Villarreal CF to open new academy in Sydney

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La Liga’s Villarreal CF has announced that it will open its second Australian football academy in Sydney.

The Villarreal Sydney Academy is set to hold an ID clinic at St Ives Showground, where the academy will be based on December 12 to select players for the club’s program in 2021.

Villarreal coaches are expected to visit the academy to provide training for coaches and players when possible. Tryout sessions, offer clinics, provide coaching education, supplement programs and camps will be run by Villarreal coaches.

Opportunities to visit Villarreal’s state-of-the-art training facilities in Spain will also be offered to players who demonstrate their top-level skills, training and behaviour.

If selected participants will get to experience the life of a professional soccer player first-hand by observing training sessions, meeting professional players, practicing with the club’s elite academy players and training under Villarreal coaches.

In a video message Villarreal defender Alberto Moreno encouraged young boys and girls in Sydney to join the new academy and welcomed “Villarreal Sydney Academy to the Villarreal family.”

The club said that coaches at Villarreal Sydney will be trained under the Villarreal CF methodology, while an individual player development approach will be taken to help players grow.

“Australia is packed with untapped soccer talent and we are sure that our unique approach to the beautiful game will have an extremely positive impact on the players and the Sydney community, like it has in Melbourne,” Villarreal CF Director of International Business, Juan Antón said.

Villarreal CF’s Melbourne academy, Monash Villarreal opened in February and has over 200 players at the academy.

“We are not partnering with Villarreal only to use their name. Villarreal Sydney Academy is going to provide the best development program in Sydney and is giving a real pathway to our players. We want all of our players to feel that Sydney – Australia – is just one step away from Villarreal – Spain,” Director at Villarreal Sydney Academy, Jacobo Muñoz said.

Villareal was established in 1923 and currently sits second on the La Liga table. The club has previously competed in the UEFA Champions League.

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Coach Education Exchange unites Football NSW and Japan FA

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Football NSW

The education program was a roaring success for the 14 coaches who made the trip, demonstrating Japan’s high-quality infrastructure and development systems from which football bodies across Australia can take inspiration. 

 

A valuable partner

The 2026 FNSW Japan Coach Education Exchange comes as the latest display of the strong connection between footballing worlds in Australia and Japan. 

14 Football NSW coaches travelled to Japan for unique insights into what makes the J-League and WE League tick. With both of these leagues being renowned for their distinct footballing identities, elite development pathways, and technical excellence, the program serves as a valuable opportunity for Football NSW to gain new ideas and know-how moving forward. 

During the visit to Japan, the coaching cohort visited several different clubs, including: 

  • Cerezo Osaka
  • Tokyo Verdy
  • JEF United Chiba
  • Urawa Red Diamonds
  • Gamba Osaka

Learning from international expertise

The trip was not, however, merely about uncovering the secrets to club or commercial success. 

Visits to the JFA Academy Sakai emphasised Japan’s commitment to creating elite pathways for talented young players across the country. They believe in nurturing players not only to be talented footballers, but to be confident leaders through their education and lodging system. 

“He or she being gifted does not always have his or her talent blossom. By providing those who have a talent with a good environment and encouraging them to make efforts, we nurture players who can shine in the world,” they explain via the JFA official website. 

Further meetings with Director of Coach Education at the JFA, Kimura Yasuhiko, as well as Head Coach of Japan’s Men’s National Team, Hajime Moriyasu, highlighted the wealth of knowledge which Australia can access during collaborations with the JFA. 

“The opportunity to meet and hear from a national team head coach operating at the highest level of international football proved both humbling and motivating, underscoring the value of global connection and shared learning in coach development,” Football NSW said via press release. 

Following the success of the 2026 FNSW Japan Coach Education Exchange, the objective should now be to transform insights into action. For Football NSW, or any other football association in Australia seeking to develop the game for current and future generations in the region, the lessons learned from international partners must be applied with real conviction and commitment.

 

Weekly Round-up – Confirmed Sponsors Across the NPL for 2026

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GaudiLab / Shutterstock

As NPL clubs across the country continue their pre-season preparations on the pitch, so too have they been forging alliances and partnerships off it. Read here for the round-up of all the confirmed partnerships announced this week across NPL competitions.

 

NPL VIC

Heidelberg United FC: 

Destination Unknown RVs (recommitted partner) – Caravan and RV dealer and manufacturer based in Epping. They specialise in designing high-quality and durable vehicles made to elevate the adventure experience for their customers. 

Windsor Management Insurance Brokers (recommitted partner) – A team of experienced insurance professionals based in Carlton, providing exceptional service and building trusted relationships with clients. 

Melbourne City Toyota (recommitted partner) – one of Melbourne’s most iconic Toyota dealerships, boasting locations in Camberwell, Heidelberg, South Melbourne and the CBD. The partnership renewal marks over a decade of collaboration with Heidelberg United FC.

 

Oakleigh Cannons: 

EGA Corporate Advisers – A Melbourne-based team of exceptional financial and corporate advisers, dedicated to offering tailored solutions in accounting, tax, banking, succession planning, property and more. 

 

Bentleigh Greens: 

GIOCA – An apparel and kit supplier created in New South Wales, priding itself on its team of former and current professionals helping to provide high-quality and tailored apparel solutions. GIOCA also announced a partnership with the SD Raiders FC earlier this month. 

Transcorp Removals & Storage – A leading moving and storage company in Melbourne, with roots going back to 1987. They offer same-day services and help with interstate relocations, gaining over 20,000 clients across 35 years of service. 

 

George Cross FC:

Elvin Lawyers (recommitted partner) – A law firm with locations in Brunswick and Preston, priding itself on a no-nonsense approach and commitment to offering high-quality and transparent services to their clients. 

Gilmores (recommitted partner) – Specialising in distributing quality, industrial packaging and office suppliers across Australia. Based in Port Melbourne and with 30 years of history, they are reknowned for exceptional and affordable service. 

Bostik (recommitted partner) – A global leader in adhesive technologies, Bostik boast operations in over 45 countries with 125 manufacturing sites. At Bostik Australia, they specialise in DIY, construction and industrial adhesives. 

Cemimax (recommitted partner) – Flooring installation experts offering services for industry, health, education, commercial and residential. By balancing cost-effective and environmentally friendly products, Cemimax remain committed to quality services.

RAW Global – International ocean and freight forwarding specialists with offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. They offer services in sea freight, air freight, customs clearance and third party logistics. 

28 Mason Cafe & Eatery (recommitted partner) – Based in Newport, 28 Mason Cafe & Eatery are a popular and cosy cafe. They blend strong coffee with delicious food items across both breakfast and lunch. 

 

NPL NSW

Rockdale Ilinden FC:

PCFS Logistics – An Australian-owned company created in 2002. They offer services in international and domestic freight, customs clearance, transport, warehousing and logistics.

MiLoan – A company led by industry experts specialising in commercial property, residential property, construction & development and equipment finance. With over $1 billion in loans settled and over 1000 clients assisted, they represent a reliable team who remain committed to supporting local communities. 

Project Cars – A premium car dealership in Western Sydney, combining services in buying, selling, consignment and finance. 

 

NPL Northern NSW:

Belmont Swansea Utd:

Make Windows + Doors (recommitted partner) – A reliable partner for a multitude of projects and developments. Make Windows + Doors is committed to delivering quality services across residential, commercial and project management projects.

 

Kahibah FC: 

Josie Coffee – The newest club partner of Kahibah FC and their official coffee supplier, Josie Coffee is famous for delicious roasts in Gateshead and Mayfield (NSW).  

Jewells Tavern (recommitted partner) – Returning as a sponsor for the 2026 season, Jewells Tavern is another popular spot for the local community, and was a valuable partner during Kahibah FC’s promotion endeavours last year. 

 

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