Soccerscene the only online publication dedicated to the Australian and international football industry. It serves as a practical guide for those involved in the business of running a football club and bringing readers up-to-date research and development across all football matters providing insights, discussion and information related to topics that matter.
There’s not long left to go for Football NSW clubs to apply for funding as part of the Let’s Light Up Football campaign.
This is a campaign which is open to Football NSW affiliated clubs and associations, together with local councils and schools. They are able to apply and receive funding which will go towards improving lighting for community pitches across the state.
Football NSW has provided all the relevant details for anyone who has yet to apply for funding which will enhance the ability to train and play under safe conditions:
“The fund will provide up to 20% of a floodlighting project with a maximum of $20,000 available per project. The project will also need confirmed approval from the relevant local government authority as part of the eligibility criteria.”
“Once again $300,000 worth of funding will be made available to Member Associations and Clubs with the opportunity to upgrade lighting to a safe and suitable standard for the community and most importantly increase the capacity of open space through the provision of night training and games, throughout NSW.”
Football NSW Chief Executive Stuart Hodge spoke about the key campaign which still has a couple weeks to go.
“We are excited to once again inject funding into the local football community across NSW,” he said.
“The recent state-wide facilities audit highlighted that 32% of the fields in NSW don’t have floodlighting and 42% of fields with lighting are below the minimum Australian Standards of 50 lux. This campaign aims to address this issue by providing participants with a safe and welcoming environment”.
This campaign has been open by Football NSW since the 30th of April and closes on the 15th of July at 4pm.
As the official goal post partner of Football Victoria and numerous other state football associations nationally, PILA is known for its support of football at all levels, PILA has previously worked with various venues, clubs, schools, and affiliates, ranging from community grassroots programs to professional settings.
The collaboration aims to promote the development of local football in Victoria through close collaboration between the two organisations.
PILA, a family-owned Australian company specialising in sports equipment and streetscape solutions, focuses primarily on flagpoles and goal posts.
The company has established a strong reputation across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region for delivering reliable products.
PILA’s goal posts meet FIFA, Football Australia, and Australian Standards, ensuring they adhere to the highest safety and performance requirements. This includes supplying FIFA-compliant goal posts to The Home of the Matildas.
Additionally, PILA utilises technology to enhance the durability and safety of their products, minimising the risk of injury.
Managing Director of PILA, Reece Wooldridge explained the importance of the collaboration and how the equipment enables player safety.
“Equipment safety is a paramount concern in football, and our goal posts are designed with this in mind. Enhancing safety standards, we utilise technology to produce goal posts that are not only durable but also reduce the risk of injury. Our partnership with Football Victoria provides local clubs and facilities with access to equipment that prioritises player safety, which is crucial for fostering a secure and enjoyable playing environment,” Wooldridge explained to Soccerscene.
“Our football goals are designed to suit both natural and synthetic turf soccer fields. We offer ground sleeve or portable bases with wheels, to make installation and off-season goal post removal and storage quick and affordable.
“We manufacture two goal post ranges; our PRO Range is suited to elite venues, and our economical CLUB Range is perfect for sports clubs, schools, and training fields. We have goal sizes to suit all levels of competition including 4-a-side, 5-a-side, 6-a-side, 7-a-side, 9-a-side, and 11-a side competition.”
Through this partnership with Football Victoria, local clubs and facilities will benefit from access to equipment that prioritises player safety, contributing to a secure and enjoyable environment for all participants. The collaboration not only enhances the quality of facilities but also promotes safer playing conditions, fostering the growth of football at all levels across Victoria.
Football Australia has appointed two senior leaders to the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™, enhancing its preparations for the upcoming tournament.
Bill Allen has been appointed as Tournament Director, and Alex Hamilton as Executive General Manager – Event Growth & Experience.
Football Australia’s CEO, James Johnson, voiced confidence in the new appointments and emphasised the key roles they will play in the tournament’s success.
“Bill and Alex are outstanding leaders in their fields, and their combined expertise will be pivotal in delivering a world-class AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Their appointments reflect our commitment to excellence as we aim to create a tournament that showcases the very best of women’s football and leaves a lasting legacy for the game in Australia and across Asia,” he said via press release.
“Bill’s operational expertise and track record in major tournaments ensure that every aspect of the event’s delivery will be meticulously planned, while Alex’s vision for fan engagement and growth will amplify the tournament’s reach, connecting new audiences and enhancing the overall experience for fans. Together, they bring the capability to deliver an unforgettable event that will not only inspire but also elevate the profile of women’s football on a global scale.”
Allen brings a wealth of experience to the LOC from his distinguished career in the sports and events industry. He most recently served as Head of Operations for the highly successful FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ and has also played key roles in organising the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015™ and the Qatar 2011 tournament.
Allen’s expertise in stakeholder management, project and event operations, competition, and venue planning will be vital as preparations continue. Renowned for his leadership and collaborative style, his appointment provides confidence that the tournament will be efficiently and successfully delivered.
Bill Allen expressed his excitement in the appointment and to continue the growth of women’s football.
“I’m excited to join Sarah Walsh and be part of the team bringing the AFC Women’s Asian Cup to Australia,” he said via press release.
“With the momentum of the recent Women’s World Cup behind us, I look forward to continuing the growth of women’s football locally and across Asia, whilst delivering a tournament that will inspire players and fans alike.”
Alex Hamilton brings a fresh and innovative approach to the LOC, with over 12 years of experience in tennis leadership, including her role as Chief Event Officer for the Australian Open.
In her role as Executive General Manager – Event Growth & Experience, she will spearhead initiatives to provide a world-class fan experience and attract new markets, especially within the Asian diaspora, to ensure lasting support for football beyond the tournament.
Alex Hamilton commented she is looking forward to working with her team and Government partners.
“I’m thrilled to bring my experience from tennis into football and help create a truly exceptional event that will leave a lasting impact,” she said via press release.
“I look forward to working closely with the Football Australia team, the Asian Football Confederation and our Government partners to create and deliver an incredible event experience that will resonate with fans across the entire region.”
As preparations for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ intensify, the LOC is expanding, with the team diligently working to create an unforgettable experience for players, fans, and communities.
