Perth Rectangular Stadium makes final preparations for FIFA Women’s World Cup

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Perth Rectangular Stadium
Image via FIFA

The natural grass at Perth Rectangular Stadium (HBF Park) has been removed and replaced with 9500 square metres of hybrid turf as the Women’s World Cup draws near.

The turf work is part of a $35 million project funded by the McGowan Government to renovate Perth Glory’s home ground ahead of five international football matches there during the year’s biggest sporting event. The basis for the change being to improve the player and spectator experience while complying with media requirements.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 match schedule includes five games at the Perth Rectangular Stadium:

  • Denmark v People’s Republic of China on 22 July;
  • Republic of Ireland v Canada on 26 July;
  • Panama v Jamaica on 29 July;
  • Haiti v Denmark on 1 August; and
  • Morocco v Colombia on 3 August.

In a press release, Recreation Minister David Templeman said:

“With 99 days to go until the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, the countdown is truly on, and I’m delighted to share that we’re almost pitch perfect at Perth Rectangular Stadium.

“The McGowan Government funded project involves 800 rolls – about 30 truckloads – of grass, weighing 80 kilograms per square metre. The weight means it will be ready to play as soon as it is down, and the world-class hybrid turf is more durable, stable, and safe than the previous natural grass.

Overall, Perth Rectangular Stadium has undergone works to the tune of $35 million to make it Women’s World Cup ready. This includes new change rooms, players tunnel and dugouts, as well as new LED floodlights that meet FIFA’s broadcast standards, allowing our five WA hosted matches to be shown on TV.”

The other improvements to the stadium include:

  • New, larger high-definition video boards
  • Revamped changing rooms
  • A new tunnel for players to enter the pitch
  • Facilities made more accessible
  • New gates at the entrances to the ground

Perth Rectangular Stadium played host for Perth Glory against Adelaide United in their A-League Men’s encounter, after the former was temporarily playing home fixtures at Macedonia Park as the changes took place.

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Victorian Government Renews $10,000 Sporting Club Grants to Power Grassroots Sport in 2025-26

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Victorian grassroots football club training session

The Victorian State Government has announced the renewal of the Sporting Club Grants Program for 2025-26, delivering another boost for local players, coaches, and volunteers across the state. The program offers up to $10,000 in funding for eligible non-profit clubs to strengthen participation, upgrade equipment, and enhance community engagement.

Since its inception in 2015, the initiative has invested more than $19.5 million into Victorian sport, empowering clubs to stay active and connected. Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence praised the program for driving a “healthier, more connected Victoria,” highlighting its success in supporting grassroots development across all levels.

This year’s round places stronger focus on regional communities, following an additional $60 million investment in the Regional Community Sport Development Fund. The renewed focus ensures rural clubs—often the backbone of local communities—can access the same resources, skills, and opportunities as metropolitan teams.

Partnering with Active Victoria, the initiative aligns with the state’s 2022–26 roadmap, which champions inclusivity and representation across all sporting levels. The roadmap prioritises increased participation for women, queer, and underrepresented groups, reflecting the program’s role in building a fairer, more accessible sporting environment.

Beyond participation, the program also delivers significant economic benefits for regional areas, generating jobs and local investment through grassroots sport. By funding local initiatives, the government aims to create positive ripple effects that extend well beyond the playing field.

Applications for Round One open on October 23, 2025, and close on November 26, 2025. Clubs can apply across five categories: Uniform and Equipment, Volunteers and Officials, Access and Events, Travel, and Governance and Engagement. Round Two opens in early February 2026, closing mid-March.

For Victoria’s sporting communities, the renewed program marks another vital step in sustaining grassroots sport and reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of connection, health, and community pride.

Football Queensland Launches Upgraded Club Support Hub to Boost Volunteer and Administrator Support

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Volunteer using Football Queensland Customer Service Booking Portal

Football Queensland has unveiled its redesigned Club Support Hub, providing enhanced resources and a new Customer Service Booking Portal to assist club administrators and volunteers ahead of the 2026 season. The upgraded hub is designed to streamline support and ensure clubs have the tools they need to operate efficiently.

The Club Support Hub now offers a comprehensive suite of practical resources, covering every stage of the football season – from pre-season planning to post-season wrap-ups. Administrators and volunteers can also book dedicated support directly with FQ’s Customer Service team, making guidance more accessible than ever.

FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said, “Football Queensland acknowledges that the success of club operations is fuelled by the hard work and dedication of volunteers across the state. We are proud to continue to bolster the support available to them with more resources and more access to FQ Customer Support.”

Building on the original Hub launched in 2021 and FQ’s Future Club+ initiative, the upgrade aims to make volunteer workflows more efficient. Checklists, guides, and direct triaging options ensure clubs receive the right support at the right time, allowing administrators to focus on value-adding activities that enhance the football experience.

To support the rollout, FQ will deliver a series of webinars in the coming months, guiding administrators through the extensive new resources available. “We are excited to continue strengthening the support available to our clubs and volunteers as we reinforce our commitment to improving the experience for every member of our football community,” Cavallucci added.

The upgraded Club Support Hub marks a significant step in Football Queensland’s ongoing efforts to provide a more efficient, club-focused service model, ensuring administrators and volunteers have the tools and guidance they need to succeed.

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