Football West announces latest round of Building Stronger Clubs Program

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Football West has announced the launch of their latest round of the Building Stronger Clubs Program for 2021.

The program aims to future proof football in the state by ensuring that clubs and associations provide a better all-round experience for all participants, volunteers and fans.

The initiative enables clubs and associations to apply for grants of up to $1,500. Last year alone saw 24 clubs across WA sign up for the program and put the funds towards projects valued at more than $100,000.

The resulting projects included a club history timeline at Subiaco AFC, committee upskilling for Mindarie FC and an Asian Cup tournament at Westnam United. In addition, other clubs used the funding towards the purchasing of new equipment and the development of websites.

Meanwhile, Sorrento FC used the Building Stronger Clubs Program grant to develop a business plan to secure a $1 million election pledge from Western Australia’s Labor Party to fund new changerooms and upgrade club facilities.

The Building Stronger Clubs Program grant can be used to assist clubs and associations in strengthening their setups across a variety of aspects, including:

  • Governance and Policy Development
  • Facilities Management, Planning or Design
  • Stakeholder Engagement (including Government, commercial, community, schools)
  • Volunteer Engagement & Recognition Plans
  • Marketing Plan or Communications Plan or Digital Marketing Plan
  • Fundraising/Grant/Sponsorship/Partnership Plan or support
  • Upskilling Boards and Committees
  • Financial Management Practices and Advice
  • Inclusive Participation Pathways
  • Football Development Pathway programs for players, coaches, referees, administrators
  • IT Services or Website Development
  • Strategic or Business Planning

Additionally, clubs and associations can also submit collaborative applications for larger scale projects dedicated to making a difference to their football communities.

The program gives Football West the opportunity to also provide concerted support for clubs and associations to complete the Football Australia National Club Development Program through facilitated experts.

As well as this, Football West’s preferred technology supplier, Computing Australia Group, can help any clubs and associations seeking website support or grant application assistance.

Those seeking full details for Football West’s Building Stronger Clubs Program and how to apply for the $1,500 grant need only click here. All grants must be submitted by June 28, 2021 – at 5pm WST.

Any questions or queries related to the application process can be directed to Football West’s Cub Engagement Lead, Abid Imam at abid.imam@footballwest.com.au

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Record deal puts Australian Lucas Herrington on Premier League stage

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Image Credits: Hull City

Australia’s Lucas Herrington’s rapid rise has reached another major milestone. The 18-year-old Socceroos defender has joined newly promoted Hull City in a reported $33 million deal. The move makes Herrington the most expensive Australian footballer in history.

Hull City have signed the centre-back from Colorado Rapids on a five-year contract. The deal comes after a breakout year for the Queenslander.

World Cup breakthrough

Herrington emerged as one of Australia’s biggest young prospects at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He became the youngest Socceroo to start a World Cup match. His composed performances against top-level opposition helped put him on the radar of clubs in Europe.

After a rapid rise with the Brisbane Roar, where Herrington began his senior career, he then moved to Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer.

Now he is heading to the Premier League.

Dream move to England

Hull won the race for Herrington after a strong push to bring him to England.

The club has just returned to the Premier League. It now hopes the teenager can help strengthen its defence.

Herrington has made no secret of his ambition. He described the chance to play in the Premier League as a dream come true. He also revealed that former Hull midfielder Jackson Irvine helped convince him the club was the right fit.

Irvine played alongside Herrington at the World Cup. His positive view of Hull gave the young defender added confidence in the move.

Herrington had attracted major interest from European clubs but his move will see him compete in the biggest league in the world.

Manchester United awaits

Herrington could make his Premier League debut on the opening weekend. Hull face Manchester United on August 22. The fixture offers a huge stage for the teenager.

It is also a remarkable next step for a player who only recently broke into the Socceroos. The reported $33 million fee has added plenty of attention. But Herrington’s focus will now shift to earning his place in Hull’s starting XI.

His move also highlights a growing pathway for young Australian players. After impressing on the international stage, At just 18 years old Herrington now has the chance to test himself every week in the Premier League.

Manchester City and Charlotte Soccer Academy join forces on youth development

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Image Credits: Charlotte Soccer Academy

Manchester City has announced a new youth soccer collaboration with Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA) and PUMA. The partnership will bring Manchester City’s coaching methodology into CSA’s daily program.

Two full-time Manchester City coaches will relocate to Charlotte, and they will work alongside CSA coaches, players and club leaders. There will also be opportunities for Charlotte’s young players to move to Manchester.

Focus on young players

The main focus will be CSA’s Foundation Phase. That covers players aged 10 to 12, helping them create a foundation.

City coaches will introduce the club’s Play Model and development approach. The sessions will focus on technical skills and decision-making.

They will also help players build a positive relationship with the game. The program will extend across CSA’s wider U9-U12 competitive pathway.

Coaches will benefit too

The collaboration goes beyond player development. Manchester City staff will support CSA coaches throughout the club.

They will help with curriculum planning and coaching development.  The teams will also share best practices that could strengthen CSA’s wider player development pathway.

A pathway to Manchester

CSA players in the program will also have the chance to travel to Manchester each year.

The trips will include competitive matches and access to the Manchester City Academy. The partnership will give young players a direct connection to Manchester City’s football environment.

PUMA backs the project

PUMA is supporting the collaboration as a long-term partner of Manchester City and CSA. CSA has been a PUMA King Club since 2019.

The project brings the three organisations together around youth development. Players, parents and coaches will see the partnership in action from the 2026-27 season, with Manchester City coaches working on the field in Charlotte every day.

The move also marks another step in City’s growing youth soccer presence in the United States.

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