In early May, Football Australia released “Securing our Football Future” policy proposals estimated at $2.8 billion, which aim to strengthen Australia’s largest team sport by building strong partnerships with all levels of government — including the federal government — over the next five to ten years.
Football is played in every community across the country, with 1.91 million participants and 3,300 active clubs nationwide.
However, according to Football Australia, the sport is facing a growing infrastructure shortfall – putting pressure on its ability to keep up with demand, support grassroots involvement, strengthen communities, and help take Australian football from local fields to the global stage.
It’s also been a challenging time for Football Australia overall.
Earlier this month, CEO James Johnson surprised many by stepping down after more than five years in the role — just a day before the A-League finals kicked off and with the Socceroos still yet to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
And do go along with that, it was announced that Football Australia would record a record loss of $8.5 million, more than double the biggest loss it had ever recorded before — which was during the COVID-impacted 2020 financial year.
So, Football Australia needs government support more than ever, and these are the reasons why.
Grassroots:
One of the key reasons Football Australia requires government investment is to support the growing demand for grassroots soccer.
The grassroots level is arguably the most critical area in need of funding, as it forms the foundation of the sport’s continued growth and success.
Soccer remains the most widely played sport in Australia, with more than 3,300 clubs spread across the country.
But right now, many local clubs are struggling to keep up with a surge in participation, especially among women and girls.
According to Football Australia’s 2024 Participation Report, the number of people playing the sport rose by 197,052 compared to the previous year—an 11% jump, taking total participation from 1,715,441 to 1,912,493.
This growth is putting added strain on already aging facilities, while challenges like rapid urban development, a shortage of open green spaces, and more frequent extreme weather events are making it even harder for clubs to meet demand.
As of December 2024, Football Australia identified 2,103 venues nationwide that need upgrades, with 7,848 proposed projects aimed at bringing them up to basic standards. These venues include more than 5,100 football pitches used by local communities.
To address these challenges, Football Australia has identified the need for more change rooms — including facilities that cater to all genders — to better support growing participation and ensure that women and girls have equal access.
There’s also a need to expand lighting infrastructure so fields can be used in the evenings, giving clubs more flexibility with scheduling and increasing available play time.
In addition, investing in better drainage systems is crucial to maintaining field quality in the face of extreme weather.
It’s also important to note that around two-thirds of these facilities are shared with other sports — such as AFL, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Touch Football, Athletics, and Cricket — meaning the benefits of this investment would be felt well beyond just football.
The total estimated cost to make these improvements is $2.4 billion, so meeting these needs will require significant investment from all levels of government.
So, Government investment in Football Australia and grassroots football is essential to ensure the sport can keep pace with growing demand, support inclusive participation, and deliver lasting benefits to communities across Australia.
Future Tournaments and Leagues:
Another reason Football Australia will need government support is to organise and run future tournaments and leagues.
In 2026, Australia will host the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, with matches taking place in Sydney, Perth, and the Gold Coast.
This event offers a great chance to build on the momentum and success of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, which was proudly co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
However, hosting these tournaments comes at a significant cost and will need continued investment.
The government would also need to contribute financially to support the bidding process for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and help fund necessary infrastructure upgrades, such as stadium renovations and transport improvements.
Their involvement is crucial to meet international standards and ensure the successful delivery of the event.
The government can also help by committing to funding women’s football programs and improving facilities after the tournament.
This would take advantage of the expected rise in interest and help ensure more women and girls have the opportunity to play.
We’ve already seen this approach — after the Matildas’ success at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese introduced the “Play Our Way” grants to support women and girls in sports.
However, some, including former Socceroo Craig Foster, believe the federal government’s $200 million commitment to upgrading sports facilities for women and girls falls well short — both in terms of the amount and the lack of focus on football.
Now, there’s a strong case for investment in the upcoming tournament.
According to Football Australia, the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup is expected to draw over half a million fans and generate between $215 million and $260 million in total economic impact.
To add to the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, there is also the introduction of the Australian Championship, the national second tier.
Starting in October 2025, the Australian Championship will adopt a 16-team format, beginning with group stage matches and finishing with a knockout-style Finals Series.
To get this new league up and running, government support will be essential — something Football Australia has already recognised.
They’ve called on the Federal, New South Wales, and Victorian Governments to provide $1 million in seed funding for the Australian Championship (National Second Tier), helping to create a strong and sustainable pathway between grassroots football and the professional level.
Government support for Football Australia is vital to successfully host major tournaments and launch new leagues, helping grow the women’s game and strengthen football pathways nationwide.
Social Impact
A final reason why Football Australia requires investment from the government is because soccer, like many other sports, can provide a positive social impact on local communities
Local clubs have historically played a foundational role in the development of football in Australia, serving as cultural and community hubs for migrant communities since the post-war era.
Clubs like South Melbourne, Sydney Olympic, and Marconi Stallions have deep roots and loyal fan bases and have produced some of the country’s finest players.
Ethnic clubs bring with them not only sporting potential but also social capital.
They foster community cohesion, cultural pride, and intergenerational involvement in football.
By supporting these clubs, Football Australia and the government can tap into diverse communities that have long shown passion and commitment to the sport.
This inclusivity also aligns with national efforts to embrace multiculturalism and could help broaden football’s appeal at a time when the sport is competing with AFL, rugby, and cricket for attention and resources.
Finally, integrating and supporting these clubs within a more unified national structure—through funding, visibility, and competition opportunities—could re-energise football at the semi-professional level.
Many ethnic clubs already possess established youth academies, experienced coaching staff, and dedicated facilities.
With proper investment and modern governance standards, they can be transformed into vital links in the talent development pipeline, creating more pathways to professional football while honouring the sport’s multicultural legacy in Australia.
In short, government support isn’t just about growing a sport — it’s about investing in communities, future generations, and national pride.
With the right backing, football in Australia can continue to thrive from the grassroots to the global stage.
