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

Philip Panas25/06/2020 1:00 pm04/08/2021

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

George Arthur04/11/2026 6:55 am03/11/2026

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

George Arthur04/11/2026 5:55 am03/11/2026

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.