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Grassroots clubs to get help from new FFA initiative
In a move that seeks to help out grassroots clubs the country, Football Federation Australia has developed a new program that will provide better structure for the future.
The National Club Development Program (NCDP) has been launched by the FFA, with its sole purpose being to assist administrators at local grassroots football clubs.
The program has been designed in collaboration with the nine other member federation clubs, as well as a number of associations, zones and clubs.
The NCDP is set to become the model for community-level clubs to follow, enhancing and maintaining standards for the benefit of all members. Essentially, it keeps things consistent across the board.
With convenience also utilised for the program by the NCDP, clubs will be provided with an online development platform that asks some questions and gets some answers about the inner workings of their football club. Topics include:
Improve processes and controls of affiliated community clubs.
Assist member federations and governing bodies to better support clubs.
Improve the efficiencies of the sport.
Establish benchmarks of success across Australia.
Improve player retention.
The NCDP serves as an update to the former National Club Accreditation Scheme (NCAS) from 2012.
The new program is reflective of the current landscape and will continue to develop as clubs evolve.
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.
Image Credit: Football Victoria/Avellino Photography
Victorian football’s most influential voices gathered at Parliament House last Wednesday to officially launch the Level the Playing Field campaign. The initiative is a united call to strengthen grassroots infrastructure and ensure every child has access to safe, modern facilities.
Hosted by Football Victoria alongside members of the Parliamentary Friends of Football, the event brought together MPs from across the political spectrum, A-League representatives, community clubs and emerging players, reinforcing one clear message: when football thrives, Victoria thrives.
Football Victoria Chair Dr Angela Williams delivered a powerful address, drawing on her professional experience to underscore sport’s social impact.
“You belong when you play football,” she said. “It is the same healthy place to play — regardless of race, religion or background. Young people in sport are healthier and safer. That’s what this is about.”
The campaign comes at a pivotal moment for the game. Participation across Victoria has surged to more than 127,000 registered players, with female participation experiencing significant growth in recent years. A legacy of the recent success of the Australian women’s national team.
Yet, as speakers emphasised, infrastructure has not kept pace.
Former Socceroo and community advocate Carl Valeri reflected on the contrast between elite and grassroots environments, highlighting the importance of stronger community facilities.
“When you walk into a community facility, there’s the same love and passion,” Valeri said. “But the infrastructure doesn’t always match. That infrastructure can turn away the kids who decide to play later, or those who might be facing challenges at home. For me, community football is important because we have to keep kids involved in the game.”
Image Credit: Football Victoria/Avellino Photography
Current and emerging players echoed the sentiment. Young footballer Kara Crnac highlighted how quality facilities build confidence and create opportunity, while coach and talent pathway representative Maddison Kamolins stressed the importance of safe, inclusive environments.
Image Credit: Football Victoria/Avellino Photography
Government representatives acknowledged more than $100 million in recent football facility investment, including the state’s landmark commitment to Home of the Matildas at La Trobe University, while recognising further support is required at the grassroots level.
Football Victoria CEO Dan Birrell described the campaign as both collaborative and forward-looking.
“We’re going to be visible; we’re going to be active and we’re going to be strong advocates for our clubs,” he said. “Every elite career begins at a community ground. If we want stronger communities and stronger representation on the world stage, we must invest where it all begins.”
With the AFC Women’s Asian Cup on the horizon and continued momentum across domestic competitions, the message from Parliament was clear: the next generation of Matildas and Socceroos is already here.
Now, it’s time to level the playing field, sign the petition here.
