UK and Dutch experts to join Wenger at 2020 Australian Coaching Conference

Following the announcement earlier this month that Arsene Wenger will headline the 2020 Australian Coaching Conference, Football NSW has announced several other key industry figures who will present at the event.

Today it was revealed that Head of Football Development for the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB), Jorg van der Breggen will present on “Building An Evidence Based Youth Development Program”. The segment will focus on how coaches can become more effective within the youth development phase.

“Jorg is someone who is at the forefront of youth development in Europe, he is very passionate for grassroots football as well as elite football so this will be great presentation for coaches across Australian football no matter their level as they look to further understand youth development and the important part they as coaches play in the process no matter what level, be it a Mum or Dad in the local park or a B Licence coach working for an NPL Academy” said Chris Adams, Football New South Wales Coach Development Manager

The conference will also feature two highly-regarded coaches from the United Kingdom who were announced earlier in the week. Head Coach for the England U16-U17 Female National Team, Lydia Bedford and Head of Coaching for UK Coaching, Nick Levett.

Bedford will present on “Developing Future Female Champions”, a segment  which will form part of the “Coaching The Female Player” stream.

“Lydia is a leading figure within the development of female football with the English FA in recent years and it is testament to the quality of this year’s 2020 Australian Coaching Conference that we have someone of her stature and experience in youth development join us online, with Australia hosting the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup this will be a great presentation for all coaches to gain an insight into how to develop top class female players for the future,” Adams said.

Levett will focus on “The Essential Skills Of An Effective Youth Coach”, a segment designed for coaches of all levels from grassroots to elite football focusing on coaching behaviours and how to work effectively with youth players of all abilities.

“Coaches of all levels will gain valuable insights into coaching from Nick Levett to then apply into their relevant coaching environment be it in an NPL youth or senior environment to a volunteer coach at a local association club,” Adams added.

“To have someone of Nick’s experience across all parts of the football world from Grassroots through to elite football is another great addition to this years conference.”

The conference is scheduled to be held on Saturday 28 November and organisers have stated registered participants will be allowed access to the content any time afterwards through a specially designed online platform.

For more information, visit www.footballnsw.com.au

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FV Celebrates Major Facility Upgrades Across Regional Victoria Under RCSIF

Staff Writer
Image Credit: Shutterstock 2472394857

Football Victoria (FV) is pleased to acknowledge the announcement of four successful projects funded through the Victorian Government’s Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund (RCSIF), which will deliver vital upgrades to key football facilities throughout regional Victoria.

The RCSIF is a $60 million initiative from the Allan Labor Government designed to improve community sports infrastructure with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility.

FV is proud to spotlight the following projects that have secured funding:

Thompson Reserve (Inverloch Stars SC)
This upgrade will feature the construction of female-friendly change rooms and enhanced lighting, encouraging greater participation among women and girls.

Dixon Field (Gisborne SC)
Essential lighting improvements will be implemented to expand training and match capacity, supporting the increasing demand for football in the Macedon Ranges.

Victoria Park (Daylesford & Hepburn United SC)
The project will include lighting enhancements to improve venue usability and support broader access for the local football community.

Romsey Recreation Reserve (Macedon Rangers SC)
Funding will go towards planning and design works for new lighting and redevelopment of the main playing surface, laying the groundwork for future infrastructure development.

FV’s Head of Government Relations & Strategy, Lachlan Cole, expressed his excitement about the funding and the positive impact it will bring to regional football communities:

 “These investments are a testament to the importance of football in regional communities.

“Upgraded facilities not only created better playing experiences but also promote social connection in the community and allow for more people to play the game they love.”

Introducing the Nine Ad Manager Association and Community Club of the Year Awards

Staff Writer
Image Credit: Football NSW

Football NSW is proud to introduce the inaugural Football NSW Association of the Year Award, which will be presented at the Football NSW State Dinner on Saturday, October 25th. This prestigious new accolade will be awarded alongside our State Awards, Future Leader Award, Fair Play Award, and the esteemed George Churchward Medal.

Proudly sponsored by Nine Ad Manager, the Association of the Year Award recognises a Football NSW Association that has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to the growth and development of football both within its region and across the state.

The winning Association will be one that actively empowers its clubs to enrich the football experience for players, coaches, referees, and volunteers. It will also be a strong collaborator—working constructively with Football NSW and peer Associations to safeguard and advance the long-term integrity of the game.

The Nine Ad Manager Association of the Year will have shown exceptional achievement or innovation in enhancing football delivery, across areas such as:

  • Innovative approaches to football delivery
  • Club development and support
  • Volunteer recognition and engagement
  • Development pathways for players, coaches, and referees
  • Strong governance practices
  • Creation of a safe, inclusive, and positive environment
  • Long-term strategic planning for growth and sustainability
  • Community outreach and advocacy
  • Promotion of diversity and inclusion (e.g., women and girls, CALD communities)
  • Collaborative partnerships with councils, schools, sponsors, and community groups

Launching in 2025: Nine Ad Manager Community Club of the Year Award

Also debuting in 2025, the Nine Ad Manager Community Club of the Year Award will celebrate a Community Club affiliated with a Football NSW Association that has shown exceptional leadership in raising the profile of grassroots football.

This award will honour a Club that works closely with its Association to foster growth, excellence, and community impact. The winning Club will have demonstrated innovation and excellence in football delivery across areas such as:

  • Recognition as a Club Changer Club
  • A commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment
  • Volunteer support and appreciation
  • Development of players, coaches, and referees—especially through engagement with Association and State pathway programs
  • Strong governance
  • Fostering a positive club culture
  • Outstanding community advocacy and engagement
  • On-field excellence and achievement

Each Association will be invited to nominate one Community Club within its region for consideration. Nomination forms will be distributed in the coming weeks, and Associations are encouraged to begin gathering information in preparation. Community Clubs interested in being nominated should contact their Association directly.

Award Prizes

The winners of both the Nine Ad Manager Association of the Year and Community Club of the Year will receive a complimentary $2,000 AUD campaign via the Nine Ad Manager Platform. Two runners-up in each category will receive a $1,000 AUD campaign.

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