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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APL and PFA remain without agreement as bargaining tensions continue

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Image Credit: A-Leagues

The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) remain without a new collective bargaining agreement, with negotiations continuing less than three months before the start of the 2026–27 A-Leagues season.

The APL presented the players’ union with a new one-year interim proposal on August 5, which included an increase to the A-League Women salary cap and a commitment to establish a pathway towards full-time professionalism for the women’s competition within 12 months.

The proposed agreement would provide an interim framework while the two parties continue discussions over a longer-term collective bargaining agreement.

APL chief executive Steve Rosich said the proposal reflected the league’s commitment to reaching a sustainable agreement with players following eight months of negotiations.

However, the PFA criticised the APL for publicly announcing the proposal shortly after presenting it to the union, arguing that the approach had further damaged trust between the two parties.

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch also said players had overwhelmingly rejected the APL’s previous final offer, citing a lack of trust in the league’s ability to ensure its future.

Full-time professionalism for the A-League Women remains a key priority for the PFA, with players seeking improved conditions and greater investment in the competition.

The A-League Men and A-League Women seasons are both scheduled to begin on 16 October 2026.

With the new season approaching, both parties face pressure to resolve the dispute and establish the framework governing player conditions across the A-Leagues.

 

 

Jeff Bezos consortium set for $2.7 billion Liverpool investment

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Image Credits: Fortune

Liverpool could soon welcome one of the world’s richest men into its ownership structure.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is part of a consortium in advanced talks to buy a 30% stake in the club.

The proposed deal values Liverpool at around $8.6 billion (4.5 billion pounds). Bezos has a personal fortune estimated at $363 billion.

The investment would give Fenway Sports Group (FSG) a major financial return. It would also allow FSG to keep control of the club, which they bought in 2010.

The proposal has attracted attention across football. It has also created concern among sections of the Liverpool fanbase.

FSG set for major return

FSG bought Liverpool for $573 million (300 million pounds) in 2010. The ownership group later provided further funding through loans. In the last 16 years, the club has undergone major growth.

Liverpool ended a 30-year wait for a league title in 2020. The club also won the Champions League in 2019. Another Premier League title followed in 2025.

Stadium redevelopment and a new training centre have also increased the club’s value. FSG could cash in on $2.7 billion (1.4 billion pounds) if the 30% share is sold.

The deal would therefore represent a huge return on its original investment. However, whilst the investment would provide a massive cash out for the owners of Liverpool, due to Financial Fair Play there won’t be increased investment in the transfer market.

Why Bezos wants Liverpool

Bezos has explored sports investments before. He has been linked with major American franchises such as the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.

Liverpool would give him a stake in one of football’s biggest global brands. The club also has a large following in the United States. The New York Times has also reported Liverpool has 26 million fans in America.

That makes the investment attractive for investors looking to expand their reach in global sport. American businessmen Eduardo Saverin and Amit Bhatia are also reportedly involved in the consortium.

The deal would add to the growing American influence across English football.

Fans remain cautious

Liverpool supporters have not automatically welcomed the proposal.

The club’s previous experience under Tom Hicks and George Gillett still influences the fanbase.

Supporters also want greater clarity over the consortium’s intentions. Questions remain over board representation, control and the long-term purpose of the investment.

For many fans, ownership must involve more than financial ambition. The Bezos proposal could strengthen Liverpool’s commercial position. It could also deliver a huge payday for FSG.

But until the consortium reveals more about its plans, supporters are likely to treat the deal with scepticism.

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