NSW Government Funds Sports Clubs’ Facilitation of AEDs

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Image Credit: NSW Office of Sport

The NSW Government have announced a $500,000 investment towards state sports to encourage clubs and centres to install automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at their facilities, at an event a day before World Heart Day.

The Heartbeat of Football Foundation, who attended, have also received a $150,000 grant by the government to conduct research into which NSW sports clubs and centres who may lack AEDs in hopes it will provide insight and guidance for future government investments.

The foundation will also use the grant for their #HeartHealthMatters program, which delivers AED and CPR training to sporting clubs across regional NSW, while eligible sports groups can apply for the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program with up to $3,000 for buying AEDs.

Heartbeat of Football Foundation Founder, Andy Paschalidies congratulated Sports Minister Steve Kamper and the NSW Government for their continued support of the #HeartHealthMatters program.

“It has already proven to be a lifesaver, and our foundation will continue to push for all sporting grounds in NSW, and indeed across Australia, to be equipped with lifesaving and publicly accessible AEDs,” she said via press release.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper spoke about how important for sporting organisations to be able to respond to life-threatening emergencies, such as cardiac arrest on the sporting field, by using AEDs.

“Last year, the Minns Labor Government supported more than 190 sporting organisations to purchase this potentially life-saving equipment,” he said via press release.

“Heartbeat of Football’s mapping project will play a vital role in enabling the Minns Labor Government to plan future targeted investment at sport facilities that need it most.

Doyalson Wyee Football Club player and NSW’s oldest on-field cardiac arrest survivor Allen Lyell, 70, also attended the event, and remarked he had no symptoms of any heart issues, and the doctor told him he was fit.

“I was fortunate that there was a defibrillator at the ground and people knew what to do, so I became one of the lucky ones,” he said via press release.

More than 2,300 defibrillators and AEDs have been funded for use at sports and recreation facilities across NSW since the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant program started, with applications still open from the 1st of December or when funding is exhausted.

Heartbeat of Football Foundation

The Heartbeat of Football Foundation is a non-for-profit organisation who aim to have zero-deaths related to heart health on Australian sportsgrounds, and have worked with state soccer bodies around the country including Football Victoria to run charities and other events.

In 2023, both groups partnered to spread awareness of heart health with Football Victoria promoting awareness and education for players, coaches and clubs, prevention through screening checks, and for clubs to have functional AEDs at every sportsground.

The Victorian Government last year has a similar program called the Sporting Club Grants Program, which allowed sporing clubs to receive $1000 for the purchase of medical supplies like AEDs.

Currently, the Victorian Government has the Emergency Sporting Equipment Grant Program, aimed at replacing damaged and used sporting equipment, including defibrillators.

For further information, including eligibility criteria for NSW sports and recreation organisations, visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/localsport-defibrillator-grant-program.

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Inter Academy expands operations into two major Australian cities

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Image Credit: Inter Academy

FC Internazionale Milano announced last week that their academy network has expanded into Sydney and Adelaide. The projects will be implemented alongside Christian Brothers High School (CBHS) in Lewisham, NSW and with semi-professional club, Adelaide Blue Eagles. 

 

A milestone for all parties

The announcement marks another impressive development for Inter Academy, which continues to expand its global network of elite training academies across the globe. 

With bases already established in Canada, Chile, Turkey, Italy and more, the club has now extended its operations and expertise to Australia. With activities set to commence in April in Sydney and Adelaide, the new partnerships will seek to embolden and progress football development across New South Wales and South Australia.

 The organisation expressed their pride at the newly-forged partnerships, outlining several factors which the project will bring. 

“FC Internazionale Milano is pleased to announce the opening of Inter Academy Sydney and Inter Academy Adelaide, extending the Nerrazzuri project to Australia,” the club said via social media announcement. 

“The two new Inter Academies in Australia will offer a football development programme based on Inter Academy’s training methodology, while also focusing on the personal growth of the players.” 

The alliance indicates an exciting future for the rising stars looking to link up with the academy programmes, as well as for the coaches and local clubs eager to gain insight into how this European powerhouse operates. 

It is an immense milestone for all involved. On one hand, Inter can help develop a nation of passionate and eager young footballers looking for a quality football education. On the other, coaches and professionals across Sydney and Adelaide now have access to the expertise and training methods of the most decorated football academy in Italy. 

 

Who will partner with Inter Academy? 

Inter Academy Sydney and Inter Academy Adelaide will both collaborate with local organisations, with whom their values and passion for the game are shared. 

Christian Brothers High School Lewisham

Inter Academy Sydney will receive the backing of Christian Brothers High School (CBHS) Lewisham, an educational institution with over 100 years of history in Sydney’s western suburbs.

While academic excellence is highly valued, the school strives to provide its students with an experience built on meaningful relationships, discovering passions, and building confidence. 

Adelaide Blue Eagles

On the other hand, Inter Academy Adelaide will work in conjunction with semi-professional club, Adelaide Blue Eagles (Azzurri Sports Club). 

Founded in 1958 (with inaugural members hailing from Italy), the club has grown into both a successful sporting organisation and a cornerstone of the community. The club is committed to nurturing talented boys and girls in the area through the Elite Eagles Academy. 

 

Balancing the player and the person

It is evident why Inter Milan wanted to strike up partnerships with CBHS and the Adelaide Blue Eagles. Whether on the pitch or in the classroom, these institutions dedicate themselves to achieving excellence. 

All three parties refuse to compromise on providing an environment in which players and students can develop as people. Brand and Marketing Director of Inter Milan, Luca Adornato, also emphasised the importance of building such partnerships on common values. 

“Opening these two academies in Australia represents an important step in the global growth of our project,” Adornato said via official press release.

“There is huge potential in collaboration with CBHS Lewisham in Sydney and Adelaide Blue Eagles in Adelaide. Both partners share our commitment to the development of youth sports and we are pleased to embark on this journey together.”

Although Inter Academy holds an outstanding reputation in the football world for its elite sporting standards and achievements, it refuses to compromise on developing the person behind the player. This holistic approach, in which footballing excellence comes hand-in-hand with personal growth, will be of immense value to the future generations across Sydney and Adeliade seeking to join the programmes. 

 

Connecting Australian talent with European pathways

Inter Academy joins an extensive list of European clubs including Juventus, Olympiacos and CF Villarreal who have established academies and football programs in Australia. Primarily operating in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, these programs help connect coaches and young players in Australia with the expertise and training methods of Europe’s elite.

By forging partnerships of this nature and bringing their expertise into local communities, we can bridge the gap between Australian talent and the world stage.

When given the opportunities to perform, Aussies continue to receive the plaudits. Whether we look at Antonio Arena scoring on his debut for AS Roma at just 16 years-old, or Mo Touré scoring a hatrick on his first start for Norwich City FC in the English Championship, Australia is clearly able to produce players of the highest quality.

Therefore, as Inter Milan begins to implement academy programs in Sydney and Adelaide, the future looks bright for players and coaches seeking elite footballing educations.

The passion and talent is here in abundance. All it needs is the leadership and environment to grow.

 

 

Clifton Hill FC Set for New Era as Pavilion Upgrade Nears Completion

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Image Credit: One-Nil Media

Community football in Melbourne’s inner north is set for a major boost, with Clifton Hill FC preparing to usher in a new chapter following the redevelopment of its pavilion at Quarries Park.

The upgraded facility, delivered with support from Yarra City Council, is expected to significantly enhance the matchday and training experience for players, families, and volunteers while supporting the club’s continued growth.

A long awaited upgrade for Clifton Hill FC

Club President Michael Tyrikos said the redevelopment represents a long-awaited milestone for the grassroots club.

“We’ve been waiting close to 10 years for this,” Tyrikos told SoccerScene. “I’ve been involved with the club for over two decades and improving the facilities has always been a major goal for us.”

The new pavilion replaces previously limited amenities, with the club formerly operating with just two change rooms and minimal communal space. The upgraded facility will provide modern change rooms, social areas, and improved spectator amenities.

Supporting growth in participation

Tyrikos explained the redevelopment will be particularly significant in supporting participation growth, including the club’s expanding girls’ program.

“Previously, we only had two change rooms, which made it difficult as our girls’ program continued to grow,” he said. “Now players can feel comfortable using proper facilities with access to showers and dedicated spaces, which is something we simply didn’t have before.”

Image Credit: One-Nil Media

Beyond player development, the pavilion is also expected to strengthen the club’s role as a community hub. The addition of indoor social spaces will allow families to engage more closely with the club environment, particularly during Melbourne’s winter months.

“Parents can now sit inside and watch games, and we can finally host club events, kids’ parties, and social gatherings,” Tyrikos said. “Before, we just didn’t have the capacity to bring people together like that.”

A new era at Quarries Park

Tyrikos also acknowledged the broader infrastructure improvements delivered alongside the pavilion redevelopment, including new lighting towers and an upgraded playing surface, highlighting the importance of council support in driving the project forward.

Clifton Hill FC is hopeful the new pavilion will be operational in time for its anticipated first home fixture scheduled for mid-May, marking the beginning of a new era for the community-focused club.

Image Credit: One-Nil Media

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