South Australia back 2023 Women’s World Cup dream

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The South Australian government have confirmed they will support Australia’s quest to host the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

In the process, South Australia have become the third state, alongside NSW and Queensland, to wholeheartedly get behind Australia’s bid.

The Matildas played in their first match in Adelaide since 2006 last night, defeating Chile 1-0 in front of 10,342 fans.

The crowd figure was the largest ever attendance for a women’s football international in the City of Churches.

Emily Gielnik scored the only goal for the Matildas, with superstar Sam Kerr having her penalty saved just before half time.

If Australia wins the hosting rights to the 2023 tournament, Adelaide will host games at the boutique Hindmarsh Stadium.

South Australian Premier Steven Marshall claimed the State Government was ready and excited about the prospect of bringing the 2023 Women’s World Cup to Australia.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup is a massive event to add to our sporting calendar, and Adelaide will be a fantastic location for the competition,” said Premier Marshall on Tuesday.

“The Matildas are a shining example of Australian sporting prowess and hosting the World Cup will allow them to showcase their skills on the biggest stage in their own backyard.”

Outgoing FFA CEO David Gallop said he was delighted that South Australia had agreed to support the bid, after initial reluctance.

“The announcement today is a tremendous boost to our hopes of hosting the tournament in 2023. We are thrilled that South Australia have committed to be part of the bid, which will be stronger for their participation.

“It shows just how popular the Matildas are, and I’m sure the South Australian public will be absolutely delighted that Premier Marshall shares our vision and will bring matches to Adelaide should we be successful in our bid,” Gallop added.

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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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