Football West launches innovative Arabian Engagement Strategy

Western Australia grants

Football West have confirmed its Arabian Engagement Strategy in partnership with the Council for Australian-Arab Relations and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Simply, it seeks to enhance Australia’s bilateral ties with Arab countries through a shared passion for the world game.

In what is truly a first of its kind in Australian football, Football West and the Federal Government are using this Arabian Engagement Strategy to grow international engagement between Australia and Arab countries specifically through the delivery of training, education, school programs, tours, competitions and the development of players, coaches, and referees.

DFAT has confirmed a $50,000 grant from the Council for Australia-Arab Relations with the total project value listed at $297,786.

Football West CEO Jamie Harnwell spoke about the potential of growing WA football through this innovative collaboration said via press release: 

“The incredible growth of football in the Arab region is well documented and Football West is excited to be involved.” he said in a Football West statement,” he said. 

“We saw Qatar host the FIFA World Cup 18 months ago, while Saudi Arabia will host the tournament in 2034 and has currently attracted some of the biggest names in world football including Cristiano Ronaldo. And the UAE has the current AFC Champions League winners in Al Ain FC.

“Below the headline acts there is massive potential at grassroots levels in the three countries through sporting and cultural exchange visits.

“The primary objective is to position football in Western Australia as a prominent player within the three countries and offer West Australians unique opportunities in sports, culture and education.

“This includes joint development, training and technical programs; coaches and referee workshops; and matches between WA State teams and sides from Qatar, UAE and Saudi.

“The Arabian Engagement Strategy will further promote Football West and the Sam Kerr Football Centre as hubs for team base camps, professional training and exchange programs.

“We have seen the value of the Sam Kerr Football Centre with the recent visit of the Socceroos, and last year with the Matildas. Perth can deliver and that is being seen around the world.”

It is an interesting initiative that is innovative and ambitious as it seeks to reach the Middle East through the sport.

With the grant money tied in there is clearly a plan in place to execute it properly and hopefully provide WA teams with better training and development workshops for its players and referees.

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Celebrating Ability Workshop Scheduled for December

The Celebrating Ability event will take place at The Home of The Matildas on Saturday, December 6.

The event promises an interactive day of learning and connection, featuring group workshops, the launch of Football Victoria’s new Disability Football Framework, and club education sessions with Aspect to promote inclusion across all levels of the game.

The Celebrating Ability event will offer a completely free, in-person opportunity for clubs to explore the space and take part in the celebration of the International Day of People With a Disability (IDoPWD).

The day will include:

Launch: Football Victoria will officially unveil its Disability Football Framework on December 3

Workshop: Clubs can learn how to start and run an All Abilities program

Education Session: Delivered by Football Victoria’s partners, providing practical guidance and support

Engagement: Attendees will gain insights from guest speakers and have the opportunity to connect with other clubs, coaches, and administrators

Event Details

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025

Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm

Where: The Home of the Matildas, Sports Drive, Bundoora, 3083

Registration: Registration is required. Please use the link below to secure your place

This event offers an excellent opportunity for clubs across Victoria to engage, learn, and celebrate ability. Clubs are encouraged to share this opportunity with anyone who may be interested.

The Digital Playbook for Football Finance: Miagen’s Approach

Bringing Technology into Football Finance

Miagen, an Irish financial technology and analytics company, helps organisations plan and manage complex operations with data-driven solutions. Its SportsGen platform brings that same expertise into football, giving clubs the tools to manage their finances, optimise revenues, and stay compliant with regulations in an increasingly challenging environment.

Football clubs today are more than just sporting teams, they are multi-million-dollar businesses. To succeed on and off the pitch, they need accurate forecasting and clear insight into risk. SportsGen addresses this need by bringing together data from across a club’s operations into a single, easy-to-use system. It integrates ticketing, broadcasting, merchandise, sponsorships, and player contracts, giving club leaders a real-time view of their financial position.

By replacing spreadsheets and fragmented reports, SportsGen allows executives to see current and projected performance at a glance. Decisions about transfers, budgets, or commercial deals are based on data rather than guesswork. At the same time, finance teams spend less time on manual reporting and more time focusing on strategy and long-term planning.

Smarter Decisions and Revenue Growth 

SportsGen also allows clubs to model different scenarios. Managers can simulate the financial impact of wage changes, major transfers, or different league outcomes. Each scenario shows how income and spending would change, helping clubs understand the consequences of their choices before committing. This predictive capability is vital for clubs operating under financial fair play and other sustainability rules.

The platform doesn’t just control costs, it helps clubs grow revenue. SportsGen analyses matchday attendance, ticket pricing, merchandise sales, and sponsorship performance to spot opportunities and underperforming areas. Clubs can adjust pricing, design promotions, and maximise income, all while keeping their financial model stable and transparent.

With SportsGen, clubs can also plan several seasons ahead. Executives can forecast future wage growth, transfer spending, and commercial income to ensure alignment with long-term goals. Linking financial outcomes to sporting objectives allows clubs to grow in a disciplined, sustainable way, reducing the risk of overspending or breaking league regulations.

Financial Discipline Made Simple

SportsGen is essential for compliance and risk management. Football governing bodies have tightened rules on profitability and spending, and clubs need clear insight to stay within those limits. The platform continuously tracks key ratios, such as wage-to-revenue and debt-to-income, and sends alerts when a club approaches risk thresholds. This helps managers take action before problems arise, supporting long-term stability and stronger governance.

The system is highly adaptable, working for clubs of all sizes. Larger clubs benefit from its ability to scale across complex, global operations, while smaller clubs gain accurate, reliable financial control. Miagen’s experience in industries like aviation and logistics ensures that the platform can manage complexity while maintaining speed, accuracy, and accountability.

The rise of platforms like SportsGen marks a new era in football management. Finance, analytics, and technology have become central to how clubs operate. With accurate data and real-time forecasting, decisions can align sporting ambitions with financial realities. Miagen helps clubs stay competitive both on the field and in their financial management.

Conclusion

SportsGen represents a major step forward in football finance. It gives clubs the tools to manage revenue, control costs, comply with regulations, and plan confidently for the future. By combining technology, analytics, and financial expertise, Miagen helps clubs replace guesswork with informed decisions, supporting sustainable growth and long-term stability in a complex, high-stakes industry.

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