Football West and Persebaya Surabaya FC sign three-year MoU

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Image credit: Football West

Football West and Persebaya Surabaya FC have formalised their partnership by signing a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant step in their collaboration.

The agreement was signed by Football West CEO Jamie Harnwell and Persebaya Surabaya CEO Azrul Ananda in the presence of Western Australia’s Minister for Sport and Recreation, David Templeman.

This MoU sets the foundation for a talent development and exchange program between Football West, the governing body of football in Western Australia, and Persebaya Surabaya FC, one of Indonesia’s top-tier football clubs.

As part of the agreement, plans are already in motion for Persebaya’s senior team to visit Western Australia next year. The club, currently leading Liga 1, Indonesia’s top football league, will participate in various football-related activities.

Football West’s relationship with Persebaya Surabaya dates back to 2018 when the Indonesian club’s youth team visited Perth for a three-match tour. The following year, Football West reciprocated by sending an Under 19 State team to Surabaya, where the visit was also a success.

Football West CEO Jamie Harnwell spoke in length on the importance of this partnership and their connection to Indonesia.

“Football West is delighted to renew our relationship with Persebaya Surabaya and we look forward to creating sporting and cultural opportunities through our shared love of football,” he said in a press release.

“Indonesia is a natural sporting partner for WA. Football is the No1 sport in Indonesia and we know from when we took our team to Surabaya in 2019 that they love Australian football.

“It has been a pleasure to host Azrul and his team this week, showing them several venues including the Sam Kerr Football Centre. We have had strong discussions about what we can achieve and it is very exciting.

“Football West’s Asian Engagement Strategy is a pillar of our Strategic Plan and this Memorandum of Understanding shows how committed we are in this area. We would like to thank Minister Templeman and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries for their ongoing support for Football West in developing these relations,” he concluded.

Azrul Ananda, President of Persebaya Surabaya shared the same sentiment  about the extension of the partnership.

“We are happy to finally be able to continue our collaboration with Football West,” he said in a press release.

“During several days in Perth, the Persebaya management team has received much information regarding a visit from the Persebaya senior team in July 2025 for mini training camps and other cultural activities.

“Thank you to Jamie Harnwell and friends at Football West, Western Australia Sport and Recreation Minister Mr David Templeman, and Consulate General of Indonesia Mrs Listiana Operananta for their big support.

“We believe that the agreement between Persebaya and Football West over the next three years will strengthen people-to-people relationships between the people of East Java and Western Australia.”

This MoU signifies a deepening relationship between football organisations in Western Australia and Indonesia.

It creates an official platform for talent sharing and the development of players, coaches, and officials through exchange programs.

By facilitating visits and collaborative activities, the partnership also promotes cultural understanding between the two regions.

This deal is very important for Western Australian football and its attempt to expand their Asian representation.

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Weekly update: NPL partnerships continue to highlight local support

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Image credit: Football NSW

Read here for this week’s updated list of the recently announced NPL partnerships across each region.

NPL VIC

Fremantle City

Domino’s Spearwood – A popular pizza store in the local community, Domino’s Spearwood also actively supports schools, sporting clubs and community groups.

Dandenong Thunder

Elysium Estate Agents – Based in Chelsea and operating across the greater Melbourne region , Elysium Estate Agents specialise in residential, commercial, lifestyle, development and luxury properties.

Dandenong City

Talent Blue – A recruitment and staffing agency specialising in Manufacturing, Construction and Mining & Resourcing and more. With end-to-end solutions, Talent Blue is more than just a recruitment agency. Their approach is tailored to the needs of their client.

Hume City

Nasiol (recommitted partner) – Specialising in car and marine care, Nasiol can help your vehicle look and feel good with a variety of products. The company will partner again with Hume City as the Official Stadium Naming Rights Partner for the 2026 season.

Altona Magic

Spraying Systems Co. – Global leaders in spray technology striving to supply Australia with reliable, efficient and sustainable nozzle and fluid distribution solutions.

Black Rose Constructions – Melbourne-based building specialists who bring innovation and unique designs to every project. The team specialises in custome home builds, commercial & industrial construction, rennovation & extensions and project management & consultation.

2Bros Concrete Constructions – Providers of high-quality concrete solutions across Victoria, 2Bros Concrete Constructions ensure that projects are delivered with precision and workmanship, whether in residential, commercial or large-scale projects.

Motorino Pizzeria – Located in Melbourne’s inner-west, Motorino Pizzeria is an authentic Italian pizza and pasta restaurant. Founded in 2010, the team focuses on using real ingredients and traditional recipes to create an authentic dining experience.

Hart Recycling – A privately held scrap metal recycler which trades and processes scrap metal, located close to Melbourne’s CBD. Hart Recycling focuses on ferrous and non-ferrous metals, machinery removal and industrial demolition.

Urbanised Homes – Specialists in new homes, multi-unit developments and knockdown & rebuild projects. For over 15 years, Urbanised Homes has delivered progressive designs and superior construction techniques for customers.

Red Raptors Demolition & Excavation – Delivering professional and reliable demolition and excavation services across Victoria, the Red Raptors team works with clients to ensure a hassle-free and safe process from start to finish.

Westend Earthmovers – Established in 2011, Westend Earthmovers provide tipper truck, bobcat and excavator services across Melbourne’s west. Their extensive services cover both residential and commercial projects, with a reputation for reliability and efficiency.

Tipper Tarps Load Cover Systems – Operating from Laverton North, Tipper Tarps Load Cover Systems specialises in high-quality, waterproof and weather-resistant materials for tipper trucks. For over 20 years, they have produced and supplied customers with the solutions they need to heavy-duty applications.

Compton Green Commercial – With 40,000 properties sold over nearly 100 years, Compton Green are a specialist real estate agency founded on integrity, passion and innovation. The company operates from several offices in Williamstown, Seddon and Geelong.

LDI Projects – A trusted partner in heavy-lifting solutions with a dedication to precision, speed and affordability. They provide expert jack repairs and high-quality equipment across construction, mining, transport and industrial services.

Versaserv – Providing flexible services across Engineering, Consulting and Project Management, Versaserv continue to support an extensive range of industries and projects by tailoring their solutions to the needs of their client.

DNA Distellery – Built on the foundations of family tradition going back generations, DNA Distillery aims to bring rakija to the Australian public and encourage a sense of family, friendship and community.

NPL NSW

Kahibah FC

Burns Krainz Legal – With over 25 years of experience, Burns Krainz Legal help their clients with services in Conveyancing, Property Law, Wills, Estate Planning and Deceased Estates.

Monfab Pty Ltd – Based in Weston, NSW, Monfab Pty Ltd help their partners and customers with residential and commercial metalwork projects, including structural steel and handrailing.

Lions FC

Luxury Paints (recommitted partner) – A longstanding partner of Lions FC, Luxury Paints has grown since 1982 to become one of the largest privately owned paint companies in Australia. They offer a full range of decorative, industrial, specialty and texture coatings.

West Adelaide

1KOMMA5 – The heartbeat of Australia’s new energy, 1KOMMA5 help provide the nation with access to clean and renewable energy through sunlight and wind. Founded in Germany, the company prides itself on innovation, design and a genuine dedication to the climate.

Blacktown City

Walker Corporation – As urban transformation specialists with over 50 years of history, Walker Corporation have established a strong legacy of excellence delivering large-scale projects across all types of property.

Landen – A property and funds management company which strives to enrich people and communities. They specialise in residential and industrial projects, as well as in funds management for property-related investments.

NPL QLD

Rochedale rovers

Antec – Australian-owned manufacturer and distributor which specialises in construction, mining, fire protection and infrastructure sectors. With over 30 years of experience, they have a solid reputation for quality products and attentive service.

Select Fire Systems – A dynamic fire sprinkler company since 2006. The team manages an extensive range of projects for Commercial, Industrial, Residential and Government sectors, and specialises in the process of designing, supplying and installing sprinklers.

NPL SA

Para Hills Knights

Walker Corporation – As urban transformation specialists with over 50 years of history, Walker Corporation have established a strong legacy of excellence delivering large-scale projects across all types of property.

Cass and Co. Conveyancing – Established in 2022 by experienced industry professional, Cassie Filmer, the team helps clients through the conveyancing process as a reliable and knowledgable guide.

DG Sports – Specialising in sports and equipment services, DG Sports operates all areas of production including manufacturing, design and sales.

Kern Wifi Solutions – Suppliers of Fibre, NBN, Fixed Wireless Internet and more to residential buildings and businesses in Adelaide and throughout Australia. As a 100% Adelaide-owned company, they work extensively with local businesses.

Elders Holden Hill – One of Australia’s largest regional and rural insurance providers with over 200 local agents. The team specialises in business, farm, fleet, commercial motor and personal insurance, boasting over 100 years of experience.

Maugham Thiem – Serving the Adelaide community since 1912, Maugham Thiem is a family-owned and operated car dealership with several franchise dealerships including Ford, Hyundai, Mazda, Honda, Kia and Volkswagen.

Fitness Warehouse – An experienced supplier of gym equipment, accessories and supplememts with a nationwide customer network. From strength to cardio to yoga and pilates, Fitness Warehouse help their clients find the right machines for their fitness needs.

Angle Vale Wholesale Meats – A trusted name in the meat industry, Angle Vale Wholesale Meats has grown its loyal customer network through quality service and an expanded range of products.

West Adelaide SC

Distinctive Homes – Building houses in South Australia for over 35 years, Distinctive Homes has built a loyal customer base built on quality service, stylish homes and value for money.

 

NPL WA

Western Knights

DTMT – A privately owned company based in Western Australia, offering services in civil construction across Resources, Oil & Gas and Infrastructure sectors. They specialise in Site Preparation & Earthworks, Major Concrete Construction, Road & Bridge Construction and Concrete Pumping & Logistics.

Argosy Minerals – An Australian company with a mission to build shareholder value through the development of the Rincon Lithium Project. With interests in Argentina and Nevada, Argosy has built a strong global reach and presence in the lithium production industry.

Armadale SC

JADCO Australiasia – A leading distributor of high-quality building materials, operating across Australia, as well as in the UK and the UAE. The team has built trust through dependable products, reliability and innovative solutions.

Dianella White Eagles

DrimTel – A 100% Australian-owned telecommunications provider which delivers mobile, NBN and business communication solutions for individual customers and businesses.

Stirling Macedonia

Roads 2000 – A leading asphalt production company based in Western Australia. As part of the Politis Group, Roads 2000 has worked since 1998 with the understanding that the client always comes first.

Olympic Kingsway (Major Partners only – additional partners can be found here)

WA Corn Growers (Trandos Farms) – Founded by Dimitrios Trandos in 1938, Trandos Farms has grown from a small patch of land in Wanneroo to becoming the largest grower of sweet corn and beans in Western Australia.

Termi Home and Commercial – Providing solutions for commercial and residential properties by protecting homes from termite problems. Since 1990, their innovative solutions have helped protect properties and businesses all over Australia.

Belgravia Sports/New Balance – With over 30 years of experience, Belgravia Sports leads by example when it comes to designing and manufacturing sports apparel. They have partnered with New Balance in Australia since 2020.

 

NPL TAS

Launceston City

Tassie Care – Providing an extensive range of disability care services, Tassie Care is a valuable part of the local community. As trusted caregivers and empathetic disability support workers, the team offers services with disability support, gardening services, transportation and more.

A Coroner’s Call: Why Football Can No Longer Ignore the Science on CTE

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The recent coronial inquest into the death of Gordon McQueen has once again forced football to confront an uncomfortable truth.

The former Manchester United and Leeds United defender was renowned for his aerial prowess. But decades after his playing career ended, McQueen was diagnosed with dementia. The coroner has now formally linked his condition to repeated heading of a football. This is a landmark acknowledgement that many in the scientific community say has been years in the making.

For Ian Greener, Australia’s HEADSAFE representative and former State Director of Coaching at Football Victoria, the ruling should be a turning point.

“The evidence has been there since 2019,” Greener tells Soccerscene. “But the general public and much of the football community have simply not been told.”

The Research Football Can’t Ignore

Much of the modern understanding of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in football stems from the work of Professor Willie Stewart at the University of Glasgow. Commissioned by the English FA and PFA, his landmark 2019 FIELD study found former professional footballers were three-and-a-half times more likely to develop neurodegenerative disease. For defenders, that risk rose to five times more likely.

Stewart then spent years re-examining his findings through analysing lifestyle, alcohol consumption, social factors and broader health variables across tens of thousands of records.

“He looked at everything,” Greener explains. “Drugs, diet, social background. After years of further research, he came back to the same conclusion — there is no other explanation apart from repeated head impacts.”

CTE differs from concussion. Concussion is visible and immediate. It can be identified through dizziness, nausea and blurred vision. CTE is silent. The damage accumulates over decades and can only be confirmed post-mortem through examination of brain tissue.

Greener explains the science in simple terms: repeated head impacts cause the brain to move within the skull, stretching neurons. This releases tau protein, which clumps together over time and disrupts electrical messaging in the brain. The result can be memory loss, personality change, aggression, anxiety, and in some cases, suicidal behaviour.

“It’s not about frightening people,” he says. “It’s about understanding brain health.”

Not About Banning Heading

HEADSAFE, founded by the family of former Middlesbrough player Bill Gates after his battle with dementia, operates across three fronts: research support, financial assistance for affected families, and coach education.

“We are not about banning heading,” Greener stresses. “Heading is an integral part of football. What we’re saying is: minimise the repeated heading in training. Most of the damage is done there.”

In England, guidelines already exist. Children under 12 are not permitted to practise heading in training. Though monitoring is difficult, In the Premier League, players are advised to limit high-force headers to around 10 per week. In Scotland, players are not permitted to head the ball the day before or after a match.

Australia, however, has no formalised CTE-specific guidelines.

Greener says attempts to engage both Football Victoria and Football Australia have so far gained little traction. Instead, he has taken the message directly to clubs, academies and grassroots coaches through workshops and podcasts.

“We just need a module in coach education,” he says. “If we’ve embraced sports science in nutrition, recovery and match analysis, then we also have to embrace the science on repeated head impacts.”

What concerns Greener most is not just the science, but the time lag between evidence and action. “This was once considered an old person’s disease,” he says. “But the science now shows it begins much earlier. The symptoms might not appear for decades, but the damage can start in youth.” He argues that brain health should sit alongside hydration, nutrition and recovery in every coaching curriculum. “We talk about load management for muscles. Why wouldn’t we talk about load management for the brain?”

A Duty of Care

The urgency is heightened by the rapid growth of the women’s game. Emerging research suggests female players may experience head impacts differently due to chemical and physiological factors.

“It’s about duty of care,” Greener says. “My grandson has just started playing. I want to know that whether I’m there or not, he’s protected.”

McQueen’s case has placed the spotlight firmly back on football’s responsibility. With further inquests pending in the UK, including that of Bill Gates later this year, pressure is unlikely to ease.

Football has adapted before — from concussion substitutes to advanced medical protocols. The next step, Greener argues, is simple:

“Make every header count. Don’t do 30 or 40 for the sake of it. Protect the brain, protect the player, protect the future of the game.”

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