Leichhardt Oval upgrades: a new era for an iconic venue

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Image Credit: Inner West Council

The final design concepts of upgrades for the iconic inner western Sydney venue, Leichhardt Oval, have been released.

The designs revealed new, updated and wide-ranging facilities for clubs, players and spectators across the stadium, with a particular focus on women’s sport.

As part of the upgrades, a new northern grandstand will be built, and the lower seating bowl will receive fresh modern seating.

Additionally, the Western grandstand will receive a significant renovation which will include:

  • All-new stadium seating
  • All-new corporate, media and media facilities

Financing the upgrades to Leichhardt Oval is a funding agreement between the Federal, State and local government. To deliver the project, the Inner West Council and NSW State government have both committed $10 million to the Oval, while the Federal government has put forth $20 million.

The upgrades have been designed by two project managers, Ernst and Young, and Cox Architecture.

Member for Sydney, Tanya Plibersek highlighted the importance of Leichhardt Oval for the Inner West in a statement.

“Australians love spending time outdoors, getting together with family and friends to watch a game, or cheer on the next generation,” she said.

“Leichhardt Oval is a place for world class games – and it deserves world class facilities. This new development will mean there are top quality facilities for everyone to enjoy, including schools and women and girls’ teams.

“That’s why Labor has committed $20 million to support these vital upgrades. We want to make sure the Oval is a community hub into the future.”

Inner West Mayor, Darcy Byrne, detailed the impact the upgrades would have.

“These designs keep the heritage and character of our famous ground while bringing the facilities for players, spectators and sports clubs up to modern standards,” he said.

“This will make the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ one of the highest quality suburban grounds in Australia while taking the unbeatable atmosphere there to another level.

“We are ready to deliver a renovation that will secure the future of Leichhardt Oval for another 50 years to come.”

Primarily a rugby league stadium and a home to the West Tigers, Leichhardt Oval also has a long history of hosting soccer games. Currently, Leichhardt Oval hosts Australia Cup games and is one of Sydney FC’s homes in the A-League Women. Additionally, the ground formerly hosted both Sydney Olympic FC and A.P.I.A Leichhardt during the NSL.

To learn more about the new upgrades, read the final designs HERE.

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Optus joins Football Queensland as Telco Partner in the North

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Image Credit: FQ Far North & Gulf Facebook

Football Queensland (FQ) has confirmed its collaboration with Optus, naming the leading telecommunication provider as its Official Telecommunications Partner across the Northern, Far North and Gulf regions.

The collaboration will see Optus play an active role in supporting grassroots football throughout the year-long partnership, with a visible presence at FQ precincts in both Cairns and Townsville. This will include branded signage and community-focused activations at key events, further enhancing the matchday experience for players, families, and fans.

FQ General Manager – Northern Conference, Craig Ramage, said the partnership will be a valuable boost for local communities and reflects FQ’s commitment to growing the game in regional areas.

“Football Queensland is excited to expand its long-standing relationship with Optus as we enter into a thriving partnership in the Northern and Far North & Gulf regions,” he said via press release.

“It is excellent to have a brand as prominent as Optus recognise the importance of grassroots football in regional areas.

“Optus’ year-long support will provide a crucial boost that directly benefits clubs and participants across the region, strengthening communities and actively contributing to FQ’s vision for the future of football.”

Optus General Manager North Queensland, Dave Morrissey, emphasised the importance of the North Queensland football community and Optus’ commitment to supporting the next generation as they develop into future stars of the game.

“It is our absolute pleasure to partner with Football Queensland’s Northern and Far North regions. It is great to get to watch the next generation of young players grow their skills and love for the game, and we appreciate all the support we get in return from the local community,” he said via press release.

Football communities attending events and matches at Paradise Park and Macca’s Park can expect to see Optus actively involved throughout the season, with a strong presence around the grounds that reflects the brand’s commitment to regional engagement and sporting development.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson to step down

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Image credit: Football Australia

Chief Executive Officer of Football Australia, James Johnson has advised the Board of his decision to resign.

Mr Johnson’s decision marks the end of his 5½-year term as CEO of the sport’s governing body, during which he, together with the Board, the Football Australia team, and the wider football community, led one of the most successful eras in Australian football history.

During his tenure, Mr Johnson steered Australian football through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, helping the sport reach record participation levels. Under his leadership, Football Australia launched a 15-year strategic vision, achieved unprecedented revenue growth, implemented significant reforms such as Club Licensing Regulations and updates to the Player Transfer System, and revitalised the Australia Cup by linking it to Asia via the AFC Club Competitions.

Mr Johnson oversaw Football Australia’s successful bid for and hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, a globally acclaimed event that marked a cultural turning point for sport in Australia. During his time as CEO, Football Australia also secured hosting rights for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ and elevated both the men’s and women’s national teams into prominent global sporting brands, each achieving their best-ever results at the FIFA World Cup 2022™ and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.

In a reflection on his time at the helm, James Johnson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead Football Australia over the past 5½ years, highlighting the dedication and talent of the colleagues he worked with throughout his tenure.

“It has been a privilege to lead Football Australia for the past 5½ years, having had the pleasure to work alongside the most talented, committed and dedicated staff, executives and board members,” he said via press release.

“As someone who is immensely passionate about Australian football, this decision has not come easy, but I believe the time is right to step down.

“I want to extend my thank you to the Football Australia Board and everyone within the Australian football community for their support during my tenure. Football is a local and global sport so no matter where I am, I will always be here to support Football Australia and Australian football.”

The Football Australia Board has appointed current director and former Matilda, Heather Garriock, as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

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