GO Camps: Train Like a Green and Gold this July at HoTM

After the success of previous GO Camps across the country, Football Victoria is bringing the first-ever ‘Train Like a Green & Gold’ football program to Victoria’s premier football venue – The Home of the Matildas – on Monday July 14.

This one-of-a-kind, one-day football experience is designed specifically for girls aged 11 to 13. Held during the school holidays, the camp gives young players the chance to train like their heroes in a world-class environment.

With past camps in New South Wales and Queensland drawing strong attendance and overwhelmingly positive feedback from families, the upcoming Victorian edition promises to be just as impactful – and even more special, given its location at Australia’s home of women’s football.

Set in the heart of La Trobe University’s Sports Park in Bundoora, participants will have the rare opportunity to train where the CommBank Matildas train, using the same elite facilities and environment that supports our national team.

Whether your child is new to the game or already has some experience, the GO Camps: Train Like a Green & Gold program caters to all skill levels.

The day will run from 9am to 3pm, led by accredited coaches who focus on enjoyment, participation, and development in a fun and supportive setting.

As part of the experience, participants will enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility, including access to the exclusive CommBank Matildas change rooms, complete with signed lockers and elite-level amenities.

A First Aid professional will be present on the day to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.

Key Information

  • For Girls 11-13 Years
  • Date: Monday, 14 July
  • Time: 9AM – 3PM
  • Location: The Home of The Matildas, Bundoora
  • Cost: $90
  • Bring: Packed lunch
  • Participants will receive a certificate of participation.

To register for GO Camps: Train like a Green and Gold, click here.

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Weston Bears Park to Transform into a State-of-the-Art Sports Hub

Weston Bears Park upgrade new clubroom facilities

The Weston Bears Park upgrade will deliver modern, accessible facilities for football players, spectators, and the local community in Newcastle. Construction is well underway and the project scheduled to finish by February 2026.

The upgrade is part of Cessnock City Council’s ongoing community projects. It will improve local sports infrastructure and support community engagement. Weston Bears Park hosts daily training and matches for Premier League and junior teams. Additionally, it serves as a venue for community events.

The project includes:

  • Refurbishing the grandstand to create new clubrooms, a canteen, office space, and members’ area

  • Building team change rooms, referee facilities, and a gym

  • Upgrading spectator amenities, including toilets and better access

  • Constructing a new car park and improving landscaping

The Weston Bears Facility Upgrade follows the adoption of the Weston Bears Park Masterplan in September 2020. Council consulted with Weston Bears Football Club, Weston Junior Football Club, Weston Workers Club, and the community. This ensured the upgrades meet the needs of all users.

Funding comes from the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program and Council’s operational budget. This partnership shows a shared commitment to local sport and community wellbeing.

Cessnock City Council Mayor said: “This upgrade marks an exciting step for Weston Bears Park. It will provide modern, accessible facilities for everyone—from grassroots players to long-time supporters. We are proud to invest in infrastructure that brings people together and strengthens our sporting culture.”

Ultimately, the project will transform Weston Bears Park into a state-of-the-art sporting hub. Consequently, it will remain a key centre for football and community activity in Newcastle for many years.

Elite Coaching Secrets Revealed: Chris Ramsey MBE to Inspire Australian Youth Coaches

Chris Ramsey MBE presenting youth coaching strategies

Football Coaches Australia has announced a special online CPD session featuring Chris Ramsey MBE on Monday, November 17th at 7:30 pm AEDT. The timing is significant: Ramsey will be joining the session immediately following his involvement with the FIFA U17 World Cup.

This means Australian coaches will receive fresh, real-world insights from one of the game’s most respected youth development experts while his observations are still current.

Elite Experience Meets Youth Development

Ramsey brings a rare dual perspective to the session. As a former Premier League coach and current Professional Development Phase Lead for England’s youth teams, he has worked across both elite senior and youth environments.

This combination gives him unique insight into what young players actually need to succeed at the highest levels. He’s not theorising about development pathways; he’s actively shaping them for England’s next generation of elite footballers.

The Maturation Factor

The session will focus on a critical but often misunderstood aspect of youth coaching: “The Need to Consider Growth and Maturation when Developing Young Players.”

Ramsey will explore how physical, psychological, and emotional maturity impact player performance. More importantly, he’ll share how the world’s best youth systems adapt their coaching to account for these differences.

This isn’t about treating all players the same. It’s about recognising that young athletes develop at different rates and adjusting coaching approaches accordingly.

Practical Takeaways From the World Stage

The U17 World Cup provides the perfect laboratory for observing these maturation differences in action. Players from different countries, backgrounds, and development systems compete at the same age level but often display vastly different levels of physical and mental maturity.

Ramsey will draw from these specific observations to illustrate how elite programs identify and work with these variations. Australian coaches attending the session will gain access to strategies currently being used at the highest levels of international youth football.

Session Details

The CPD session takes place on Monday, November 17th at 7:30 pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time online. This represents a valuable opportunity for coaches to learn directly from someone actively working at the forefront of international youth development.

With Ramsey’s MBE recognition and his current role shaping England’s youth teams, the session offers Australian coaches a direct connection to elite European development thinking and practice.

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