Zaparas Lawyers rejoins the Melbourne Victory family

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The club announced on Wednesday last week that it would be partnering once again with Zaparas Lawyers, reestablishing connections between two entities with strong ties to the Melbourne community.

Reuniting old partners

The connection between Melbourne Victory and Zaparas Lawyers, although recently announced, is far from new. They previously enjoyed a partnership spanning three seasons between 2017 and 2020, a period which saw the club finish as runners-up in the A-League Men’s Championship in 2017 and as champions in 2018.

Melbourne Victory Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie, revealed her excitement ahead of another season partnered with the Victoria-based law firm.

“We are excited to have reignited our partnership with Zaparas Lawyers, who have provided vital legal support to families across Victoria and been long-time supporters of football at all levels,” Carnegie said via press release.

“As the newest partners of the Victory Academy, we are grateful for the support Zaparas Lawyers will help us continue to provide for the next generation of talent coming through the Club and we look forward to continuing our relationship into the future.”

For Melbourne Victory, partnering with a dedicated and community-focussed team in Zaparas Lawyers gives plenty of reason to be optimistic. Zaparas has long-been committed to supporting Victorian clubs both on and off the field, proving to be a valuable source of support for youth development and long-term community growth.

A history of support

News of a reforged alliance between Zaparas Lawyers and Melbourne Victory comes as no surprise when considering the law firm’s commitment to supporting the football landscape in Victoria.

In December 2025, NPL VIC outfit, The Oakleigh Cannons, announced Zaparas Lawyers as their official grandstand sponsor of Jack Edwards Reserve. With connections to two clubs in the Victoria community, it is clear that Zaparas Lawyers remains as committed as ever to giving back to the community.

The mission going forward will be to continue making a positive, meaningful impact on the fans, players and future talents associated with football in Victoria.

 

About Zaparas Lawyers

Founded in 1981 as a family business, the firm has grown into a larger organisation of over 200 members. Their team of  dedicated professionals specialises in personal injury and compensation law, as well as addressing WorkCover, TAC (road accident), superannuation, public liability, occupational diseases and hearing loss.

For over 40 years, Zaparas Lawyers has developed into a law firm renowned for balancing compassion, expertise and a desire to truly help their clients get their lives back on track.

 

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Football NSW announce price freeze for junior and youth players

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Image Credit: Football NSW

Football NSW has announced a fee freeze for junior and youth community players in 2027, continuing its pledge to keep the game accessible for everyone across the state. 

In addition, senior players aged 19 and above will see their registration fee increase by just $1.50. Both junior and youth player fees will remain the same at $54.43, whilst senior members will pay $107.50.

The fee freeze highlights Football NSW’s commitment to keeping the game financially convenient for both players and families. 

Football NSW CEO, John Tsatsimas, said via Football NSW, “Football is the game of the people, and we recognise the importance of keeping participation accessible for families across our state. By freezing our registration fees for junior and youth players in 2027, we are continuing to support the next generation of footballers and help ensure that cost is not an unnecessary barrier to participation.”

The decision comes following similar price freezes at Football Queensland and Northern NSW Football in 2025. 

Despite the governing bodies acting separately, their unity on maintaining affordability throughout the game is a welcome sign. Managing to keep fees at an fair rate for families is a key component in sustaining grassroots football across the country.

“We have worked hard to manage the pressures facing the game, particularly around insurance, while ensuring Football NSW can continue to deliver the services and support our clubs, associations and participants expect,” said Tsatsimas. 

Despite the cost of living crisis, it is important that the game remains accessible for everyone. Football NSW have identified that even during tougher financial times, they can keep it that way. 

Through diligent financial handling, especially with care surrounding insurance and inflation (more of which can be read here), they are prioritising the game long-term over a short financial gain.

This fee freeze will directly impact the senior players and the families of younger members, too. The decision makes football not only more accessible, but provides more opportunities for players to strive for the highest levels of the game. 

Football Victoria demands more Victorian Government support amid grassroots boom

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Marlborough Street Reserve. Credit Football Victoria

Football Victoria is targeting Victorian Government funding for Glen Eira FC, in order to improve the club’s facilities and accommodate a recent surge in participation.

The interest and demand in football across Melbourne is ever growing, and Glen Eira FC is one such example.

Located in Melbourne’s inner south-east, the club has more than 1,100 players with nearly 95% of them aged 18 or under. In the suburb of Bentleigh alone, football participation has increased 18% alongside female engagement growing 76% in recent years.

However, at Marlborough Street Reserve, the conditions of the pitch – specifically during winter – can curb accessibility. Wet weather, non-stop usage and limited capacity make it difficult to accommodate all club members. This results in restricted training and playing opportunities.

Lachlan Cole, Football Victoria’s Head of Government Relations & Facilities, said via Football Victoria: “The story at Glen Eira FC is one we are seeing right across Victoria and specifically in Metropolitan Melbourne. Participation is growing, particularly among juniors, women and girls, but the infrastructure needed to support that growth is buckling under the weight of demand.”

To tackle this, both Football Victoria and Glen Eira FC want to convert the existing pitch to a synthetic surface and provide improved lighting for the ground. This would create a more reliable environment for players and support the growing demand for football in that community.

Speaking to Football Victoria, Glen Eira FC President Odilia Wijburg said, “A new sporting precinct with a synthetic pitch would be a game changer, providing year-round access, supporting participation growth and creating a lasting community asset that will benefit local families for generations.”

These issues are not exclusive to just Victoria, but are instead seen nation-wide. Football NSW recently pledged over AUD 200,000 to three amateur clubs to help upgrade their facilities and support the local communities.

Despite the increased interest in the game, the lack of reliable infrastructure, especially in grassroots football, leaves not only local areas without proper facilities, but creates a complicated road for young players hoping to navigate to the top of the game. 

Without the support of the Victorian Government, grassroots football could suffer an underwhelming fate. If the game is not supported from the bottom, the top might not reap the rewards of the next generation. And if that happens, alongside local communities, both the domestic leagues and the international team may suffer.

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