Football Tasmania and MyState Bank team up to support junior football

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Football Tas

Following the exciting scenes of Australia qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Football Tasmania and MyState Bank have teamed up to provide a free ball to every registered junior player in the state.

Football Tasmania CEO Matt Bulkeley and MyState Bank’s Managing Director & CEO Brett Morgan were at Wentworth Park last Thursday afternoon to deliver around 150 balls to Clarence Zebras players. Close to 9,000 balls will be delivered across the state overall.

“As Tasmania’s most popular team sport – with junior clubs and school teams across the state – getting a ball to every registered junior player has its logistical challenges, but it’s absolutely worth it to foster the next generation of talent,” Bulkeley said via Football Tasmania.

“It means kids can practise their skills with friends and family outside of organised matches and training.”

MyState Bank Managing Director & CEO Brett Morgan explained the business is proud of its support of Tasmanian football over the past few years, which includes the community junior league, and sponsoring the referees and the 2022 MyState Bank Women’s Super League.

“It’s a privilege to give back to the local community through partnerships with Football Tasmania,” Morgan said via Football Tasmania.

“Tasmania has a long and proud sporting history, where dedicated and talented people have achieved great things. Many had their start in local community clubs. This is the third time we’ve provided a free ball and we’re delighted to encourage kids to keep healthy and work as a team.”

Bulkeley added there’s certainly a spring in the step of the junior teams with Australian men and women shining on the football world stage.

“With Tasmanian Nathaniel Atkinson looking likely to be selected to travel to the 2022 Men’s World Cup, and the Women’s World Cup coming to Australia and New Zealand in 2023 we’re expecting to see even more young boys and girls enjoying their football and these balls will help add to the excitement.”

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Independent candidate throws support behind the new Tasmanian Home of Football

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Image credit: Football Tasmania

Ahead of this weekend’s Federal Election, Independent Candidate for Franklin, Brendan Blomeley has backed a Home of Football at Wentworth Park which has been welcomed by Football Tasmania.

The Home of Football will offer more fields and facilities to support every level of football in Tasmania, from local grassroots teams to elite talent development and academy programs, and will also serve as the future home base for a potential Tasmanian A-League club.

Blomeley explained the decision behind his support.

“Wentworth Park in Franklin is the ideal location for a purpose-built facility that caters for all levels of all football, from grassroots to elite,” he said in a press release.

“Football is growing and is running out of space in the South of the State, and Franklin should be home to this facility to create football pathways for the future, from MiniRoos to the Socceroos and Matildas.

“Tasmania needs a facility that will benefit the entire football community.”

Football Tasmania is looking for funding to build the $80 million Home of Football, which would feature six full-sized pitches, three synthetic and three grass, along with four five-a-side fields, catering to everyone from local clubs to elite-level players.

The facility would also include modern changing rooms and training areas for both women and men.

Football Tasmania Chief Executive Officer Tony Pignata expressed his excitement about receiving the Independent Candidate’s support.

“We are thrilled to receive Mr Blomeley’s support today. Tasmanians love our football, and the sport continues to grow,” he said in a press release.

“What we need now is for our Federal, State and Local Governments to provide their communities with the facilities they need to participate in the sport that they love.

“The success of our Tasmanian teams, such as the JackJumpers in the NBL and the Hurricanes in the BBL, show what is possible with the support of all levels of government.

“We strive for an elite football presence in the national A-League competition, to rightfully take our place on the national stage and to provide a complete pathway for our footballers who aspire to play professionally.

“I thank Brendan for his support, and will continue to work with Labor and the Liberals to secure their support for this important infrastructure for future generations.”

Last year in Tasmania, participation increased by five percent compared to 2023, reaching a total of 31,278, which includes a three percent rise in outdoor football, with 14,552 participants, 28 percent of whom are female.

Football Tasmania and Heartbeat of Football unite for Heart Health

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Heart Health Round

Football Tasmania has confirmed a significant new partnership with the Heartbeat of Football Foundation, reinforcing its commitment to player safety and well-being at all levels of the game.

Through this alliance, efforts will be made to:

  • Raise awareness about heart health within the football community.
  • Offer education and training on CPR and defibrillator use.
  • Support greater accessibility to life-saving equipment at clubs and venues.

Football Tasmania Chief Executive Officer, Tony Pignata, mentioned the health significance this will present for individuals involved in football.

“Our mission is to provide opportunities for Tasmanians to lead healthy, enjoyable, and connected lives through participation in football — from Under 5s to over 40s,” he said via press release.

“As a State Sporting Organisation, we have a duty of care towards the tens of thousands of Tasmanians who take to the pitch or futsal court every week, regardless of their age.

“We recognise that heart-related medical incidents can and do occur on our sporting fields.

“That’s why partnering with the Heartbeat of Football Foundation is crucial in raising awareness, improving preparedness, and ensuring our clubs and facilities are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to save lives.”

Andy Paschalidis, founder of Heartbeat of Football, highlighted the significance of this collaboration.

“Our partnership with Football Tasmania is a vital step in ensuring players, coaches, and volunteers across the State are better armed with knowledge, resources, skills and tools, because minutes matter in an emergency,” he said via press release.

“By working with Football Tasmania, we can amplify this life-saving message and ensure that heart health awareness becomes a key part of grassroots football culture.

“Strong partnerships with organisations like Football Tasmania help us engage directly with players, clubs, and communities to drive real change.

“Football is more than just a game — it’s a community, and every heartbeat matters.”

Last weekend, the Heartbeat of Football Foundation brought its free heart health testing to Football Tasmania’s NPL and WSL games.

Click here to read more about Heartbeat of Football.

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