Hakeem al-Araibi takes up full-time role at Football Victoria

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Football Victoria (FV) and Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) have announced that Hakeem Al-Araibi’s role as FV’s Community and Human Rights Advocate will now be a permanent full-time position.

Al-Araibi was released from a Thailand prison earlier this year, after being detained there for a period of more than 70 days. His story garnered attention in Australia and around the world, with former Socceroos captain Craig Foster leading the charge to bring al-Araibi home.

Read More: How Hakeem Al-Araibi’s triumphant return to Australia demonstrates the beauty of soccer

He was released from the prison in February after a worldwide campaign.

The 25-year-old returned to play for Pascoe Vale FC in March, whilst also representing FV at community football clubs, gala days and various other events in Victoria and around the country.

Al-Araibi received his Australian citizenship after his return to Australia this year.

“I am very proud and happy to be able to work in the Victorian and Australian football communities full-time to share my story. I want people to continue to play football because it’s a very important part of the community and our lives,” Mr al-Araibi said.

FV CEO Peter Filopoulos and PFA Chief Executive John Didulica claimed Hakeem’s work inspiring Victoria’s multicultural football communities was extremely successful and that it was important to put him in a full-time position in the FV setup.

“Hakeem’s story shows the true power and positive impact football can have both here and around the world. His strength and resilience make him truly an inspirational person and emerging young leader,” Mr Filopoulos said.

“We are very proud to continue to work with Football Victoria to ensure Hakeem’s ongoing employment. Hakeem’s campaign was a great demonstration of the power of the game united, so to be able to continue to work with Hakeem and our colleagues within the football family at FV is genuinely important and of great benefit to so many young players,” Mr Didulica concluded.

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Football Queensland and SW Brokerage begin new partnership

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Image credit: Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock.com

In an announcement made on Tuesday, Football Queensland revealed that SW Brokerage will become their new Official Financial Wellbeing Partner.

A partnership for on and off the pitch

By collaborating with SW Brokerage, Football Queensland now has an immensely experienced and knowledgable partner capable of pushing them towards their financial goals.

Football Queensland CEO, Robert Cavallucci, revealed his confidence that such an alliance will bring huge benefits to clubs and participants in Queensland.

“We’re delighted to welcome SW Brokerage to support our participants across the state to better understand the financial products and services they can benefit from through tailored financial education guides, articles and webinars,” Cavallucci said via official press release.

“As a Residential, Commercial and Business brokerage, SW Brokerage provides services for a variety of clients from first home buyers to commercial loans, SMSF lending and more, and bring a wealth of knowledge for our football community to tap into.”

As Football Queensland continues to form partnerships which can maximise growth and sustainability in the seasons to come, it is no wonder why bringing SW Brokerage on board is seen with such pride.

 

The foundations for a sustainable future

News of collaboration between SW Brokerage and Football Queensland represents another huge milestone for Football Queensland’s future.

In the last two months alone, Football Queensland revealed three partnership agreements, all of which reflect an ambition to support long-term growth across the region’s football pyramid.

  • Restore Function Physiotherapy – Official Physiotherapy Partner
  • BildGroup – Official Infrastructure and Surfacing Partner
  • SW Brokerage – Official Financial Wellbeing Partner

Additionally, if Queensland’s football community is to lay the foundations for future generations of players, coaches and industry leaders, partnerships of this nature will be essential.

They are not established as simple, short-term collaborations, but are effective alliances which can bring real benefits to all involved in the region’s football community.

About SW Brokerage

With over 100 years of combined experience, SW Brokerage is a trusted team of experienced professionals offering help and guidance with a multitude of financial solutions.

They offer services across residential, commercial, business, SMSF, medical and construction lending. However, despite their obvious financial prowess, they also valuable a personal approach. The team ensures that processes are simple and tailored to their clients needs and financial goals.

For more information about SW Brokerage, click here. 

Football Victoria Announces 2026 Country Championships To Be Held in Geelong

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Image Credit: Football Geelong

Football Victoria (FV) is delighted to confirm that the 2026 Football Victoria Country Championships will be staged in Geelong from June 6-8, 2026.

Over three days, the state’s top regional footballers will compete at Stead Park and Myers Reserve, home to Geelong SC and Geelong Rangers.

The Championships enter their second year under FV’s direct management. This marks the first event since the new regional football model launched in December 2025. Last year, Albury-Wodonga set a new standard. The event drew 4,000 visitors, 69 teams, and more than 1,200 players from across Victoria.

This year, eight regions converge at Geelong. Players, coaches, officials, and families will gather for one of the most anticipated tournaments in the competition’s 40-year history. The Championships remain central to FV’s talent identification strategy. Regional players have a prime opportunity to impress FV’s Talent ID team.

Regional Development Manager Lauren Stevens said she is proud to oversee the event for a second year. “This is the biggest annual celebration of regional playing talent. We’re thrilled to bring the Country Championships to Geelong in 2026,” Stevens said. “With great venues and strong support from the City of Greater Geelong, Football Victoria Geelong, Geelong SC, and Geelong Rangers, this will be an enormous event. We look forward to welcoming every region for a special weekend of football.”

CEO Dan Birrell highlighted the Championships’ vital role for regional football and the FV talent pathway. “This tournament remains one of Victoria’s longest-running football events. It’s a key pillar in our talent identification program. I look forward to celebrating another outstanding Championships with the regional football community.”

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