Football West welcomes $35m major investment from WA Government

Avatar

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.”

Artist Sketch
A detailed artist’s impression of the State Football Centre was released along with the announcement.

Football Australia and Nike invest for new decade

Avatar
Football Australia and Nike partnership extension 2023
Image credit: Rachal Bach

Football Australia and Nike have confirmed a 10-year contract extension that will carry their partnership forward into a third decade.

This deal is already the longest of Nike’s federation club partnerships in Australia, with the well-known brand a staple of Football Australia’s desire for male and female football support at all levels of the game.

Football Australia’s elite national teams, grassroots participation, inclusivity programs, and its Legacy ’23 strategy will also continue to be strengthened.

Nike’s investment will contribute towards Football Australia’s Legacy ’23 initiative – harnessing the growth of women’s football to deliver enduring benefits for Australia’s largest community sport beyond 2023, including becoming the first community sport to reach gender parity in participation.

“This is a pivotal moment for Australian football. This extended partnership with Nike not only solidifies their commitment to our national teams, but it also provides significant resources for the growth of grassroots football, our ambitious Legacy ’23 plan and the strategic building of our national iconic brands,” Football Australia CEO James Johnson stated via media release.

“Our partnership with Nike has been transformative, and this extension represents a strong endorsement for Football Australia and the growth of football at all levels across the nation.

“We are proud to be part of Nike’s Global Football strategy, and this partnership extension signifies the strength and continued elevation of Australian football on the international stage.”

Nike also remains as the official apparel partner for all Australian national teams, including the Subway Socceroos, CommBank Matildas, Junior, and Youth men’s and women’s squads, as well as the CommBank Pararoos, and CommBank ParaMatildas.

“In the past two decades we’ve seen football in Australia grow to incredible heights and this year achieve sold out stadiums and record-breaking jersey sales,” Nike Pacific Vice President and General Manager, Ashley Reade, added in a statement:

“Nike is incredibly proud of the partnership with Football Australia to drive these outcomes.

“This year’s major tournament was a generational tipping point and, on every level, Nike continues to find ways to innovate, inspire and enable the future of athletes through football.

“This announcement represents our local commitment to the world game, to foster even stronger opportunities for gender equity from grassroots to the elite game. We believe in the vision of Football Australia and look forward to playing our part in the sport’s continued growth.”

Steph Catley is hugely involved with both organisations, not only as Nike athlete but as vice-captain of the Matildas.

“Not only does Nike’s innovative high-performance gear allow us to perform our best on the field, but their unwavering commitment to build the game, invest in us as athletes and broaden access for the next generation of players and fans plays a pivotal role in driving the sport forward,” she added via media release.

“We are thrilled to continue working with them and look forward to the exciting journey ahead.”

Football Australia and Nike will unite everyone at grassroots, before the heights of a global stage.

Football West and Healthway spark mental health importance with Kick Off the Conversation program

Avatar
Kick Off the Conversation program
Image credit: Football West

Football West have launched the Kick Off the Conversation mental health program with Healthway, ahead of the 2024 rollout.

Kick Off the Conversation focuses on raising awareness of improved mental health practices within clubs. This is done by developing tailored resources and taking part in workshops run by local mental health providers.Im

It also educates the football community about Healthway’s Think Mental Health campaign and importantly as part of the program, participating clubs will be eligible to win a share of $15,000 in cash prizes.

Football West and Healthway renewed their partnership for a third year in 2023 and will continue to create club environments that promote positive mental health and wellbeing.

The local football clubs with this program will gain a better understanding of the role they play in supporting and educating all their members on the importance of mental health.

This will help when their members face complex issues and problems with the club hopefully becoming a safe outlet for anyone struggling.

Football West CEO Jamie Harnwell outlined that the program plans to help improve mental health within the sport in the local community.

“The Kick Off the Conversation program will make a positive impact on the lives of many people involved in our sport and will help create a legacy of support and understanding. Harnwell mentioned in a Football West press release.

“Football West is committed to working with Healthway to continue to create supportive club environments that prioritise the mental health and wellbeing of footballers, coaches, officials, and supporters.”

Lotterywest and Healthway CEO Ralph Addis added how the program was going to be rolled out to the local clubs.

“Through the launch of the new program we can directly engage with clubs on prioritising their mental health and wellbeing, and provide them access to relevant support, education, and training,” Addis stated via press release.

There is no denying the importance of mental health and wellbeing in the football space, and educating coaches on how to handle different situations with their players will educate everyone involves and build a solid foundation of learning for the future.

For more information and to download the program e-book, visit the link here: https://www.footballwest.com.au/kick-conversation

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend