Football Tasmania reveal dates for return of competitions

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Football Tasmania have confirmed that all senior football competitions in the state will restart by July.

Round of 16 fixtures for the Women’s Statewide Cup, Under 20 Cup and Lakoseljac Cup will be played on the weekend beginning July 11.

The National Premier Leagues (NPL) Tasmania and Women’s Super League (WSL) will then start the following week on July 18, alongside the Northern and Southern Championships.

Football Tasmania CEO Matt Bulkeley stated the return of all competitions were locked in, with around $300,000 worth of financial relief spread across all clubs and associations in Tasmania.

“Rebooting football has taken a lot of hard work, dedication and commitment from the entire Tasmanian football family and to be able to welcome around 12,000 players – from juniors to seniors – back onto the pitch next month will be a great reward for everyone,” Bulkeley said.

The NPL Tasmania will have a shortened 14-week season, with the Women’s Super League running for 15 weeks.

The senior competitions are planned to finish near the end of October.

Bulkeley claimed his organisation was prepared to assist clubs financially, but reassured the football community that senior competitions could now be financially viable.

As per the easing of the Tasmanian Government restrictions, up to 500 spectators are allowed to attend a match.

“Football Tasmania advocated strongly for an early return to football training, spectators at games as well as funding support from the State Government. These outcomes have put our organisation in a much stronger position to be able to provide financial assistance to our clubs and associations,” he explained.

“By reducing our NPL licence fees, team nomination, referee and player registration fees, we are helping offset some of the challenges and ensure as many footballers as possible are able to get onto the pitch this year to enjoy the health and social benefits of the World Game in Tasmania.

“We recognise that while clubs and associations have been doing their utmost to forecast the full impact of COVID-19, the situation is changeable and we may still face a tough time. With this in mind, Football Tasmania stands ready to provide extra support to clubs should they find themselves in financial difficulty this year and beyond.”

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WA announce TV series for Sam Kerr’s children’s novels

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Image Credit: James Ross/AAP

A new TV series based on Sam Kerr’s children’s books ‘Kicking Goals’ is set to begin filming in early 2027 in Western Australia.

The show follows a young Kerr before she became captain of the Matildas and a star at Chelsea FC. Set in her home state of WA, the story sees her navigate her way through growing up and chasing her dreams, alongside her family and friends, and the adventures that entailed.

Speaking to Screenwest, Kerr said, ‘It’s pretty surreal knowing that Kicking Goals is being adapted into a TV series. These stories are all about believing in yourself and having a go, so it feels really special that a whole new generation will get to experience them on screen.’

Co-authored by Fiona Harris, the books have been a success since their initial release in 2021, a period which has coincided with Kerr and her Matildas teammates growing from beloved within Australia’s football community, into a team of genuine national appeal and recognition. They are available nation-wide, sold at major retailers such as Big W and Dymocks.

The television adaptation will beproduced by Orange Entertainment for Paramount+.

‘Kicking Goals’ is set to inject AUD 5million into the WA economy and provide over 130 local jobs.

Creative Industries Minister of WA, Simone McGurk, said via WA GOV, ‘The series will showcase all that Western Australia has to offer – including our world-class talent, crew, and diverse locations – while celebrating the story of one of our sporting greats.’

Casting is currently underway, with a search for a young Kerr and her mates ongoing.

The months after the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australian and New Zealand saw an 11% increase in women and girl’s participation in football compared to the previous year, showing the direct impact the biggest stage can have on grassroots football.

Kerr has managed to build on that success and begin a new chapter, inspiring kids both on and off the field.

Former Socceroos captain set to headline coaching conference

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Mark Mulligan. Credit A League

Mark Milligan – former Socceroos captain and Newcastle Jets Premiership-winning manager – is set to be the guest of honour at the 2026 Football NSW Coaching Conference, held at Valentine Sports Park from November 21st–22nd.

The annual conference represents Australia’s largest gathering of football coaches, and is set to include expert insight into coaching, practical sessions and development plans for attendees. Milligan will partake in a Q&A session with MC Stephanie Brantz on November 21, adding significant gravitas to the conference.

Chris Gallo, Football NSW Coach Education Manager spoke highly of Milligan via Football NSW.

‘Opportunities to hear from people who have experienced the game at the highest level are incredibly valuable for our coaches. Mark brings a unique perspective on leadership, performance and the demands of elite football, and we want our coaches to be able to take those insights back into their own environments,’ he said.

Milligan traversed the globe across a near-twenty year professional career that started in the old National Soccer League, concluded in the A-League, and took in time across Europe, the UK and Asia.

He represented the Socceroos with distinction across 80 appearances, selected by four seperate managers in World Cup squads, and was captain of the Olympic team in 2008. His nascent managerial career has already seen two trophies at Newcastle, where he is presently leading them in the Asian Champions League.

But it all began on the local pitches of Bankstown. Milligan is an authentic, home-grown product of Football NSW, and emblamatic of the rewards that can be reaped from investing in the beginning of a player’s journey.

With the conference already selling out, attendees can now expect to learn plemty from one of Australia’s most exciting, up-and-coming coaches.

The opportunity Football NSW are providing showcases their commitment in helping coaches develop, and their continued pledge of giving back to the game at its foundation.

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