Johan Cruyff Arena to expand capacity

Liam Watson
The Johan Cruyff Arena, home to Dutch soccer giants Ajax, is set to increase its seating capacity to 56,120 as part of a wider renovation project being undertaken by the Amsterdam local government.

In the first stage of the project, the ground will see 880 extra seats to be added in the corners of the venue, in preparation for the 2020 UEFA European Championship national team soccer tournament (Euro 2020). Amsterdam has been selected as one of the host cities, with the Johan Cruyff Arena set to host three group games and one round of 16 game. For the first time in the competition’s 60-year history, it will be held across the European continent with 12 host cities in total.

According to sports venue news outlet Coliseum, the larger renovation project will ultimately add 1,130 seats to the 54,990-capacity venue, with 60 of those coming in the VIP Lounge and additional wheelchair accommodation added to comply with UEFA regulations. In what will be the largest redevelopment of the venue since it opened in 1996, the overall shape of the arena will switch from concave to convex.

Ajax does not own the Johan Cruyff Arena, but the club’s Managing Director, Edwin van der Sar, said they are interested in increasing their involvement in the running of the venue.

“We are currently in consultation with the municipality,” Van der Sar explained to Ajax Life.

“Agreements have been made in the context of naming. We are looking into whether we can increase our interest by acquiring certificates from the municipality.

“We play in a beautiful stadium, with beautiful red seats, where the name Ajax is prominent. And the grass – most important to us – also makes steps. I’m not saying we don’t want this. If there are opportunities that give Ajax a higher budget to move on to a higher plan in Europe, we will be keen on that.”

Ajax currently sit top of the Dutch top flight Eredivisie, three points ahead of second placed AZ Alkmaar after 20 rounds played.

Portugal are the defending champions of the Euros, when they secured a 1-0 win after extra time against France in 2016.

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WA announce TV series for Sam Kerr’s children’s novels

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Image Credit: James Ross/AAP

A new TV series based on Sam Kerr’s children’s books ‘Kicking Goals’ is set to begin filming in early 2027 in Western Australia.

The show follows a young Kerr before she became captain of the Matildas and a star at Chelsea FC. Set in her home state of WA, the story sees her navigate her way through growing up and chasing her dreams, alongside her family and friends, and the adventures that entailed.

Speaking to Screenwest, Kerr said, ‘It’s pretty surreal knowing that Kicking Goals is being adapted into a TV series. These stories are all about believing in yourself and having a go, so it feels really special that a whole new generation will get to experience them on screen.’

Co-authored by Fiona Harris, the books have been a success since their initial release in 2021, a period which has coincided with Kerr and her Matildas teammates growing from beloved within Australia’s football community, into a team of genuine national appeal and recognition. They are available nation-wide, sold at major retailers such as Big W and Dymocks.

The television adaptation will beproduced by Orange Entertainment for Paramount+.

‘Kicking Goals’ is set to inject AUD 5million into the WA economy and provide over 130 local jobs.

Creative Industries Minister of WA, Simone McGurk, said via WA GOV, ‘The series will showcase all that Western Australia has to offer – including our world-class talent, crew, and diverse locations – while celebrating the story of one of our sporting greats.’

Casting is currently underway, with a search for a young Kerr and her mates ongoing.

The months after the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australian and New Zealand saw an 11% increase in women and girl’s participation in football compared to the previous year, showing the direct impact the biggest stage can have on grassroots football.

Kerr has managed to build on that success and begin a new chapter, inspiring kids both on and off the field.

Former Socceroos captain set to headline coaching conference

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Mark Mulligan. Credit A League

Mark Milligan – former Socceroos captain and Newcastle Jets Premiership-winning manager – is set to be the guest of honour at the 2026 Football NSW Coaching Conference, held at Valentine Sports Park from November 21st–22nd.

The annual conference represents Australia’s largest gathering of football coaches, and is set to include expert insight into coaching, practical sessions and development plans for attendees. Milligan will partake in a Q&A session with MC Stephanie Brantz on November 21, adding significant gravitas to the conference.

Chris Gallo, Football NSW Coach Education Manager spoke highly of Milligan via Football NSW.

‘Opportunities to hear from people who have experienced the game at the highest level are incredibly valuable for our coaches. Mark brings a unique perspective on leadership, performance and the demands of elite football, and we want our coaches to be able to take those insights back into their own environments,’ he said.

Milligan traversed the globe across a near-twenty year professional career that started in the old National Soccer League, concluded in the A-League, and took in time across Europe, the UK and Asia.

He represented the Socceroos with distinction across 80 appearances, selected by four seperate managers in World Cup squads, and was captain of the Olympic team in 2008. His nascent managerial career has already seen two trophies at Newcastle, where he is presently leading them in the Asian Champions League.

But it all began on the local pitches of Bankstown. Milligan is an authentic, home-grown product of Football NSW, and emblamatic of the rewards that can be reaped from investing in the beginning of a player’s journey.

With the conference already selling out, attendees can now expect to learn plemty from one of Australia’s most exciting, up-and-coming coaches.

The opportunity Football NSW are providing showcases their commitment in helping coaches develop, and their continued pledge of giving back to the game at its foundation.

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