Squad (10)

  • Andrew Citti
  • Ian Crossing
  • Cole Davy
  • Alex Diamond
  • Angus Jackson
  • Angus MacDonald
  • Jackie Megson
  • Denis Palushaj
  • Joe-Jordan Tripodi
  • Dion Turner

Development Squad (9) 

  • Jayden Betterman
  • Thomas Brinkworth
  • Finley Drewniak Sandery
  • Argyle Groff
  • William Heinrich
  • Harold Spanner
  • Thomas Temby
  • Liam Toovey
  • Ashley Udycz
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Shepparton Cup – Victoria’s biggest junior football tournament – set for 2026 edition

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Image Credits: Shepparton Cup

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

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Image Credits: 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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