Thank You to Our Partners and Readers for an Outstanding 2025

The Soccerscene Team would like to thank all its partners and readers for the 2025 year and wishing you all a happy festive season and New Year.

Soccerscene has had the privilege of bringing its readers the biggest and latest news and stories in football.

Including changes in Football Australia and the global footballing market, the inaugural season of the Australian National Championship and the release of our new ‘Off The Pitch’ podcast, 2025 has been an exciting season.

Soccerscene would like to extend a big thank you to our major partners including the Professional Footballers Association (PFA), The Global Institute for Sport (GIS), Majestri, Football Pro Directory, TX Football, Football Coaches Australia (FCA) and Box2Box.

Also Faraday West, Oakleigh Cannons, PEGS Soccer Club, Old Ivanhoe Soccer Club, Husqvarna, and Shepparton Cup.

We value your immense support and involvement with us and are excited to continue working with our partners in the coming year.

A special thanks to all people in the industry that have worked with us and our loyal readers.

Big things will be coming in 2026 and the Soccerscene team is excited to get the ball rolling next year.

Our team wishes you all a happy festive period and a prosperous New Year.

Kind regards, The Soccerscene Team.

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Building the future: The Socceroo who has came home

In the modern football economy, the transition from elite athlete to administrator is rarely seamless. For two decades, David Williams’ existence was governed by the binary metrics of the professional game: goals scored, contracts signed, and minutes played. From the freezing training pitches of Brøndby to the humid pressure cookers of the Indian Super League, his career was defined by the relentless demand for performance.

Now, following his retirement in November 2025 due to a career-ending ACL injury, the former Socceroo is swapping the stadium penalty box for the grassroots pitch. As the newly appointed Program Development Lead at Football West (FW), Williams is tasked with reshaping the foundational layer of West Australian talent.

A Strategic Coup for the State

For the state governing body, securing Williams is a significant coup. The “ex-pro” circuit is often littered with tokenistic ambassadorial roles, but Williams offers tangible intellectual property. His journey began as a teenage prodigy at the Queensland Academy of Sport, carrying the heavy burden of being labelled the “best Australian prospect since Harry Kewell” by Miron Bleiberg.

He has lived the entire spectrum of the industry: the hype of a European transfer at 18, the volatility of the A-League loan system, and the cultural adaptability required to win titles in India. He understands the mechanics of the “football business” better than most.

“I’m very excited to have this opportunity to stay in football and work with young people,” Williams said. “I’m passionate about youth development and helping them grow, whether that’s as a coach, a mentor or just as a role model.”

The “Role Model” Mandate

In his new capacity, Williams will oversee the Coles MiniRoos, Football School holiday camps, and school clinics. On paper, these are participation programs. In practice, they are the first point of contact in the talent pipeline.

For FW, leveraging Williams’ heritage is a strategic necessity. As a member of the Indigenous Football Australia Council, Williams understands the structural barriers facing indigenous players. His presence provides a tangible pathway for kids who often feel disconnected from the metropolitan elite.

“Being indigenous, I would love to do some work in the regions and work with young indigenous children through football,” Williams noted. “It would be great to support the regional CPOs (community participation officers) and deliver sessions with these kids. That’s something I’m extremely passionate about.”

This is not a post-retirement affectation. Throughout 2025, while still nominally a Perth Glory player, Williams was already building his coaching resume as head coach of the Charles Perkins XI: Football Australia’s First Nations youth program. He isn’t just a figurehead; he is an operator actively closing the gap between regional talent and elite opportunity.

Proving the Concept: Success in the Dugout

Williams’ administrative portfolio is backed by growing tactical acumen. In December 2025, he coached the WA Paras State Team to their inaugural national title. For a squad that had frequently been the “nearly men” of the competition, Williams’ high-performance mindset was the catalyst for a historic breakthrough.

“That was an unbelievable experience, especially for the people who have been in the Paras program for a long time and seen them go close so often,” he reflected.

Crucially, this role sits alongside his appointment as Technical Director for NPL WA powerhouse Stirling Macedonia. Williams sits at the intersection of the state’s entire ecosystem as he drives grassroots participation for the federation by day and steers elite NPL structures for a club by night. It signals an ambition to master the technical direction of the game, not just the commercial side.

A Global Perspective, Locally Applied

Williams’ value to the WA system lies in his resilience. He was the first Indigenous player to represent Melbourne City. Williams scored in the UEFA Cup against Eintracht Frankfurt. He won the Indian Super League with ATK.

David Williams understands the technical demands of European academies and the harsh realities of the transfer market. When he speaks to a 12-year-old at a holiday clinic, he isn’t reciting a coaching manual. He is speaking from the experience of sharing a pitch with Alessandro Del Piero. He knows what “elite” actually looks like.

“After I finished at Perth Glory last year, I had some other great opportunities, but I am more passionate about my role within Football West,” Williams said. “This is different.”

As 2026 approaches, Williams faces a new kind of pressure. He is no longer responsible for scoring the winner at HBF Park. Instead, he is charged with ensuring that the thousands of kids in the MiniRoos programs fall in love with the game, and that the pathways he once navigated are accessible to them. It is a different game, but one David Williams is uniquely qualified to play.

Weekly update: NPL Partnerships announced last week

Read here for this week’s update on all the NPL partnerships for the upcoming season.

NPL VIC:

George Cross FC:

Galea Earthworks – A family-owned business based in Melbourne which offers reliable and quality service in concrete finishing, site cuts, rock and soil removal and more.

Westwood Wheels & Tyres – Based in Ravenhall, Victoria, Westwood Wheels & Tyres boasts over 20 years of experience in the tyre industry. They specialise in tyre fitting, rotation, wheel alignment and balance, puncture repairs and batteries.

JPC Group – An industry leader in integrated solutions across agriculture, mining and shipping. JPC Group is committed to efficiency and delivering success for its clients, without compromising on quality customer service and sustainability goals.

Cooper Mason Projects – A domestic building company based in Victoria, registered in 2025.

 

Heidelberg United:

SCS Group – Started in 2009 by Managing Director, Nicholas Pastras, SCS Group has grown into a leading cleaning services across Australia. They combine cutting-edge technology with a family-oriented approach to ensure that results never compromise relationships.

 

Preston Lions:

Genis Steel (recommitted partner) – With nearly 50 years of experience, Genis Steel operate across Melbourne, Adelaide and Geelong. The team prides itself on quality products and services in on-site measuring, in-house drafting, steel processing through to full site installation.

Majestic Caravans – Providing high-quality caravans with factory owned and operated outlets, Majestic Caravans are dedicated to excellent customer service. They balance quality with affordability to ensure their clients can find the best caravan for their needs.

Edge 3 Pools – Designer and builder of a range of swimming pools through expert craftsmanship and quality materials. From concept to completion, Edge 3 Pools maintain excellent client service and transparent communication.

OCAM – A 100% Australian-owned company dedicated to providing its clients with aftermarket 4×4 accessories at affordable prices. OCAM offers an extensive range of services, including vehicle protection, roof racks, towning and more.

NPL NSW:

Marconi Stallions:

Brydens Lawyers (recommitted partner) – After more than 50 years of growth, Brydens Lawyers has developed into one of the leading law firms in New South Wales. They offer advice and representation across injury law, family estates and wills, commercial enquiries, property enquiries and traffic & criminal enquiries.

ICM Property Services (recommitted partner) – Built on strong foundations of efficiency and reliability, ICM Property Services has expanded its services across both New South Wales and Victoria. Their services range across initial and final cleaning, labour hire, machine scrubbing, property management and more.

 

SD Raiders:

Crown Electrical Solutions – An innovative and dependable electrical contractor based in New South Wales. They offer solutions for a range of issues regarding electrical air conditioning, security, automation and audio visual fields.

Peter Warren Ford – Since 1966, Peter Warren Ford has been providing quality Ford vehicles to clients across Sydney’s South West suburbs. The team is committed to guiding customers every step of the purchasing journey, presenting all financial and insurance options available.

Cre8tive Platform – Cre8tive Platform delivers innovative solutions for retail spaces. The team offers practical in-store display solutions, creative ideas, local and overseas production and distribution to individual stores.

Katalyst Performance – The team at Katalyst Performance is dedicated to innovation, science and a relentless pursuit of excellence. They aim to foster a unique performance-driven community where everyone can feel included and empowered.

Entel Projects – Entel Projects specialises in transforming homes into spaces which are both beautiful and functional. For over 15 years, the team has offered services in custom kitchen fittings, full home renovations, cabinetry and joinery installations and project management.

Inner Beauty Skin – Experts in skin, brow and permanent makeup with over 19 years of experience. The team ensures that results are natural, long-lasting and tailored to the needs of the customer.

Pennytel – An Australian-owned telecommunications company. They provide mobile, internet and business phone solutions.

 

NPL Northern NSW:

Newcastle Olympic:

Harcourts (recommitted partner) – A trusted real estate company across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter Valley areas. Operating since 1888, the team has developed into the fastest growing real estate brand across Australia, offering services across residential, commercial, rural & regional and property management.

 

NPL Queensland:

Brisbane City:

MICA – A Queensland-based boutique development and cosntruction company. The team at MICA offers services across high-end residential, multi-residential and commercial projects.

 

NPL South Australia:

Campbelltown City:

Strangio Structural Steel – Industry experts in providing structural steel services in SA. They aim to establish long-term contractors by committing to safety and exceeding expectations. 

Regency Timber – Family-owned business which provides high-quality timber supplies to its clients, whether industry builders or homeowner renovators. 

MDB Solar – Based in Adelaide, MDB Solar is a leading supplier of sustainable energy solutions. They are committed to staying up-to-date with new industry technology to provide their clients with exceptional service.

RCR Partners – An integrated business services and wealth advisory firm. It helps its clients by focussing on business success, profit improvement, cash flow management, tax minimisation and more.

Oriental 4WD & Commercials – A trusted 4WD wrecker and spare parts specialist. The team has more than 40 years of experience promising excellent customer service and high-quality products. 

Rocca Property Group – Adelaide-based development and construction company. With 35 years of experience offering solutions for residential projects, they are a highly regarded organisation in the industry.

Cafe Va Bene – An Italian-owned and operated eatery and function space since 1994. They combine authentic Italian cuisine with elegant function spaces to create a unique dining experience for customers.

Platinum Property Styling – Since 2007, Platinum Property Styling has presented some of the most elegant homes in Adelaide. They aim to create a unique emotional response in their clients when styling properties, promising professionalism and dedicated customer care.

Payneham Automotive – A highly-regarded automotive service provider in Evandale, Australia. The team specialises in car maintenance, and is driven by a highly-skilled team of mechanics dedicated to using quality parts.

Platinum Designer Joinery – An experienced producer of kitchen and home cabinetry since 2004. Led by Mr Frank Ammirato, they are the go-to choice for designing and planning kitchens tailored to their clients.

AC Podiatry – A modern Podiatry clinic built on foundations of patient care. For 17 years, they have offered an array of services to over 20,000 clients in Adelaide and the Eastern suburbs.

GTF Fencing – A South Australian-owned company offering expertise in fencing solutions. Whether for a home or business, GTF Fencing are committed to providing high-quality services through a highly-skilled team.

 

NPL WA:

Dianella White Eagles:

Butler Property Group (recommitted partner) – A leading boutique real estate agency based in Dianella. Built on integrity and dedication to supporting clients in the community, the team at Butler Property Group has delivered quality services since rebranding in 2023.

The Corner Butcher (recommitted partner) – As a family-owned artisan butcher for over 40 years, The Corner Butcher is a renowned institution in the Perth community. Meats are premium and locally sourced, and the customer service is of the highest quality.

 

NPL Tasmania:

Kingborough Lions United:

Maximum Solar – 100% Tasmania owned and operated, Maximum Solar offer services across residential and commercial solar. Their mission is to provide clients with reliable, efficient and exceptional quality products at a local and national level.

 

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