Football Victoria Confirms New Pathway Project

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Image credit: Master1305 / Shutterstock.com

The Football Victoria (FV) Pathway Project, previously called the International Coaching Experience, connects coaches from around the world to exchange knowledge and help develop both emerging players and coaches across Victoria.

Running across four days on December 15, 16, 18, and 19 at The Home of The Matildas, the program features daily sessions from 9am to 2pm and offers boys and girls born between 2009 and 2017 the chance to train with international coaches from the boys’ game, girls’ game, and specialist goalkeeping pathways.

Inside the FV Pathway Program

Global Coaching Talent

Coaches from around the world take part in the program, offering a mix of insights and leading methods to enrich football in Victoria.

Elevated Player Pathways

The initiative is designed to strengthen young players’ abilities and understanding through top-tier training sessions.

Building Development and Community

This event supports Football Victoria’s wider commitment to nurturing growth, strengthening connections, and advancing the local football ecosystem.

Clubs 

Watford FC

Watford FC will participate in the 2025 Pathway Project, bringing a strong tradition of giving young players opportunities at the top level. Their academy’s focus on intensity, growth, and player potential provides Australian participants with exposure to a club known for developing and scouting emerging talent.

Djurgårdens IF

Djurgårdens IF, a historic giant of Swedish football, will send its experienced coaching staff to the program. Known for its strong academy and emphasis on tactical discipline and high-tempo play, the club has produced numerous Swedish internationals and offers participants a glimpse into one of Scandinavia’s most respected development systems.

Crewe Alexandra

Crewe Alexandra joins as one of England’s premier youth development clubs, famous for producing technically excellent players. Their academy consistently ranks among the best for progressing players into professional football, with recent squads heavily featuring homegrown talent—perfectly aligning with the Pathway Project’s mission.

PAOK FC

PAOK FC brings Greece’s top-performing academy to the project. Known for its strong coaching and clear pathway to the first team, PAOK has developed and sold several high-value talents in recent years, establishing itself as the leading youth development model in Greek football.

Cost

FV Pathway Project Pricing

  • Outfield players: $600
  • Goalkeepers: $800

Those interested in joining this unique development opportunity can register by completing the form here.

For any additional information or questions, please reach out to TPD@footballvictoria.com.au

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Football NSW announce price freeze for junior and youth players

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Image Credit: Football NSW

Football NSW has announced a fee freeze for junior and youth community players in 2027, continuing its pledge to keep the game accessible for everyone across the state. 

In addition, senior players aged 19 and above will see their registration fee increase by just $1.50. Both junior and youth player fees will remain the same at $54.43, whilst senior members will pay $107.50.

The fee freeze highlights Football NSW’s commitment to keeping the game financially convenient for both players and families. 

Football NSW CEO, John Tsatsimas, said via Football NSW, “Football is the game of the people, and we recognise the importance of keeping participation accessible for families across our state. By freezing our registration fees for junior and youth players in 2027, we are continuing to support the next generation of footballers and help ensure that cost is not an unnecessary barrier to participation.”

The decision comes following similar price freezes at Football Queensland and Northern NSW Football in 2025. 

Despite the governing bodies acting separately, their unity on maintaining affordability throughout the game is a welcome sign. Managing to keep fees at an fair rate for families is a key component in sustaining grassroots football across the country.

“We have worked hard to manage the pressures facing the game, particularly around insurance, while ensuring Football NSW can continue to deliver the services and support our clubs, associations and participants expect,” said Tsatsimas. 

Despite the cost of living crisis, it is important that the game remains accessible for everyone. Football NSW have identified that even during tougher financial times, they can keep it that way. 

Through diligent financial handling, especially with care surrounding insurance and inflation (more of which can be read here), they are prioritising the game long-term over a short financial gain.

This fee freeze will directly impact the senior players and the families of younger members, too. The decision makes football not only more accessible, but provides more opportunities for players to strive for the highest levels of the game. 

Football Victoria demands more Victorian Government support amid grassroots boom

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Marlborough Street Reserve. Credit Football Victoria

Football Victoria is targeting Victorian Government funding for Glen Eira FC, in order to improve the club’s facilities and accommodate a recent surge in participation.

The interest and demand in football across Melbourne is ever growing, and Glen Eira FC is one such example.

Located in Melbourne’s inner south-east, the club has more than 1,100 players with nearly 95% of them aged 18 or under. In the suburb of Bentleigh alone, football participation has increased 18% alongside female engagement growing 76% in recent years.

However, at Marlborough Street Reserve, the conditions of the pitch – specifically during winter – can curb accessibility. Wet weather, non-stop usage and limited capacity make it difficult to accommodate all club members. This results in restricted training and playing opportunities.

Lachlan Cole, Football Victoria’s Head of Government Relations & Facilities, said via Football Victoria: “The story at Glen Eira FC is one we are seeing right across Victoria and specifically in Metropolitan Melbourne. Participation is growing, particularly among juniors, women and girls, but the infrastructure needed to support that growth is buckling under the weight of demand.”

To tackle this, both Football Victoria and Glen Eira FC want to convert the existing pitch to a synthetic surface and provide improved lighting for the ground. This would create a more reliable environment for players and support the growing demand for football in that community.

Speaking to Football Victoria, Glen Eira FC President Odilia Wijburg said, “A new sporting precinct with a synthetic pitch would be a game changer, providing year-round access, supporting participation growth and creating a lasting community asset that will benefit local families for generations.”

These issues are not exclusive to just Victoria, but are instead seen nation-wide. Football NSW recently pledged over AUD 200,000 to three amateur clubs to help upgrade their facilities and support the local communities.

Despite the increased interest in the game, the lack of reliable infrastructure, especially in grassroots football, leaves not only local areas without proper facilities, but creates a complicated road for young players hoping to navigate to the top of the game. 

Without the support of the Victorian Government, grassroots football could suffer an underwhelming fate. If the game is not supported from the bottom, the top might not reap the rewards of the next generation. And if that happens, alongside local communities, both the domestic leagues and the international team may suffer.

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