Football Victoria joins other major sports in helping at-risk teens

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Football Victoria have announced they will team up with other major sporting organisations to assist at-risk teens and encourage them to turn away from anti-social activity.

Backed by $1.4 million in government funding, the establishment of a new Sports Alliance between sporting organisations and the Victorian Government will look to focus on supporting at-risk youth through created programs.

Various initiatives will be introduced with the aim of engaging young people and helping them build community connections, a greater sense of belonging, social skills and self-confidence.

The Sports Alliance members include Peter Filopoulos (CEO, Football Victoria), Nick Honey (CEO, Basketball Victoria), Dave Donaghy (CEO, Melbourne Storm), Rosie King (CEO, Netball Victoria), Sam Graham (Head of States and Game Development, AFL) and Minister for Community Sport and Youth Ros Spence.

Football Victoria CEO Peter Filopoulos claimed the collective strength of the Sports Alliance will go a long way in driving outcomes for affected youth.

“One of the main reasons that teenagers can drift into anti-social behaviour is because of their lack of integration and connectedness – a feeling that they are not part of the broader society,” he said.

“For young people, sport is arguably one of the most effective ways to form social bonds, find support and structure and reap the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.”

“We have seen for a number of years how sport has been a key driver in turning many at-risk teens away from offensive behaviours that may limit them from achieving positive life outcomes. However, it is evident that there is so much more we can accomplish in this space, and by using Sports Alliance, we’ll be able to pool our resources to reach more youths than ever before.”

“I applaud the Andrews Government for leading this initiative. Thanks in particular must go to Minister Ben Carroll for bringing all these organisations together and empowering sports to do what they do best, which is bringing the community together.”

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Victorian Government Renews $10,000 Sporting Club Grants to Power Grassroots Sport in 2025-26

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Victorian grassroots football club training session

The Victorian State Government has announced the renewal of the Sporting Club Grants Program for 2025-26, delivering another boost for local players, coaches, and volunteers across the state. The program offers up to $10,000 in funding for eligible non-profit clubs to strengthen participation, upgrade equipment, and enhance community engagement.

Since its inception in 2015, the initiative has invested more than $19.5 million into Victorian sport, empowering clubs to stay active and connected. Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence praised the program for driving a “healthier, more connected Victoria,” highlighting its success in supporting grassroots development across all levels.

This year’s round places stronger focus on regional communities, following an additional $60 million investment in the Regional Community Sport Development Fund. The renewed focus ensures rural clubs—often the backbone of local communities—can access the same resources, skills, and opportunities as metropolitan teams.

Partnering with Active Victoria, the initiative aligns with the state’s 2022–26 roadmap, which champions inclusivity and representation across all sporting levels. The roadmap prioritises increased participation for women, queer, and underrepresented groups, reflecting the program’s role in building a fairer, more accessible sporting environment.

Beyond participation, the program also delivers significant economic benefits for regional areas, generating jobs and local investment through grassroots sport. By funding local initiatives, the government aims to create positive ripple effects that extend well beyond the playing field.

Applications for Round One open on October 23, 2025, and close on November 26, 2025. Clubs can apply across five categories: Uniform and Equipment, Volunteers and Officials, Access and Events, Travel, and Governance and Engagement. Round Two opens in early February 2026, closing mid-March.

For Victoria’s sporting communities, the renewed program marks another vital step in sustaining grassroots sport and reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of connection, health, and community pride.

Football Queensland Launches Upgraded Club Support Hub to Boost Volunteer and Administrator Support

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Volunteer using Football Queensland Customer Service Booking Portal

Football Queensland has unveiled its redesigned Club Support Hub, providing enhanced resources and a new Customer Service Booking Portal to assist club administrators and volunteers ahead of the 2026 season. The upgraded hub is designed to streamline support and ensure clubs have the tools they need to operate efficiently.

The Club Support Hub now offers a comprehensive suite of practical resources, covering every stage of the football season – from pre-season planning to post-season wrap-ups. Administrators and volunteers can also book dedicated support directly with FQ’s Customer Service team, making guidance more accessible than ever.

FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said, “Football Queensland acknowledges that the success of club operations is fuelled by the hard work and dedication of volunteers across the state. We are proud to continue to bolster the support available to them with more resources and more access to FQ Customer Support.”

Building on the original Hub launched in 2021 and FQ’s Future Club+ initiative, the upgrade aims to make volunteer workflows more efficient. Checklists, guides, and direct triaging options ensure clubs receive the right support at the right time, allowing administrators to focus on value-adding activities that enhance the football experience.

To support the rollout, FQ will deliver a series of webinars in the coming months, guiding administrators through the extensive new resources available. “We are excited to continue strengthening the support available to our clubs and volunteers as we reinforce our commitment to improving the experience for every member of our football community,” Cavallucci added.

The upgraded Club Support Hub marks a significant step in Football Queensland’s ongoing efforts to provide a more efficient, club-focused service model, ensuring administrators and volunteers have the tools and guidance they need to succeed.

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