NSW Government pledges more than $4 million to community sport

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Community soccer

The NSW Government’s Local Sport Grants Program is set to provide over $4 million to more than 700 community organisations across the state.

The Local Sport Grants Program comes as a fantastic development for the state’s community sporting organisations who have faced immense obstacles as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The program provides sporting organisations with the necessary funding to increase and remove barriers for potential participants, purchase sporting equipment and to improve infrastructure with 831 grants awarded to a total of 728 sporting organisations representing 58 unique sports.

The Local Sport Grants Program grants sporting organisations with up to $20,000 for projects which are focused on sport development, sport access and facility development. It reaffirms the NSW Government’s commitment to ensuring that grassroots and community sport can once again thrive in the wake of what was a formidable year prior.

The NSW Government’s Minister for Sport, Geoff Lee, acknowledged the welcome reprieve that the Local Sport Grants Program will provide for communities across NSW as they move to overcome the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic, bushfires and floods have created significant uncertainty for local communities across NSW,” he said.

“Sport is the glue which keeps local communities together, and these grants acknowledge the importance of sport within our local communities, plus recognise the considerable contribution our army of sporting volunteers make on a daily basis.

“The Local Sport Grant Program is structured to help increase participation, improve facilities and increase investment, particularly in women’s sport, enabling more women and girls to participate.

“Whether it’s providing opportunities for people with a disability to play football at Randwick Football Club, purchasing jerseys and equipment for the Wiradjuri Warrior’s women’s rugby league teams or buying uniforms and equipment for multicultural kids at Rockdale City Raiders Football Club, these grants play a vital role in giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of sport.”

For further information on the Local Sport Grants Program, you can find it here.

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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

Mastering Influence: FVBL’s Networking Event Set to Empower Football Leaders

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Image Credit: FV Business League Launch

Football Victoria (FV) Business League powered by Sharp EIT Solutions opens its 2026 calendar with an event that addresses a core driver of success in sport and business: “The Power of Persuasion & Influence.” FV convenes a distinguished panel of leaders for an evening dedicated to real-world leadership, advanced negotiation tactics, and practical perspectives directly informed by top-level experience.

The Speakers

David Stevenson, CEO of the National Basketball League and “The Dealmaker,” brings more than twenty-five years of executive leadership to the discussion. His track record includes transformative commercial and operational roles at Nike, where he served as Vice President across multiple global business units, and at the AFL, where he led industry-defining initiatives such as Gather Round and AFL Finals. As CEO of the Western Bulldogs, Stevenson oversaw a landmark premiership year and drove record membership and revenue growth. Most recently, he has positioned the NBL as the fastest growing sports league in Australia, securing major broadcast partnerships and expanding fan engagement across the region.

Belinda Neil, “The Behavioural Expert,” offers unparalleled expertise in communication and crisis management. With eighteen years serving in the NSW Police, including roles as Hostage Negotiator, Undercover Operative, and Homicide Detective, she has cultivated advanced skills in behavioural analysis, conflict resolution and team leadership under pressure. Her post-policing career as an acclaimed author and sought-after corporate trainer further extends her impact, equipping organisations to manage critical negotiations and complex stakeholder interactions.

 

The panel will soon add “The Communicator,” a leader renowned in elite sports coaching, with an announcement forthcoming from Football Victoria.

FV Business League continues to provide a platform for senior decision-makers and professionals to access actionable strategies and genuine insight from proven leaders. Attendees will benefit from practical knowledge to elevate negotiation, leadership, and organisational influence across all commercial and sporting domains. Tickets are out now for April 24th at The Edge, Melbourne CBD.

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