South-East Victorian club grant recipients to thrive

Adam Palombi18/06/2024 6:15 am18/06/2024

Image credit: Nattawit Khomsanit / Shutterstock.com

Throughout the duration of 2024, states across the nation have showcased commitment towards the growth of community sport through various grant initiatives.

Community sport and recreational entities have been given the opportunity for funding, via an application granted on behalf of their respective government.

Victoria, following in the footsteps of NSW, have created and executed the Sporting Club Grants Program, providing funding for community sport and active recreation organisations across the south-eastern regions of Victoria.

South Eastern metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis confirmed via social media which applicants were successful acquiring the grant.

Multiple variating facets of sporting bodies were successful within their application. Scouting groups, sports clubs, and other recreational organisations were featured within recipients list.

Football clubs within the south-east district were also featured, including FC Noble Hurricanes and Cranbourne United Soccer Club.

Football growth within Victoria has experienced a significant rate in growth, especially in female participation following the Women’s World Cup 2023.

A true emphasis on the global variation of football within the state has become symbolic throughout the growth it has experienced in recent memory.

With the international women’s and men’s sides both on the precipice tangible success, the sport continues to find financial support from the government.

Within the south-east region of Victoria, two clubs who are relishing the forecasted influx of participants now have the opportunity for financial support.

The new wave of monetary gain is compulsory in aiding and assisting football clubs in growth across multiple areas.

Newly constructed facilities, training equipment, and the acquisition of highly regarded football administrators, coaches and personnel can all be achieved by these clubs within their development stages.

The collaboration and networking with established clubs within the region has the capacity to exist, with the potential of player scouting programs having the potential to come to fruition.

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Adelaide United renews StudyAdelaide partnership for Asian campaign

Lorcan Marelich18/09/2026 10:10 am18/09/2026

Image Credit: AFC

Adelaide United has brought back a familiar commercial partner for its return to continental competition, with StudyAdelaide signing on as front-of-shirt sponsor for the club’s 2026/27 AFC Champions League Two campaign.

The partnership reconnects two South Australian organisations after StudyAdelaide previously featured on Adelaide United’s shirt during their 2010 AFC Champions League campaign.

Adelaide commenced their six-match group-stage campaign on Thursday at Hindmarsh, defeating Hong Kong’s Tai Po 3-0.

For StudyAdelaide, the value of the partnership extends beyond traditional football sponsorship. The organisation, a partnership between the South Australian Government and more than 50 education institutions, is using Adelaide United’s Asian competition to promote South Australia as an international study destination.

The club’s continental schedule provides exposure in several key Asian markets, with Adelaide travelling to face BG Pathum United in Thailand and Lion City Sailors in Singapore during the group stage.

StudyAdelaide chief executive Jane Johnston said the partnership would provide a great opportunity to connect with young people across Asia.

“Having StudyAdelaide featured throughout this international competition is a unique platform to connect with young people across Asia and highlight the many reasons South Australia is their best option to study, live and build a career,” Johnston said.

The deal illustrates how football’s international competitions can provide commercial value beyond traditional brand exposure, particularly for organisations looking to promote to a specific or new region.

The Reds’ ACL Two campaign continues against BG Pathum United in Thailand on October 15.

Arncliffe Aurora’s Riverine Park investment creates a platform for growth

Oliver Van Bronswijk18/09/2026 10:00 am18/09/2026

Image Credits: Arncliffe Aurora

Arncliffe Aurora Football Club has started a new chapter with the launch of Riverine Park, creating a larger platform for football, community engagement and long-term growth in Sydney’s St George region. More than 2,500 people attended the community opening on 8 August, marking the club’s first matches at its new home and showcasing a significant upgrade in its operating capacity.

Riverine Park provides two full-size natural turf football fields, modern player and community amenities, and a new clubhouse. The additional capacity responds to strong growth in Arncliffe Aurora’s football programs, particularly at junior level. The club has also highlighted a $2.5 million investment in facility upgrades. Together with its existing Arncliffe Park base, Riverine Park gives Aurora two homes and a stronger physical platform for its football operations.

More capacity allows the club to accommodate more teams, players and programs, while updated facilities can support stronger member retention and recruitment. They create more opportunities for coaching, development programs, events and community activities. The new site can also strengthen the club’s commercial proposition; a modern facility gives sponsors greater visibility and provides more opportunities to activate partnerships around football and community events. It can also help the club build relationships with schools, community organisations and football bodies. That matters as grassroots clubs increasingly operate as community hubs rather than simply sporting organisations.

Riverine Park also creates opportunities for the wider football ecosystem. Football St George has identified the facility as a platform to grow participation and provide opportunities for players of different ages, abilities and backgrounds. Bayside Council’s project includes upgraded change rooms, toilets, canteen facilities, lighting, seating and solar panels, adding further functionality to the precinct.

For Arncliffe Aurora, the investment is therefore about more than adding fields. It creates infrastructure that can support participation, player development, community programs and commercial activity over the long term. The challenge now shifts from construction to utilisation. The club must maximise the new capacity, maintain the assets and convert greater participation into a sustainable operating model to benefit the community long-term.