Preston Lions Land Funding for Synthetic Field Upgrade

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Image credit: Preston Lions

The Preston Lions Football Club are set to receive long-overdue upgrades to B.T. Connor Reserve, thanks to the re-election of the Albanese Labor Government.

Back in April, Preston Lions shared that Hon Ged Kearney, the Federal Member for Cooper, had pledged $1.5 million as part of an election promise to help fund a new synthetic pitch on Ground 4 at B.T. Connor Reserve.

The Preston Lions Football Club is one of the biggest clubs in Melbourne’s north, however, the pitch is currently in a state that presents challenges for regular play, and the grounds appear to have gone some time without significant upkeep.

Now that the Albanese Labor Government has been re-elected and Ged Kearney has retained her seat in the Cooper Electorate, the long-awaited upgrades are finally set to become a reality.

Ged Kearney highlighted how important the club is to the community, offering programs for people of all ages.

“The Preston Lions Football Club is one of the largest sporting clubs in Melbourne’s north and offers amazing programs for everyone from toddlers through to teenagers and mums,” Hon Kearney said in a press release.

“The club does amazing work, and I am so pleased to be able to announce that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government would deliver this upgrade for our community to enjoy well into the future.”

Preston Lions President David Cvetkovski expressed his excitement, saying the upgrades have been long time coming.

“The program is growing, we’re close to 500 kids, I think I’ve been tapping on Ged’s door, Nathan’s door, council’s door for five or six years,” Mr Cvetkovski told Soccerscene.

“We’re looking forward to what will effectively be a 1.5-million-dollar grant from federal for a 2-million-dollar upgrade of what we call ground 4, into a purpose-built synthetic ground, drainage, paths, the pavilion and everything upgraded, it’s really exciting for the kids.

“The future is here, and we need to ensure we’re providing the facilities to maybe produce the next Matilda or Socceroo.”

The long-awaited upgrades will mark a major step forward for the Preston Lions, ensuring the club can continue to grow, support its community, and inspire the next generation of Australian football talent.

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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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