Reimagined FIFA Fan Festival experience to debut at Qatar 2022 before heading to Australia and New Zealand

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FIFA
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FIFA is set to debut a reimagined fan destination and on-site entertainment experience for fans at future FIFA World Cup and FIFA Women’s World Cup events called the FIFA Fan Festival.

Beginning with World Cup Qatar 2022, this multidimensional, inclusive event will provide new ways for fans to celebrate their shared passion for football and experience the best in music, entertainment, local culture, food, games and lifestyle trends in a true festival environment.

Formerly known as the FIFA Fan Fest, this one-stop destination for fans previously appeared at four editions of the World Cup – starting with the 2006 World Cup Germany – and welcomed almost 40 million visitors across five continents.

Following its debut in its new form in Qatar later this year, the FIFA Fan Festival will premiere at the Women’s World Cup at the tournament in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand in 2023.

“To support our mission to make football truly global, accessible and inclusive, we are thrilled to introduce a new vision for the entertainment experience surrounding future FIFA World Cup events,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.

“The FIFA Fan Festival provides an incredible opportunity for fans to come together beyond the stadiums and the on-pitch action and experience football in new and unique ways. We are truly excited about the future of the FIFA Fan Festival and the enhanced entertainment offerings that will bring fans and partners alike closer to both men’s and women’s FIFA World Cups, as well as global football culture.”

The newly reimagined FIFA Fan Festival was designed to tap into the unique energy felt around major FIFA competitions. It will give all types of fans – from avid supporters to casual football enthusiasts and lovers of music, food and culture – new ways to connect and engage with football in a fun, entertaining and festive atmosphere.

For the World Cup Qatar 2022, the FIFA Fan Festival will be held at one central location at Al Bidda Park in Doha over the 29 days of the tournament (November 20 – December 18 2022). This go-to destination for fans on-site at Qatar 2022 will feature the following attractions:

  • Live broadcasts of every match on giant screens, with views of Doha’s futuristic skyline in the background
  • Concerts starring top global and local music acts and live works by internationally acclaimed performance artists
  • A food court offering unique culinary experiences featuring local cuisine and international delicacies
  • Unique football matches with FIFA Legends, in addition to interactive physical and digital football gaming stations for fans of all ages
  • Innovative sponsor activations, as well as an official FIFA Store with licensed FIFA World Cup products

FIFA will also extend the reach of the event around the world by enabling fans to watch, experience and interact with content from the FIFA Fan Festival through the FIFA+ digital platform. Throughout Qatar 2022, fans will be able to access content from the FIFA Fan Festival by visiting the World Cup page on FIFA+.

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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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