Fremantle City Launches 2026 NPL Season with Focus on Youth and Community

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Image Credit: Football West

Fremantle City FC has officially launched its 2026 New Balance NPL WA Men’s and Women’s seasons, championing a community-first approach that puts young players at the heart of the club’s future.In a vibrant ceremony at Hilton Park, club juniors presented first-team shirts to senior Men’s and Women’s squads, symbolising a critical pathway from grassroots to elite football within the Fremantle family.

“This is very important for us- our juniors presenting shirts to our NPL Women’s and Men’s teams,” said Club President Tony Estrano. “2026 is the ninth year of our academy, running from under-nines up to under-16s, for both boys and girls. Today’s shirt handover by our Under 13s Academy and JDL teams shows these kids there is a real pathway to the first team.”

Head coach Samantha Geddes has reaffirmed the sentiment, emphasising Freo’s commitment to club unity: “Getting the whole club involved like this is brilliant. It’s great for our young girls to see that connection to the senior team and for senior players to inspire and support the next generation.”

Momentum and Ambition for 2026

Fremantle’s Women’s side enters 2026 riding high after a historic State Cup triumph last season, with captain Annabelle Leek setting her sights even higher: “Winning the State Cup was massive. We’re ready to build on that momentum, with new signings and a renewed focus on finishing in the top four.”

On the men’s side, after avoiding relegation last year and freshening up the roster with key signings, captain Cam Edwards is confident: “We’re ambitious, and with this group, we know we can put on a good show.”

Fremantle City has committed itself to turning club culture and youth pathways into on-field results, inspiring the next generation to wear the crest at every level.

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Football Victoria demands more Victorian Government support amid grassroots boom

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Marlborough Street Reserve. Credit Football Victoria

Football Victoria is targeting Victorian Government funding for Glen Eira FC, in order to improve the club’s facilities and accommodate a recent surge in participation.

The interest and demand in football across Melbourne is ever growing, and Glen Eira FC is one such example.

Located in Melbourne’s inner south-east, the club has more than 1,100 players with nearly 95% of them aged 18 or under. In the suburb of Bentleigh alone, football participation has increased 18% alongside female engagement growing 76% in recent years.

However, at Marlborough Street Reserve, the conditions of the pitch – specifically during winter – can curb accessibility. Wet weather, non-stop usage and limited capacity make it difficult to accommodate all club members. This results in restricted training and playing opportunities.

Lachlan Cole, Football Victoria’s Head of Government Relations & Facilities, said via Football Victoria: “The story at Glen Eira FC is one we are seeing right across Victoria and specifically in Metropolitan Melbourne. Participation is growing, particularly among juniors, women and girls, but the infrastructure needed to support that growth is buckling under the weight of demand.”

To tackle this, both Football Victoria and Glen Eira FC want to convert the existing pitch to a synthetic surface and provide improved lighting for the ground. This would create a more reliable environment for players and support the growing demand for football in that community.

Speaking to Football Victoria, Glen Eira FC President Odilia Wijburg said, “A new sporting precinct with a synthetic pitch would be a game changer, providing year-round access, supporting participation growth and creating a lasting community asset that will benefit local families for generations.”

These issues are not exclusive to just Victoria, but are instead seen nation-wide. Football NSW recently pledged over AUD 200,000 to three amateur clubs to help upgrade their facilities and support the local communities.

Despite the increased interest in the game, the lack of reliable infrastructure, especially in grassroots football, leaves not only local areas without proper facilities, but creates a complicated road for young players hoping to navigate to the top of the game. 

Without the support of the Victorian Government, grassroots football could suffer an underwhelming fate. If the game is not supported from the bottom, the top might not reap the rewards of the next generation. And if that happens, alongside local communities, both the domestic leagues and the international team may suffer.

Victorian football clubs eligible for $5,000 anti-racism grants

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Business and Community Sport Flood Recovery Grants
Image Credit: Shutterstock

Football Victoria clubs can now apply for grants of up to $5,000 as part of a new initiative to improve cultural safety, inclusion and anti-racism within their communities.

The Set The Standard Club Grants program has opened applications for eligible Victorian community sporting clubs. Up to 50 grants of $5,000 (excluding GST) are available through the initiative.

The funding is designed to help clubs turn anti-racism education into practical action. It supports projects that make football environments more welcoming and inclusive for players, families, volunteers and supporters.

Potential initiatives include multicultural or First Nations artwork, uniforms that better accommodate cultural and religious requirements, and more representative club marketing materials. Furthermore, clubs can offer additional racial literacy training for players and club leaders.

Before applying, clubs must complete the free Set The Standard anti-racism training delivered by Reflect Forward. The 60-minute program is designed for committee members, coaches, team managers, match-day officials and other club leaders. It provides practical tools to recognise and respond to racism.

Eligibility requirements include affiliation with one of the participating state sporting associations, including Football Victoria, and a valid Australian Business Number, either directly or through an eligible auspice organisation. Metropolitan clubs must have at least five representatives complete the training. However, regional clubs participating in designated collaborative sessions can qualify with at least one trained representative.

An online information session covering eligibility, eligible activities and the application process is scheduled for 29 October 2026, from 7pm to 8pm.

The grants form part of a broader Victorian initiative involving seven state sporting associations and VicHealth. This initiative aims to prevent and reduce racism in community sport.

Football clubs interested in applying can find eligibility requirements, grant guidelines and application details through the Set The Standard Club Grants website.

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