La Liga and UC partnership to professionalise the industry

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Representatives from La Liga and the University of Canberra (UC) shared their intentions to professionalise the local sports industry through their partnership at a webinar on Thursday night.

La Liga’s educational department, the La Liga Business School and the University of Canberra announced a collaborative agreement last week. The partnership will see La Liga Business School and the University of Canberra work on educational projects together.

Speaking at the ‘Beyond 2020: Professional Football Strategy – A discussion with La Liga’ webinar, LaLiga’s delegate in Australia and New Zealand, Glen Rolls said that it was exciting to be able to partner with the University of Canberra in La Liga’s first partnership in education in Australia.

“We certainly look forward to developing more programs to help … professionalise the industry moving forward,” he said.

“It’s great to be able to share our knowledge in each of these markets but we also want to be able to learn, to be able to grow as an organisation itself. So, there is certainly some key learnings that we can also learn as an organisation from the local football industry here.”

The webinar was the first event held by La Liga and the University of Canberra since the partnership was announced.

University of Canberra Academic and former FIFA Assistant Referee Allyson Flynn said that the university is developing a robust sporting reputation worldwide.

“UC is excited to partner with the La Liga Business School to achieve the objectives of the La Liga’s international development strategy,” Flynn said.

“There are several synergies that arise through the aim of professionalising sports management education and the local sports industry.

“The university is well equipped to co-develop and deliver material with our industry partners such as Capital Football.

“This partnership reaffirms UC is the home of sport and UC’s place as a leader and innovator in sports management education.”

Capital Football CEO Phil Brown and Villarreal C.F Business Development Manager Mar Llaneza also spoke at the event.

Phil Brown said that the partnership would help the sports industry both in Canberra and across Australia.

“I think it’s a great opportunity especially for the young, up and coming sports administrators that might be able to access some learning from some of the best in the world in a partnership with the University of Canberra,” he said.

 

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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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