Western United unveil Andrew Durante in Player Welfare and Development Manager role

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Andrew Durante
Image provided by Western United

Having retired recently at the conclusion of the 2020/21 season, A-Leagues veteran Andrew Durante will return to Western United in the newly created role of Player Welfare and Development Manager.

Durante will work in tandem with Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) to ensure Western United players across all programs, including men’s, women’s and youth teams, will have the necessary support and guidance to achieve their football and non-football goals.

“Having a strong connection to the Club from my playing days, it really feels fitting for me to return to the place where my playing career ended, to now start my next chapter with Western United,” Durante said in a statement.

“I’m really excited to get started in this new role. The Club is full of fantastic people and I’m looking forward to being a part of it and furthering my growth as a person, as well as the growth of the Club.

“I’m passionate about helping develop talent on and off the pitch, and I’m really determined to support all the Western United athletes to become the best versions of themselves.”

Durante will also take up a development coach role in Western United’s Academy program, working alongside Academy Director Anthony Frost and his existing staff.

Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato welcomed back the Club favourite.

“As a foundation player of the club, we are delighted to have someone of Andrew’s ilk join our football department,” he said via Western United.

“Andrew’s experience in the A-League is unrivalled and he will add extraordinary value to our program in this newly created role.

“With an exceptional football CV under his belt, we are thrilled that Andrew will lead this program and continue to drive the Club’s values and behaviours that are fundamental to our Club culture.”

Durante made 45 of his 358 A-League Men appearances for Western United and played 416 Australian men’s national league games, the sixth highest figure all-time.

The former Newcastle Jets, Wellington Phoenix and New Zealand international player will now make his first foray into life behind on the other side of the white line, and seek to impart some of his wisdom on the young players in the West.

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Premier League clubs record huge losses despite record revenue

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Image Credits: Arsenal FC

A report from Deloitte says Premier League clubs are facing a growing financial challenge after combined pre-tax losses reached $1.8 billion (948 million pounds) in the 2024-25 season.

The figure marks a huge rise from the $258 million (135 million pounds) recorded the previous season. It comes despite clubs generating record revenue of $13 billion (6.8 billion pounds).

Revenue keeps rising

Premier League clubs increased their revenue by 8% during the season. Commercial income and matchday revenue both climbed. Broadcast income also increased. But higher revenue has not translated into stronger profits.

Wage costs rose by $730 million (381 million pounds). Player transfers also played a major role in the rise in losses. Only eight clubs reported an operating profit. That was down from 13 clubs the season before.

Spending drives losses

Transfer spending remains one of the biggest pressures on Premier League finances. Clubs continue to invest heavily to compete for trophies and European places. But those costs can quickly outweigh the extra revenue generated by success.

Net debt also increased. It reached $6.9 billion (3.6 billion pounds) in 2024-25. That was up from the previous season.

The financial pressure is not limited to the Premier League. Only three Championship clubs in the second tier reported a profit.

A warning for English football

The Premier League remains the financial powerhouse of English football. Its clubs generated $13 billion (6.8 billion pounds) in revenue. The Championship generated $1.8 billion (942 million pounds).

But Deloitte warned that football cannot rely on simply adding more matches to create future growth.

European competitions have expanded. The international calendar has also become more crowded. Yet there are concerns that the market could become saturated.

Clubs face tougher choices

The figures highlight a difficult balance for Premier League clubs. They need to spend to remain competitive. But rising wages, transfer fees and debt are putting greater pressure on their finances.

New regulations will also change how clubs manage their spending from 2026 onwards. The focus is now shifting towards sustainable growth and stronger commercial income.

The Premier League remains the richest domestic league in Europe. But these figures show that wealth does not guarantee profit.

For clubs across England’s top flight, financial discipline is becoming just as important as success on the pitch.

NSW Government opens $4.65 million Local Sport Grant Program

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Image Credit: Football Australia

The NSW Government has opened applications for the 2026–27 Local Sport Grant Program, with up to $4.65 million available to support grassroots sporting organisations across the state.

The program will provide grants ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 for incorporated not-for-profit sporting clubs and associations.

Funding is aimed at increasing participation, improving governance and enhancing community sporting facilities.

Applications opened on 27 July and will close at 1pm on 24 August 2026, with successful applicants expected to be announced in December 2026.

The Local Sport Grant Program forms part of the NSW Office of Sport’s ‘Everyone Plays Here’ strategic plan.

The plan is designed to strengthen community sport by supporting initiatives that encourage regular participation and improve long-term member retention.

Funding is also available for projects that reduce barriers to participation and create more inclusive sporting environments, particularly for women and girls, multicultural communities, people with disability, First Nations people and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

In addition to participation initiatives, the program will support projects that improve the financial sustainability and governance of community sporting clubs, while also investing in the quality, adaptability and environmental sustainability of sporting facilities across New South Wales.

Successful projects must be completed by June 2028, with applicants required to meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the program guidelines.

The NSW Office of Sport has encouraged eligible organisations to submit applications before the closing date, with grants awarded through a competitive assessment process.

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