Football West partners with Healthway

Avatar

Football West have announced a two-year partnership with Healthway.

The partnership will focus on behaviours within the West Australian football community through a campaign based around mental health, club environments e-gaming and priority communities.

The campaign is titled ‘Think Mental Health’ and will support the mental health of players, referees, coaches, volunteers and the rest of the football community.

The Think Mental Health messaging will be promoted to more than 200,000 participants across Western Australia.

Aligned with Healthway’s strategic priorities and in conjunction with the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s (ADF) Good Sports Program, Football West will provide support to participants in the state to live a healthy lifestyle.

The governing body will work with the ADF to reduce alcohol related incidents and encourage the responsible consumption of alcohol with football clubs across the state.

Greg Williams, WA State Manager for the  ADF, said:“The Good Sports program is a great way for club volunteers to make positive changes to their club environment.  It is free, easy to use, and resources are provided to help you make any necessary changes.

“We work with over 900 sporting clubs in WA to support them in developing their own club policy. We look forward to working with many more and maintaining the health and safety of sporting club members across the state.”

The ‘Couch to Pitch’ program is a new initiative targeting video gamers, with the aim of engaging them and entering them into entry level physical football activities.

Football West CEO James Curtis said: “The ‘Couch to Pitch’  program signifies a fundamental aspect of Football West’s commitment to fostering healthy club cultures – from players to officials and volunteers to fans.

“We are pleased to partner with Healthway to ensure our sporting communities are being provided with the highest level of support in developing and sustaining healthier lifestyles and greater mental health.”

Previous ArticleNext Article

Shepparton Cup – Victoria’s biggest junior football tournament – set for 2026 edition

Avatar
Image Credits: Shepparton Cup

Victoria’s largest junior football tournament is set to kick off in style as the Shepparton Cup returns for 2026. With age groups from under-sevens through to under-17s, the Shepparton Cup welcomes players of all genders and abilities as the perfect way to end the 2026 club season.

The tournament kicks off on the 23rd of October with an Olympic-style opening ceremony. The 2025 edition saw 385 teams and 4,600 players take to the pitch across both Liga and Copa Divisions. The Liga Division is for grassroots teams of all abilities who want a fun competitive experience; the Liga Division is for NPL and state league teams who will compete in a competitive carnival.

Rolando Navas, Managing Director of Sports Group Melbourne, says the tournament is not only beneficial for young players but also for the community of Shepparton.

“The Shepparton Cup is a great opportunity for families and the wider Shepparton community to embrace the regional community and provide a platform for young players to participate and experience a competitive and fun three day festival of football.”

The 2026 Shepparton Cup will be held from 23rd to 25th October 2026 at Shepparton Sports City. For more information about the Shepparton Cup, click the link here.

Australian Sports Group reveals ambitious blueprint for Canberra United

Avatar
Image Credits: Canberra United

New Canberra United owners, Australian Sports Group, have outlined an ambitious investment blueprint for the future of the club.

The plans centre around strengthening the club’s foundations, establishing elite academy pathways, and the introduction of an A-League Men’s team. More broadly, it aims to create a stronger football ecosystem that connects players, clubs and communities across the Australian Capital Territory.

A key pillar of the strategy is the development of an elite academy. The proposed pathways will create opportunities for emerging talent to progress towards professional football, strengthening the connection between grassroots participation and the elite game. The academy would form an important foundation for the proposed A-League Men’s team. ASG are targeting an entry into the Men’s competition from 2028/29, pending required process.

The introduction of a men’s team would expand the club’s professional offering and create additional opportunities for players, coaches and football staff. It would also give local talent a clearer pathway towards senior football without having to leave the region.

Infrastructure investment is another central component of the blueprint. The group plans to improve football facilities and secure a long-term home for the club. These developments would support the women’s program while laying the groundwork for future expansion.

The strategy also prioritises stronger engagement across the ACT football community. The ownership group plans to work with local stakeholders and government to align the club’s growth with broader priorities for sport and community development.

The immediate focus remains on stabilising the women’s program and building the structures needed for long-term success. This approach provides a foundation for the club to expand its operations while maintaining its existing identity and community connections.

The investment blueprint signals a broader ambition for Canberra United. By combining elite player development, improved infrastructure and the potential introduction of a men’s team, the group aims to establish a sustainable professional football model for the capital. The vision positions Canberra United as a platform for growth across the region, with a pathway to connect grassroots participation, academy development and professional competition.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend