Professional Footballers Australia publishes 2022 Australia Cup Report

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Professional Footballers Australia (the PFA) has today published a report on the impact of Australian football’s national knockout cup competition, the Australia Cup.

As the competition enters its ninth season in 2023, and with a women’s Australia Cup mooted for 2024, the PFA has examined the competition’s evolution over the past four seasons and linked that to previous analysis published by the organisation.

The 2022 edition is the PFA’s third report analysing the tournament, covering the 2018 – 2022 seasons, following the previously published 2014-2016 report and 2017 report.

Drawing on data from all eight editions of the Cup and player feedback from surveys with A-League Men (ALM) and National Premier League (NPL) players, the 2022 report’s key findings include:

  • A total of 127 goals were scored during the 2022 Final Round phase, the highest in competition history, at an average of 3.8 per match.
  • Overall attendances have decreased post-pandemic, with matches between two Member Federation (MF) clubs attracting an average crowd of 859 in 2022.
  • The average age of ALM players fielded in the Australia Cup has decreased since 2017, while the average age of MF players has plateaued.
  • For the first time in competition history, the average age of ALM players was younger than the average age of MF players in 2021.
  • In both the 2019 and 2021 seasons, ALM clubs fielded a higher percentage of teenagers than MF clubs, while the shares were equal in 2022.
  • The current competition model places all stakeholders under strain, with the tournament relying on the goodwill of the Australian football community and sacrifice from players and clubs, and is subsidised by Football Australia, given the expansive travel associated with the competition.

Click here to read the PFA 2022 Australia Cup report.

Upon launch of the report, PFA Co-Chief Executive Beau Busch said:

“The Australia Cup has been a wonderful competition for clubs and players and continues to play a crucial role as the great connector for the game’s community and grassroots clubs, former National Soccer League teams and the professional A-Leagues clubs.

“It has elevated teams from every corner of Australia into the national consciousness, provided an additional platform for player development and delivered magic moments for fans to cherish.

“While it remains a highly anticipated event on the football calendar and continues to capture the imagination of the Australian football public, this research suggests the competition has found it difficult to build value to enhance the entire sport.

“For the competition to develop, a new partnership between the clubs, players and Football Australia is essential, particularly with a women’s Australia Cup on the horizon. Simply imposing the current model on the women’s game will only intensify the challenges for female players and clubs.”

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ESA’s Game-Changing Technology for Injury Recovery and Player Growth

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Credit: Elite Skills Arena

Elite Skills Arena (ESA) has created cutting edge technology that is revolutionising injury rehabilitation and player development in football.

ESA is a company that designs and provides advanced football training technology used by top clubs and academies around the world. 

Founded by Eddie Mitchell in 2014, ESA creates innovative tools that help coaches track performance and develop players more effectively.

By combining smart tech with insights from leading coaches, ESA delivers data-driven solutions that improve training and sharpen key skills on the pitch.

When the company first settled on the idea of a circular wall with moving targets, the plan was to create an indoor space where players could work on their technical skills.

What started as a simple concept quickly took shape—so much so that the very first prototype was built in a backyard just to see if it would work.

That early test led to the launch of the first product and the creation of the now-iconic arena that remains a core part of what ESA offers today.

Currently, ESA offers three main product lines: the ICON range, the Wall range, and the Wireless range.

Each one has seen great success with professional clubs, academies, major organisations for marketing and events, and advanced training centres around the world.

Today, ESA products are used on six continents, and they’re getting close to a major milestone—1 million games played with their equipment.

But there’s one product in particular, the Wireless Circuit, that’s revolutionising injury rehab and player development in football.

Now ESA first tested the Circuit concept at Ipswich Town and Southampton Football Clubs in the UK.

But it was FC Barcelona who asked for a wireless version, eliminating the need for connecting cables.

The Wireless Circuit is made up of lightweight, cable-free modules — the Rebound, Pass-Through, and Gate — each featuring LED lights and vibration technology to give instant performance feedback.

Using motion sensors, the modules track passing, movement, and dribbling, while built-in modes recreate tactical game scenarios, making it a powerful tool for both training and recovery.

Since its introduction, the Wireless Circuit has been used extensively by Barcelona’s medical team during pre-season and injury rehabilitation.

Stars like Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Agüero and Ronald Araújo have benefitted from its data-driven approach, which benchmarks fitness levels and reduces the risk of re-injury.

The club has used the Wireless Circuit for the later stages of rehabilitation which has allowed players to build up match sharpness without being exposed to the danger of full-contact training.

Following the success at FC Barcelona, the Wireless Circuit has been making waves in the global sports world, having been nominated for Best Technology for Injury Prevention or Rehabilitation at the prestigious Sports Technology Awards.

With more than 50 installations across the globe, it’s quickly becoming a go-to choice for clubs and academies looking for reliable, cutting-edge solutions.

With injuries on the rise in elite football and top players spending more time on the sidelines, Premier League clubs are paying closer attention.

Leicester City FC, who’ve been interested in ESA technology for a while, recently added the Wireless Circuit to their sports science program to help monitor player fitness and support injury recovery.

After a successful demo in September 2023, they’ve started using the Rebound, Pass-Through, and Gate modules to help keep first-team players healthy and make rehab smoother and more effective.

Now the Wireless Circuit could offer substantial benefits to soccer clubs and organisations in Australia due to its unique combination of technology, portability, and proven performance outcomes.

Clubs from grassroots to A-League level can often face challenges in managing injuries, especially with limited access to advanced rehab facilities.

The Wireless Circuit enables low-risk, high-impact recovery by allowing players to rebuild match fitness through targeted, non-contact drills. This is particularly valuable in a sport where muscle and ligament injuries are common.

Also, with clubs becoming increasingly data-focused, the Wireless Circuit’s built-in motion sensors and instant feedback allow coaches to track a players movement, passing and dribbling

This gives coaches a more scientific, structured approach to player development, something especially useful in youth programs and academies.

So, as football continues to evolve, ESA’s Wireless Circuit stands at the forefront, offering a smarter, safer, and more effective way to train, recover, and develop the next generation of players.

The Rise of Female Football Participation: Female Football Week

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Image Credit: Football Australia Website

For decades, women in Victoria were prohibited from participating in organised football, thereby being pushed aside as the men’s game dominated the field. The tide, however, has turned. What was previously a sport confined to half of the population is being changed by girls lacing up their boots and women leading from the front.

Over 21,000 women and girls started playing football in 2024, fuelled by the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ and the Matildas’ semi-final success. Football, with over 221,000 female players registered countrywide, is not only Australia’s most popular team sport, but also one of its fastest growing.

This past week, Female Football Week 2025 (FFW) highlighted the movement that is restructuring the game. The nationwide initiative, which runs from May 2 to 11, is more than a celebration. It is a catalyst for sustained change.

A Nationwide Celebration with Local Impact

Organised by Football Australia in collaboration with member federations and clubs, FFW 2025 includes leadership panels, grassroots clinics, gala days, and coaching masterclasses to empower women at all levels of the sport.

Football Queensland’s Senior Manager – Game Development, Kate Lawson, anticipated an action-packed agenda that would capture the imaginations of both returning and new competitors.

“There are going to be more eyes on football in Australia than ever before. The increased representation of women in our game has everyone buzzing this year, which is why this Female Football Week is set to be the biggest and most exciting yet,” she said via press release.

Across the country, similar initiatives are igniting change. Football Queensland presented the FFW Awards to recognise local women’s football legends, while Football Victoria continued its all-female commentary round in the NPLW, bringing women’s voices to the forefront of the game.

At the grassroots level, activities such as The Gap FC’s Mother’s Day celebration and FFW gala in Brisbane highlight the important role that families play in developing the next generation of players.

Behind the Data: Real Growth, Real Stories

The statistics tell one story. Football participation across Australia has increased 11% to 1.91 million participants by 2024, with female participation up 16%. Queensland alone had a 44% increase in women and girls playing the game throughout its ten regions. Female involvement in Football NSW increased by 17% throughout the winter season.

However, behind these numbers are the individuals who are transforming the game.

The increase in female football involvement is more than just a statistic; it’s a tapestry of personal experiences that illustrate the movement’s depth and variety.

In the ACT, Tina McLeary serves as secretary of Brindabella Blues FC, a club with approximately 1,000 members. Her football adventure began with her children, but she rapidly became a significant driver of change, taking on management duties and guiding inclusive club strategy.

“We were able to get the boys there and show that these 10 and 11-year-old boys don’t care, there’s no gender relationship there. They just want to be a part of this. They just want to go kick the ball and see the game,” she shared, reflecting on the shifting culture in football.

In Western Sydney, Katelyn Smith is making her mark with CommBank ParaMatildas. After health issues halted her early football dreams, she discovered her calling with CP Football. Katelyn, a Golden Glove winner and national team striker, is not only scoring goals but also coaching the next generation of footballers with disabilities, demonstrating what is possible.

Women are also excelling in roles off the pitch. Jessica Jensen (Football QLD), Daphne Gounaris (Football Victoria), and Alana Zic (Football NSW) are three female referees breaking down boundaries in refereeing. Refereeing for the women allows them to improve themselves, connect with others, and lead with integrity and confidence.

In Tasmania, Jess Woodroffe of Launceston City FC has contributed to shaping her club’s infrastructure and culture. The club has recently added gender-friendly changing rooms, in addition to increasing the number of female board members and players, primarily from their campaigning and inclusive community forums.

Challenges Ahead—and a Bold Vision for the Future

Despite the momentum, obstacles remain. Numerous clubs are operating above their capacity, putting a strain on coaching resources, infrastructure, and equipment. As more girls get involved with the sport, retention becomes crucial, especially throughout adolescence, when many abandon it due to a lack of clear paths or mentors.

Football Australia has set an ambitious goal: gender parity in community football by 2027.

Interim CEO of Football Australia, Heather Garriock, believes Female Football Week 2025 has highlighted just how vital women’s football has become.

“Female Football Week 2025 has underscored the critical importance of women’s football to the future of our game. The growth we’re seeing at every level, from grassroots to the elite, is not only remarkable, but also reshaping the landscape of Australian sport,” she said via press release.

Conclusion: From Moment to Movement

FFW 2025 is about more than simply celebrating progress—it’s about maintaining it. Women’s football is no longer an afterthought, through community-led events, national investment, and strong representation.

It’s at the centre of the conversation.

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