Football Victoria induct Karen Hocking as Life Member

Liam Watson

Football Victoria have held their Annual General Meeting (AGM), where they inducted Karen Hocking as their latest Life Member.

The AGM by Football Victoria, coinciding with the release of the 2019 Annual Report, was held via video conference due to Covid-19 restrictions.

On Monday May 25th, the meeting was attended by over 50 Life Members and Members across the Victorian football community.

On the night, it was made official that Hocking would be inducted as a Life Member following the amount of work she has done over her lifetime.

Hocking has been the Shepparton Junior Association secretary for almost two decades – a driving force behind the growth of football throughout the Goulburn Valley region.

Her commitments for the game extend to managing SJSA Academy Player Development Program, being the Vice President of the Victorian Country Leagues Football Association and as the SJSA Registrations Officer.

Hocking’s passion for grassroots football and the tireless effort to make sure every child gets the opportunity to play they game they love has been formally recognised by Football Victoria as their inducted Life Member.

Speaking to Shepparton News, she praised her fellow team at SJSA as she receives this major honour.

“You don’t do it for accolades, it’s felt like much more of a team effort than an individual one,” she said.

“It’s really lovely to be recognised, but I feel the whole association deserves this award.”

Football Victoria’s 2019 Annual Report featured how they would respond to the Covid-19 pandemic, including it’s effect on the sport – a topic of discussion for Members on the night.

“Football Victoria will continue to work tirelessly on understanding the impact of the virus on all stakeholders in the community,” the member federation said.

“The Board thanked the Members, Life Members, our 355 clubs, coaches, referees, community volunteers and all who support football for their incredible contribution – especially during the challenging times we are all facing at the moment.”

Photo Credit: Shepparton News

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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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