Victoria onside for Women’s World Cup bid

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The Victorian Government has confirmed they will support Australia’s bid to host the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

If Australia was to win the hosting rights, there are plans in place to play five games at AAMI Park during the five-week tournament.

Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula, claimed a significant event like the Women’s World Cup was a perfect fit for Melbourne.

“Melbourne loves putting on a show and the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ is as big as it gets in women’s sport,” Minister Pakula said.

“Major events and sport are synonymous with Victoria – we are proud to be playing our role with Football Federation Australia in the bid to win the rights to host what will be an amazing month on the global calendar.”

Australia’s bid book will be officially submitted to FIFA next month, with talks still continuing with Football New Zealand about the possibility of a joint bid.

The 2023 Women’s World Cup will be the largest ever, with 32 teams competing and 64 games being played between July and August.

FIFA is expected to announce the host of the tournament in May 2020.

FFA chairman Chris Nikou was ecstatic that the Victorian government had pledged their support behind Australia’s quest to host the Women’s World Cup.

“Victoria is a world leader in delivering major sporting tournaments and it makes perfect sense that they are part of our bid to host the world’s largest women’s sporting event here in Australia,” Mr Nikou said.

“Our bid for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 is set to have huge economic benefits for the nation, and profound social impacts in communities across the country.

“Just as importantly, the opportunity to secure a lasting legacy for women’s sport in growing participation, building facilities, driving greater opportunities for women to be leaders in the game and building pathways for the next generation of Westfield Matildas will last for generations.

“I congratulate the Minister and his Government for joining us in partnership to deliver the best World Cup women’s football has seen. We are excited about submitting a compelling bid to FIFA and hosting a World Cup that fans and players will never forget.

“Victoria and its passion for football are very much at the heart of our bid,” Mr Nikou concluded.

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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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