Football West launches innovative Arabian Engagement Strategy

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Western Australia grants
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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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Louie Acevski discusses NPL season 2025 and NST on SEN radio

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Preston Lions Senior Men’s Head Coach, Louie Acevski, went live on SEN Radio yesterday with Julian De Stoop to discuss the upcoming Victoria NPL season and National Second Tier competition (NST).

Having achieved promotion from the VPL1 after a successful 2024, the Lions will face a busy year in 2025.

Beginning on February 7, the Preston Lions will kick off their first match in the NPL with a game against Hume City at home. However, the Lions will also take part in the new NST competition in October.

Speaking on the season ahead, Acevski expressed his enthusiasm.

“Coming into NPL 1 season this year, where we haven’t been part of it for a long time, it’s exciting times,” Acevski said on radio.

“There’s derby games week in, week out, and we’re hoping to get anywhere between four to 6000 people per game on a Friday night. I know round one against Hume City will be a huge crowd.

“There will be some entertainment. Facilities are fantastic. Ground will be exceptional. Lights will be on, and cameras will be rolling.

“It’s a great product to watch and be a part of. I, to this day, still get goosebumps every time I walk out.”

Having achieved four promotions across the last six seasons, the Preston Lions have achieved immense success in a short time frame. However, Acevski was aware of the fraught competitiveness of the NPL.

“Expectations are very simple for us, It’s an unknown quantity at the moment,” he said.

“The NPL 1 is a very, very tough league, and we’re the new kids on the block. We’re just coming into it to put a bit of security and put the foundations down in NPL 1.”

At the end of the NPL season, Preston will take part in the recently created National Second Tier competition as a foundation club.

Acevski outlined the importance of the competition for Australian football.

“The B league is so important. The quicker we bring it in, the better,” he said.

“We need to give kids opportunities to grow further and become better players in a better environment, closer to a professional environment, and the B league will give us that.”

Preston will enter the 16-team competition as one of eight foundation clubs, hoping to become a mainstay in the tournament which will run from October to December next year.

“We’re in a really good place. The foundations have been constructed. We’re moving up to bigger and better things, and every year we’re just trying to improve as a club,” he continued to say.

“We just want to make and bring a product to Australian football that everybody wants to be a part of and wants to come and watch us on a Friday night.

“The success is not a one person show, you’re as good as your team in relation to your staff, players, committees, etcetera. We’re all on the same status and wavelength about what we want to do and how we want to go about it.

“Come this season, the B league, as an official home and away season is not commencing, but the Victoria NPL 1 season will be a short advertisement for it. You’ll the see the passion, love and support base around these games, and it’s just going to be a snippet of what the B league can and probably should be.”

To listen to the full interview, click here.

Workplace Law renews collaboration with Melbourne City FC

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Melbourne City FC has confirmed the renewal of its partnership with Workplace Law, a leading provider of employment and workplace relations expertise, for another two years.

Following a successful inaugural season together, this renewal signifies an ongoing collaboration that highlights shared commitments to excellence, equality, and innovation.

Workplace Law continues to support City’s Women’s program, with their logo proudly displayed on the back of the A-League Women’s training kit.

Furthermore, the logo will feature on the matchday attire of City Women’s Head Coach, Michael Matricciani, reflecting Workplace Law’s unwavering dedication to advancing women in sport.

Melbourne City FC’s partnership with Workplace Law, backed by a history of driving success on and off the field, aligns with the Club’s goal of fostering a high-performance culture for its players and staff.

Melbourne City FC CEO, Brad Rowse, shared his enthusiasm for the renewed partnership.

“We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Workplace Law, a company that shares our passion for driving excellence and creating opportunities for women in sport,” he said via press release.

“Their support plays a vital role in ensuring our Women’s program can continue to thrive, both on and off the pitch. We look forward to achieving even greater success together over the next two years.”

Workplace Law Director and CEO, Shane Koelmeyer, shared this excitement.

“We absolutely love being part of the Melbourne City family and are delighted to extend our partnership for another two seasons. They are the ‘gold standard’ when it comes to creating the ideal high-performance environment for their coaches and players to thrive on and off the pitch,” he said via press release.

“The Club has a wonderful history of sustained success in both the women’s and men’s programs, and we look forward to sharing in, along with their other amazing partners, further success in the future.”

This partnership not only bolsters Melbourne City’s ALW program but also showcases Workplace Law’s commitment to empowering teams and individuals to excel.

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