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Football West welcomes $35m major investment from WA Government
Football West have welcomed the West Australian Government’s announcement of a major investment into football.
WA Premier Mark McGowan has revealed that HBF Park – the home of Perth Glory – will receive a $35 million upgrade in preparation for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, following the commencement of works for a $32.5m State Football Centre in Queens Park.
The upgrades at HBF Park will include replacing the halogen lights with a shift to modern LED lighting, upgrading the pitch through removal, levelling and turf replacement, new player bench areas, and upgrades to the existing power supply – including a new switch room.
In addition, the funding will cover temporary infrastructure, such as additional seating and facilities for players, media and supporters to cater for the World Cup.
The range of upgrades will allow the historic Perth venue to meet FIFA requirements to be a host venue in the upcoming World Cup, as well as providing benefits for future events.
The State Government also confirmed that work on the State Football Centre had commenced, with the $32.5m facility jointly funded by Federal and State Governments.
WA’s first ever Home of Football is due for completion before the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The elite facility will be the capable of hosting visiting international teams as a training ground, as well as grassroots football and junior development programs. It will also be the new headquarters for Football West.
McGowan spoke on the potential positive impacts of the planned improvements to HBF Park.
“Securing games in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is a massive win for Western Australia. This investment in HBF Park will provide some much-needed upgrades to our premier soccer and rugby venue, while also enabling further temporary fit-outs for the World Cup games,” he said.
“This will be the biggest football event Perth has ever seen – providing global exposure for Western Australia and giving fans, young and old, lifelong memories of the world’s best in action.”
Football West CEO James Curtis added: “The State Football centre will support all players across Western Australia as they progress on the pathway. Hopefully we can see future players like Sam Kerr come through and train at that facility and make their way to the Matildas.”
“When we look at the investment for HBF Park, we know that when the Women’s World Cup comes here in 2023 the experience for football fans across WA will be something else. What it is all about is seeing some of the world’s best footballers come here to play in Perth, and we are looking forward to hosting them and having the community turn up and really get behind the sport.
“We know on the back of the Olympics, we know how popular women’s football is, and people are very excited for 2023 to happen.”
A detailed artist’s impression of the State Football Centre was released along with the announcement.
Collaboration as strength: When stakeholders align, the game benefits at every level. Other member federations should take note, be receptive to change, and support policies grounded in the realities of football.
The 2025 Football Queensland Convention was more than just a gathering. It was a statement about what football in Australia can achieve when clubs, businesses, and government come together in one room. It was an opportunity to elevate the debate around the sport’s future and move conversations beyond day-to-day operations. For an industry often focused on immediate results, the convention provided a rare chance to pause, reflect, and plan for long-term growth.
Over two days, coaches, administrators, industry leaders, and players came together to discuss governance, infrastructure, competition, and the use of technology in football. The most important message was clear: football will only grow if stakeholders work together and are willing to rethink the way the game operates at every level. Breakout sessions tailored to different roles ensured that practical challenges and innovative ideas were explored alongside broader strategic discussions.
The convention succeeded because it was inclusive. From grassroots volunteers to professional executives, everyone had a voice. The conversations reflected a cultural shift where decision-making and innovation are shared rather than reserved for a few at the top. It showed that the best solutions come from collective input and that elevating the debate across all levels of football is essential to meaningful progress.
Industry leaders at Football Queensland 2025 Convention collaborating on the growth and governance of Australian football
Keynote speaker Joe Schmit set a strong tone about leadership and purpose, encouraging attendees to consider the type of football culture they wanted to create. One of the most memorable contributions came from Jeehoon Kim from the Korean Football Association. He shared insights from the Made in Korea project, which aims to develop a distinctive style of Korean football. Rather than copying foreign systems, Korea is building its own identity, focusing on a technical philosophy described as fast, fearless, and focused. Players are developed through technical partnerships and youth programs that build on the nation’s strengths.
Kim’s message goes beyond player development. He highlighted that even in governance, success comes when hierarchies are removed and people are empowered to work in their areas of expertise. The project shows that a strong system is only effective if the right people are allowed to innovate and take responsibility. Whether in Korea or Queensland, football thrives when expertise is trusted to lead.
Delegates at 2025 Football Queensland Convention exploring ways to elevate Australian football through innovation and partnership
Football Queensland itself provides another example of this principle in action under CEO Rob Cavallucci. Speaking on the Soccerscene Off the Pitch Podcast, Cavallucci reflected on how the organisation addressed one of its biggest challenges: the lack of support from commercial and government sectors, which had created significant cost pressures for players and clubs.
He explained, “We made a decision five or six years ago when I became CEO and looked at how the game was structured. The main issue was the lack of support from the commercial sector and government. This meant there was always going to be significant cost pressure on the game. So we had to find a way to get on a different path.”
That path involved reforming governance and competition structures, introducing conference-based leagues, pyramid systems, and the FQ Academy pathway. The results have been impressive. Registration fees, which once made up around half of FQ’s revenue, now sit in the low twenties because the organisation has successfully maximised revenue from other sources, including corporate partnerships and government support.
Cavallucci added, “Importantly, we repositioned ourselves to appeal more to the corporate sector and government.” This approach has reduced financial pressure on players and clubs while strengthening the long-term sustainability of the game. It demonstrates how thoughtful governance, paired with strategic partnerships, can transform an entire football ecosystem.
The convention highlighted that collaboration is football’s greatest strength. When clubs, businesses, and government align around a common purpose, the benefits are felt at every level of the game. More than just addressing immediate challenges, it was an opportunity to elevate the debate, explore long-term solutions, and inspire stakeholders to work together for the wider good of the sport.
Soccerscene CEO Stace Ioannidis presenting the Editorial Creed to Football Queensland CEO Rob Cavalucci to elevate the debate in Australian football
Other member federations would benefit from observing this approach and embracing a willingness to adapt. Receptivity to new ideas promotes stronger alignment with key stakeholders and enables policymakers to develop thoughtful, practical policies that are grounded in the realities of the game. Such a commitment to collaboration and innovation is essential for fostering a sustainable and thriving football ecosystem across Australia.
If this event is any guide, the future of football in Australia will not be defined by divisions or short-term thinking. It will be defined by connection, collaboration, and a collective belief that the best way forward is together. The 2025 Football Queensland Convention has provided a blueprint for how other states and organisations can follow suit and drive the growth of the game in Australia.
Perth Glory have announced one of their major partners, Theme Group will be continuing to work with the club for the 2025/26 A-Leagues season.
Theme Group is Western Australia’s leading provider of food services, cleaning solutions and facility management, servicing some of WA’s most iconic venues, industries and events for the mining, aviation, education and healthcare sectors, as well as certain arenas.
The extended partnership will continue to have Theme Group cater all of Perth Glory’s dietary needs, both for events and players and staff, under the Good Food Eating brand, which caters to a number of high-performance touring athletes and teams across Australia and overseas.
Perth Glory CEO, Anthony Radich commented on the ongoing partnership being another positive step forward for the club.
“Theme Group have been fantastic supporters of Perth Glory for many years, and their renewed, three-year commitment reflects the strength of that relationship,” he said via press release.
“They share our values around excellence, community and performance and we’re proud to have a local WA company that’s fuelling both our players and our Members and fans.”
Theme Group Founder and Executive General Manager, Robbie Damjanovic called the partnership a proud continuation of the company’s passion for the football community in the state.
“Football has always been in my blood and Perth Glory has played a big part in my family for generations,” he said via press release.
“We’re thrilled to continue supporting the club and to continue enhancing the experience for players, staff and fans alike.
“Through our Good Food Eating brand, we’re proud to bring the same nutrition that fuels high-performance teams to everyone, whether that’s at the stadium, in stores, or in your own workplace.”
Alongside the news of the extended partnership, Perth Glory fans will also be able to enjoy the same performance-driven nutrition as the club members, with Good Food Eating’s Grab and Go.
The new accessible meals are now available in major supermarkets and convenience stores across Perth, along with an upcoming direct-order catering service for offices, schools and private functions.
