Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia to release vouchers to promote sport and recreation

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Image Credit: Victoria State Government

The three southern states of east Australia to release vouchers encouraging Australians to participate in physical activities.

Victoria -Get Active Kids Program

The Victorian states offer up to $200 vouchers per child to families. This grant aims to coverup front costs of memberships, registration fees, uniforms and equipment across a wide range of sporting codes and recreation activities, soccer being in the list.

To be an eligible candidate for the voucher the child must be 18 or under and named on a Commonwealth Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, and named on a Medicare Card. A special consideration stream is also available to support children in care, temporary or provisional visa holders, migrants and international students.

The voucher are available from now until the 26th of April 2026.

Tasmania -Ticket to play 

Tasmania recently launched its Ticket to play program. This voucher offers up to $100, it covers sports’ club membership fees. They can be used at two different activity providers, or both can be used at one activity provider.

Only children aged from 5 to 18 will be able to apply for this voucher. They must be listed on a Services Australia Health Care or Pensioner Concession card or have received Family Tax Benefit A in the previous or current financial year.

However, exceptions occur for children in approved out of home care or temporary or provisional visa holders. Undocumented migrants or international students can also apply.

After the 29th of May 2026, vouchers won’t be available for purchase. However, Tasmanians are able to use their vouchers up until the 5th of June 2026.

Southern Australia -Sports Vouchers Plus 

The southern state also provides its residents with vouchers dedicate to supporting more physical activity among the youth. Children attending primary school from year 6 to year 9 can apply for two vouchers of $100. The provider might request for the 11-digit Medicare number or Australian visa number of the child.

These vouchers can be used to get discounts on sports or dance membership/registration fees. It also covers the cost of swimming lessons programs and music lessons.

Southern Australians are free to use their Vouchers for the whole year of 2026.

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FCA Relaunches Coach Education Program with Expanded CPD Opportunities Through 2026

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Image Credit: Football Coaches Australia

Football Coaches Australia (FCA) is set to relaunch its Coach Education Program, offering coaches across the country a comprehensive schedule of online workshops and new education opportunities through to the end of 2026.

Following a break in the program during the FIFA Men’s World Cup period, FCA’s coach education schedule returns this month with a strong focus on providing coaches with opportunities to complete the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours required to maintain their coaching licences.

FCA plans to deliver two online workshops per month through to December, alongside a range of additional coach education initiatives covering the technical, tactical, physical and emotional aspects of the game.

The program returns on Monday, August 24, with Scottish FA Coach Education Manager Martyn Buckie presenting Technical and Tactical Priorities – The Differences When Coaching Junior/Youth and Adults.

Buckie has been a regular presenter across FCA’s coach education program and will return with another engaging session designed to provide practical insights for coaches working across different levels and age groups.

FCA members can attend the session free of charge when using the FCA member code, while guests and non-members can register for $22.50.

The following week, on Monday, August 31, Scottish National Women’s Team coach Melissa Andreatta will present The Identity Advantage – Building a Team to Stay Connected When Pressure Is Highest.

Andreatta’s session will explore the importance of team identity and connection, particularly in high-pressure environments, providing coaches with insights applicable across the game.

FCA President Ian Greener said the return of the program represents an important opportunity for coaches to continue developing their knowledge while meeting their CPD requirements.

“Our ongoing relationship with Football Australia to provide these sessions, all supported with CPD, is a valuable component of the coach education landscape and one we here at FCA are proud to bring to coaches at all levels of our game,” Greener said.

The program will continue throughout September, with Ernie Merrick among the presenters already confirmed and further speakers to be announced in the coming months.

FCA’s expanded schedule is designed not only to help coaches accumulate vital CPD hours, but also to expose them to a diverse range of perspectives and expertise from across the football community.

A major new initiative will begin in October, with renowned coach Ron Smith delivering a six-part series focused on using information technology to develop coaches’ skills in match analysis.

The series will provide Australian coaches with a new opportunity to explore the use of technology and match analysis as part of their coaching development. Initially, the program will be limited to 10 coaches, with further details to be announced by FCA shortly.

With two quality sessions planned each month through to the end of the year, FCA’s renewed Coach Education Program will provide coaches at all levels with regular opportunities to learn, connect and continue their professional development.

Further presenters, workshops and education opportunities will be announced throughout the coming months.

Registrations for Martyn Buckie’s August 24 workshop are now open via this link.

FCA looks forward to welcoming coaches back to its Coach Education Program and continuing to support the development of coaches across Australian football.

Global Institute of Sport Brings Football and Sports Industry Leaders Directly to Students

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Image Credit: Global Institute of Sport

Global Institute of Sport (GIS) is set to give its students unprecedented access to some of the leading figures shaping the global sports industry, with The Football Association CEO Mark Bullingham among the high-profile speakers announced for Welcome Week.

The Global Institute of Sport’s September Welcome Week will provide new and returning students with the opportunity to hear directly from senior executives and industry leaders across football, cricket, media, talent management and sports business.

Among the first speakers announced is Mark Bullingham, CEO of The Football Association, who will speak to GIS students at Wembley Stadium on September 16.

Bullingham has led The FA since 2019, having initially joined the organisation in 2016 as Group Commercial Director before progressing to Chief Commercial & Football Development Officer and ultimately CEO.

During his tenure, English football has enjoyed significant success across both the men’s and women’s national teams.

The England men’s team reached the UEFA European Championship final in 2021 and 2024 before securing third place at the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, while the England Lionesses have won consecutive UEFA Women’s European Championships in 2022 and 2025 and reached the FIFA Women’s World Cup final in 2023.

Bullingham’s career also provides insight into the commercial side of the modern sports industry. Prior to joining The FA, he was Head of the UK and EMEA branches of Fuse Sport & Entertainment, where he worked with major global brands. During his time as The FA’s Group Commercial Director, he oversaw a rise in annual revenue of more than £100 million.

For GIS students, his session will offer a first-hand look at what it takes to lead one of the world’s most prominent football organisations, as well as the career journey that took him from sports marketing into the highest levels of football administration.

Bullingham is not the only major industry figure set to feature during Welcome Week.

Jo Tongue MBE, founder of Tongue Tied Media and a board member of Women in Football, will also speak at Wembley Stadium on September 16.

With a career spanning media, football and talent management, Tongue has worked with leading sporting figures including Jill Scott MBE, Andy Cole and Hayley McQueen. She founded Tongue Tied Media in 2016, supporting sports and entertainment talent across commercial opportunities, sponsorship and career strategy.

Tongue also spent almost a decade as a BBC producer before becoming a Director at Women in Football in 2010. She was awarded an MBE in 2023 for her contribution to football and gender equality.

Meanwhile, GIS students will also hear from James Rosengarten, General Manager of the Melbourne Stars, during an online session on September 30.

Rosengarten oversees both the Melbourne Stars’ men’s and women’s teams across the Big Bash League and Women’s Big Bash League, having previously spent five years as General Manager of the Melbourne Renegades.

His career has also included senior positions outside cricket, including General Manager – Legal & Strategy and General Counsel at the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, as well as senior roles at Mazda Australia.

Rosengarten also serves as Chair of the Global Institute of Sport’s Industry Advisory Board, providing industry expertise to support the organisation and its students.

The sessions form part of GIS’ broader approach to connecting education with the professional sports industry, giving students the opportunity to learn directly from executives who have built careers across some of the world’s most significant sporting organisations.

With further speakers expected to be announced, Welcome Week will give students an early opportunity to understand the realities of working in the global sports industry while building connections with professionals already operating at the highest levels.

For an industry increasingly defined by commercial growth, globalisation and rapidly changing career pathways, access to experienced leaders can provide students with insights that extend well beyond the classroom.

The Global Institute of Sport’s Welcome Week will take place in September, with sessions delivered both in person and online.

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