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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Coach Education Exchange unites Football NSW and Japan FA

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Football NSW

The education program was a roaring success for the 14 coaches who made the trip, demonstrating Japan’s high-quality infrastructure and development systems from which football bodies across Australia can take inspiration. 

 

A valuable partner

The 2026 FNSW Japan Coach Education Exchange comes as the latest display of the strong connection between footballing worlds in Australia and Japan. 

14 Football NSW coaches travelled to Japan for unique insights into what makes the J-League and WE League tick. With both of these leagues being renowned for their distinct footballing identities, elite development pathways, and technical excellence, the program serves as a valuable opportunity for Football NSW to gain new ideas and know-how moving forward. 

During the visit to Japan, the coaching cohort visited several different clubs, including: 

  • Cerezo Osaka
  • Tokyo Verdy
  • JEF United Chiba
  • Urawa Red Diamonds
  • Gamba Osaka

Learning from international expertise

The trip was not, however, merely about uncovering the secrets to club or commercial success. 

Visits to the JFA Academy Sakai emphasised Japan’s commitment to creating elite pathways for talented young players across the country. They believe in nurturing players not only to be talented footballers, but to be confident leaders through their education and lodging system. 

“He or she being gifted does not always have his or her talent blossom. By providing those who have a talent with a good environment and encouraging them to make efforts, we nurture players who can shine in the world,” they explain via the JFA official website. 

Further meetings with Director of Coach Education at the JFA, Kimura Yasuhiko, as well as Head Coach of Japan’s Men’s National Team, Hajime Moriyasu, highlighted the wealth of knowledge which Australia can access during collaborations with the JFA. 

“The opportunity to meet and hear from a national team head coach operating at the highest level of international football proved both humbling and motivating, underscoring the value of global connection and shared learning in coach development,” Football NSW said via press release. 

Following the success of the 2026 FNSW Japan Coach Education Exchange, the objective should now be to transform insights into action. For Football NSW, or any other football association in Australia seeking to develop the game for current and future generations in the region, the lessons learned from international partners must be applied with real conviction and commitment.

 

Weekly Round-up – Confirmed Sponsors Across the NPL for 2026

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As NPL clubs across the country continue their pre-season preparations on the pitch, so too have they been forging alliances and partnerships off it. Read here for the round-up of all the confirmed partnerships announced this week across NPL competitions.

 

NPL VIC

Heidelberg United FC: 

Destination Unknown RVs (recommitted partner) – Caravan and RV dealer and manufacturer based in Epping. They specialise in designing high-quality and durable vehicles made to elevate the adventure experience for their customers. 

Windsor Management Insurance Brokers (recommitted partner) – A team of experienced insurance professionals based in Carlton, providing exceptional service and building trusted relationships with clients. 

Melbourne City Toyota (recommitted partner) – one of Melbourne’s most iconic Toyota dealerships, boasting locations in Camberwell, Heidelberg, South Melbourne and the CBD. The partnership renewal marks over a decade of collaboration with Heidelberg United FC.

 

Oakleigh Cannons: 

EGA Corporate Advisers – A Melbourne-based team of exceptional financial and corporate advisers, dedicated to offering tailored solutions in accounting, tax, banking, succession planning, property and more. 

 

Bentleigh Greens: 

GIOCA – An apparel and kit supplier created in New South Wales, priding itself on its team of former and current professionals helping to provide high-quality and tailored apparel solutions. GIOCA also announced a partnership with the SD Raiders FC earlier this month. 

Transcorp Removals & Storage – A leading moving and storage company in Melbourne, with roots going back to 1987. They offer same-day services and help with interstate relocations, gaining over 20,000 clients across 35 years of service. 

 

George Cross FC:

Elvin Lawyers (recommitted partner) – A law firm with locations in Brunswick and Preston, priding itself on a no-nonsense approach and commitment to offering high-quality and transparent services to their clients. 

Gilmores (recommitted partner) – Specialising in distributing quality, industrial packaging and office suppliers across Australia. Based in Port Melbourne and with 30 years of history, they are reknowned for exceptional and affordable service. 

Bostik (recommitted partner) – A global leader in adhesive technologies, Bostik boast operations in over 45 countries with 125 manufacturing sites. At Bostik Australia, they specialise in DIY, construction and industrial adhesives. 

Cemimax (recommitted partner) – Flooring installation experts offering services for industry, health, education, commercial and residential. By balancing cost-effective and environmentally friendly products, Cemimax remain committed to quality services.

RAW Global – International ocean and freight forwarding specialists with offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. They offer services in sea freight, air freight, customs clearance and third party logistics. 

28 Mason Cafe & Eatery (recommitted partner) – Based in Newport, 28 Mason Cafe & Eatery are a popular and cosy cafe. They blend strong coffee with delicious food items across both breakfast and lunch. 

 

NPL NSW

Rockdale Ilinden FC:

PCFS Logistics – An Australian-owned company created in 2002. They offer services in international and domestic freight, customs clearance, transport, warehousing and logistics.

MiLoan – A company led by industry experts specialising in commercial property, residential property, construction & development and equipment finance. With over $1 billion in loans settled and over 1000 clients assisted, they represent a reliable team who remain committed to supporting local communities. 

Project Cars – A premium car dealership in Western Sydney, combining services in buying, selling, consignment and finance. 

 

NPL Northern NSW:

Belmont Swansea Utd:

Make Windows + Doors (recommitted partner) – A reliable partner for a multitude of projects and developments. Make Windows + Doors is committed to delivering quality services across residential, commercial and project management projects.

 

Kahibah FC: 

Josie Coffee – The newest club partner of Kahibah FC and their official coffee supplier, Josie Coffee is famous for delicious roasts in Gateshead and Mayfield (NSW).  

Jewells Tavern (recommitted partner) – Returning as a sponsor for the 2026 season, Jewells Tavern is another popular spot for the local community, and was a valuable partner during Kahibah FC’s promotion endeavours last year. 

 

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