Sydney FC’s vision to expand its influence in Asia through coaching

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Credit image: Sydney FC website

Sydney FC is currently on a mission to expand its influence across Asia, with a dedicated focus on nurturing young talent and empowering coaches in the region.

Head of Academy Nick Susko and Head of Fan Engagement Howard Fondyke are currently in Singapore running coaching clinics and coach education sessions with the country’s rising stars.

During their visit, Susko and Fondyke engaged with a diverse group of ages and genders, working closely with over 160 boys and girls over the past week.

In addition to their coaching roles, Fondyke also was a guest speaker at SportsPro’s Conference at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, where he shared the club’s fan engagement strategy to a network of interested local business leaders.

Fondyke also touched on Sydney FC’s innovative strategy to build relationships and connections amongst the football community in Asia by completing these coaching clinics and familiarising people in the continent with the club in the hopes to expand as a brand on top of their view to nurture more talent.

Recently, the club appointed Ferrari Australasian president Dr. Jan Hendrik Voss to the clubs board of directors where he discussed in an interview about the specific vision to expand the club’s brand internationally.

The SportsPro event was one of many that the club will involve themselves in to try and connect with the international business community, so there is good reason to expect some more international partnerships and collaborations in the near future.

Starting in Asia is a good initial plan considering the club will return to Asian football through its AFC Champions League 2 qualification.

On the pitch success at that tournament will go hand in hand with its business ventures and the club seeks to build upon its $450,000 it has earned through qualifying for the group stages.

It’s an initiative that shows the commitment the Sky Blues have with fostering football talent outside of the Australian border but also underscores its role as a global ambassador for the sport.

Sydney FC remain a leader in this space in Australian football, making strides in Asia with a vision to expand further and providing valuable football education to young talent through their elite coaching set up.

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The only road to the national stage: FQ Academy Inter-Conference Carnival 2026

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Image Credit: Brook Desbois

Football Queensland (FQ) has confirmed Mackay Football Park as the host venue for the 2026 FQ Academy Inter-Conference Carnival, scheduled for the 14th to 17th of April.

Backed by the Mackay Regional Council, the event unites FQ’s five Regional Academies across the Northern and Central Conferences. This expanded four-day schedule marks a significant shift in regional programming. It allows for a greater volume of match play and enhances talent identification windows for technical staff.

Strengthening the Regional Pathway

The Carnival serves as a critical junction in the state-wide pathway. FQ Technical Director and Player Development, Tom Laxton, emphasized the event’s role in exposing players to new competitive environments.

“The Inter-Conference Carnival remains a key foundational element of the regional FQ Academy pathway,” Laxton said. “Expanding the Carnival in 2026 to four days reinforces our commitment to delivering more meaningful opportunities.”

Importantly, the FQ Academy stands as the only pathway in Queensland recognized by Football Australia for national selection. This event ensures equity amongst regional talent whom often fly under the radar of high-performance scouts. The extended format also benefits referees and coaches, providing a longer window for development and assessment.

Economic and Regional Impact

The partnership with Mackay Regional Council highlights the economic value of youth football tourism. Mayor Williamson noted the expanded timeline benefits the local visitor economy.

“By expanding the carnival to four days, it gives visitors a much better opportunity to explore what our region has to offer,” Williamson said.

The event draws players, support staff, and families from across the northern half of the state. It positions Mackay Football Park as a central hub for elite youth development in Queensland.

Registration and scheduling details regarding the 2026 FQ Academy Inter-Conference Carnival will be released here as they emerge.

Westside Strikers FC’s reveal glimpse into new Recreation Reserve

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Westside Strikers FC / Facebook

The club, based in Caroline Springs, Melbourne, updated fans with a sneak-peek into the newly revamped Taylor’s Hill Recreation Reserve.

 

Embracing development 

The prospect of new and improved facilities at Taylor’s Hill Recreation Reserve is one which should excite fans and players alike.

Taylor’s Hill Recreation Reserve. Image credit: Westside Strikers FC / Facebook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Turf installation has now been completed on Pitch 1 and our home ground is looking incredible,” the club said via social media announcement on Thursday. 

“With only the grandstand due to be completed in the coming months, almost 5 months of hard work has led to this transformation.” 

With the backing of the City of Melton, the improvements made to the facilities are proving to be thorough and extensive. The club revealed just over a month ago that  lighting upgrades and installations, irrigation and drainage systems for all pitches, ground fencing and coaches boxes had all been completed. 

Furthermore, by giving supporters insight into the progress being made at the club, it will no doubt help to stir up even more excitement and anticipation for when the project is completed in the coming months.

Facilities which align with ambitions

While they proudly remain a community-focused club, Westside Strikers FC is no stranger to rapid growth and expansion.

Initially established in 2014 for talented junior footballers, the club has evolved into one of the largest community football clubs in Melbourne’s West. In just over 10 years of operating, they have expanded into a network of over 600 players across the Men’s, Women’s, Miniroos and Metropolitan teams.

Therefore, as a club aiming to grow and support the careers of local talents from junior to senior level, it is only right that their facilities are built to accomodate such ambitions. By providing their players with high-quality pitches and updated facilities off the pitch, Westside Strikers FC can continue pursuing and nurturing excellence on it.

Furthermore, the developments reflect Westside Strikers’ genuine commitment to giving back to those who make the club special: the fans. By constructing a new grandstand for spectators, Westside Strikers FC is ensuring that everyone in the community is made to feel included in the club’s ambitions going forward.

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