Spectrum Soccer to be launched by Autism Central Coast

Liam Watson

Autism Central Coast will be launching Spectrum Soccer, a football skills and fun program for anyone who loves the game.

The Tuggerah-based charity will provide the program as a way to include those who don’t get the regular opportunities to experience the game and will be in a more casual learning environment.

It will be supported by Soccer 5s and the Central Coast Mariners (Daniel De Silva and Lewis Miller pictured), who will assist with the charity building towards a strong connection with the community.

This is a program which will commence on Wednesday the 4th of March 2020 at Soccer 5s in Tuggerah.

The following details have also been confirmed where there are going to be eight sessions held across March-May 2020. Participants can be aged 8-16 and will need enclosed shoes and a water bottle. Each session will go for an hour from 4:00pm – 5:00pm, with all dates listed below:

  • March 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th.
  • April 1st, 8th, 29th.
  • May 6th.

It will be run by the ACC’s Jayden Robins, who identified the need to get his clients into more healthy activity, highlighted by the successful soccer carnival that was held by the organisation a few years ago.

“It’s like anything in life,” said Robins.

“If you enjoy it, you should be able to do it, and Soccer 5s agreed with us and offered the facility.

“We are also talking to the Mariners about a sensory room at the stadium on match days. It’s a great chance for our clients to enjoy football in a more comfortable environment, and to educate the greater public about the needs of those living on the spectrum.”

Robins is the youngest member of the ACC management team and his enthusiasm will shine through in a program dedicated to giving everyone a fair go. In partnership with key personnel in the community, it’ll give participants access to quality facilities and experiences they’ll really enjoy.

For those who are interested in participating in the program, enquiries should go to Autism Central Coast using the following contact details:

Jayden Robins (program co-ordinator)

Mobile: 0401 916 183

Email: jayden@autismcentralcoast.org

For any bookings, they can be made via admin@autismcentralcoast.org or by calling 0410 918 100.

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WA announce TV series for Sam Kerr’s children’s novels

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Image Credit: James Ross/AAP

A new TV series based on Sam Kerr’s children’s books ‘Kicking Goals’ is set to begin filming in early 2027 in Western Australia.

The show follows a young Kerr before she became captain of the Matildas and a star at Chelsea FC. Set in her home state of WA, the story sees her navigate her way through growing up and chasing her dreams, alongside her family and friends, and the adventures that entailed.

Speaking to Screenwest, Kerr said, ‘It’s pretty surreal knowing that Kicking Goals is being adapted into a TV series. These stories are all about believing in yourself and having a go, so it feels really special that a whole new generation will get to experience them on screen.’

Co-authored by Fiona Harris, the books have been a success since their initial release in 2021, a period which has coincided with Kerr and her Matildas teammates growing from beloved within Australia’s football community, into a team of genuine national appeal and recognition. They are available nation-wide, sold at major retailers such as Big W and Dymocks.

The television adaptation will beproduced by Orange Entertainment for Paramount+.

‘Kicking Goals’ is set to inject AUD 5million into the WA economy and provide over 130 local jobs.

Creative Industries Minister of WA, Simone McGurk, said via WA GOV, ‘The series will showcase all that Western Australia has to offer – including our world-class talent, crew, and diverse locations – while celebrating the story of one of our sporting greats.’

Casting is currently underway, with a search for a young Kerr and her mates ongoing.

The months after the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australian and New Zealand saw an 11% increase in women and girl’s participation in football compared to the previous year, showing the direct impact the biggest stage can have on grassroots football.

Kerr has managed to build on that success and begin a new chapter, inspiring kids both on and off the field.

Former Socceroos captain set to headline coaching conference

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Mark Mulligan. Credit A League

Mark Milligan – former Socceroos captain and Newcastle Jets Premiership-winning manager – is set to be the guest of honour at the 2026 Football NSW Coaching Conference, held at Valentine Sports Park from November 21st–22nd.

The annual conference represents Australia’s largest gathering of football coaches, and is set to include expert insight into coaching, practical sessions and development plans for attendees. Milligan will partake in a Q&A session with MC Stephanie Brantz on November 21, adding significant gravitas to the conference.

Chris Gallo, Football NSW Coach Education Manager spoke highly of Milligan via Football NSW.

‘Opportunities to hear from people who have experienced the game at the highest level are incredibly valuable for our coaches. Mark brings a unique perspective on leadership, performance and the demands of elite football, and we want our coaches to be able to take those insights back into their own environments,’ he said.

Milligan traversed the globe across a near-twenty year professional career that started in the old National Soccer League, concluded in the A-League, and took in time across Europe, the UK and Asia.

He represented the Socceroos with distinction across 80 appearances, selected by four seperate managers in World Cup squads, and was captain of the Olympic team in 2008. His nascent managerial career has already seen two trophies at Newcastle, where he is presently leading them in the Asian Champions League.

But it all began on the local pitches of Bankstown. Milligan is an authentic, home-grown product of Football NSW, and emblamatic of the rewards that can be reaped from investing in the beginning of a player’s journey.

With the conference already selling out, attendees can now expect to learn plemty from one of Australia’s most exciting, up-and-coming coaches.

The opportunity Football NSW are providing showcases their commitment in helping coaches develop, and their continued pledge of giving back to the game at its foundation.

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