Posts by Mark Stavroulakis
2026 Football NSW Club Development Conference
Join us at Valentine Sports Park on Saturday 7 February 2026 for the third edition of the Football NSW Club Development Conference, a day dedicated to helping community clubs grow, plan strategically, and connect with industry experts. We invite association staff, and club committee members to hear from leading voices across topics like safeguarding, volunteerism,…
Read MoreCelebrating the Heart of the Game: Football NSW’s 2025 State Dinner
Football NSW’s 2025 State Dinner was held in grand style at the Visy Dior International in Norwest on Saturday, marking a special night of celebration for the community football family. A standout moment of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious George Churchward Medal to Ian Cockburn of the Southern Branch Association, honouring his…
Read More2025 Futsal Premier League 2 Mid-Season Review – Open Men’s
The Futsal Premier League 2 Open Men’s competition has reached the halfway mark, and it’s shaping up to be an exciting run home. With eight teams vying for supremacy, let’s take a look at how each side is tracking as we head into the business end of the 2025 season. West City Crusaders – Setting…
Read More2025 Futsal Premier League 2 Mid-Season Review – Open Women’s
The Futsal Premier League 2 Open Women’s competition has reached its halfway point, and the race for the finals is heating up. With plenty of storylines emerging across all eight clubs, here’s how the teams are shaping up heading into a massive second half of the 2025 season. Macarthur Quake Futsal Club – Quaking Back…
Read More2025 Futsal Premier League Open Women’s Mid-Season Review
As the 2025 Futsal Premier League Open Women’s season reaches its halfway mark, four teams have emerged as genuine contenders for silverware. Below them, the signs are encouraging for improving sides like Dural Warriors and Sydney Allstars, who are beginning to find their rhythm. UTS Northside – Setting the Standard Leading the competition with 18…
Read More2025 Futsal Premier League Open Men’s – Mid-Season Review
The 2025 Futsal Premier League Open Men’s season has reached its halfway mark and it’s shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. While Mountain Majik have set the early pace with a perfect record, a thrilling five-team battle is unfolding for the remaining semi-final spots. Meanwhile, Sydney Futsal Club have…
Read MoreTechnical Leaders Unite at Valentine Sports Park for 2025 End of Season Workshop
Football NSW brought the curtain down on the 2025 season on Wednesday evening with the annual End of Season Technical Director Workshop hosted at Valentine Sports Park. The evening brought together representatives from 34 clubs and 63 technical leaders from across the state to celebrate the achievements of the season and share key insights from…
Read MoreBelrose-Terrey Hills Raiders Claim Double Glory at Champion of Champions
It was a weekend to remember for the Belrose-Terrey Hills Raiders Soccer Club (BTH) who claimed a stunning double victory at the prestigious Football NSW Champion of Champions tournament, with both their Under 15 and Under 17 boys’ teams securing titles in front of proud supporters at Valentine Sports Park. The twin triumphs cap off…
Read MoreSporting Rovers Celebrate Historic Double at Champion of Champions Finals
Southern Districts Football Association side Sporting Rovers FC have etched their name into the record books with a remarkable showing at the 2025 Football NSW Champion of Champions, with both their Under 13 and Under 14 Boys teams claiming grand final victories in what Club President Kevin George has hailed as the club’s proudest achievement…
Read MoreLindfield FC Creates History with Dominant Champion of Champions Performance
In what has been hailed as one of the most remarkable performances in recent memory, Northern Suburbs Football Association’s Lindfield FC has made history at the 2025 Football NSW Champion of Champions finals, claiming victory in all four of its final appearances. Taking out titles in the 15 Girls, 18 Women, 21 Women, and All…
Read MoreLilli Pilli U16 Girls Crowned Champion of Champions to complete the treble
In a triumphant end to a stellar season, the Lilli Pilli Under 16 Girls who represented the Sutherland Shire Football Association have been crowned Football NSW Champion of Champions, claiming the prestigious title in a thrilling final on Sunday at Valentine Sports Park clinching their third piece of silverware this year. The Champion of Champions…
Read More2025 Champion of Champions Match Reports
Valentine Sports Park came alive on Super Sunday as it hosted the 55th edition of Football NSW’s Champion of Champions finals — a marquee day in the grassroots football calendar. Eighteen thrilling matches were played back-to-back, showcasing the very best community talent from across the state in what was a true celebration of the beautiful…
Read More60 Referees Set to Shine at 2025 Football NSW Champion of Champions
This Sunday promises to be a milestone moment for 60 of New South Wales’ most dedicated match officials, as they step onto the pitch for the 2025 Football NSW Champion of Champions at Valentine Sports Park. Renowned as the state’s premier grassroots knockout tournament, the Champion of Champions not only showcases the best community football…
Read MoreMWFA Leads the Way with Six Clubs in Champion of Champions Finals
This Sunday, the Northern Beaches will be proudly represented on one of NSW community football’s biggest stages, as six clubs from the Manly Warringah Football Association (MWFA) compete in the Champion of Champions Finals at Valentine Sports Park. It’s the highest number of clubs from any single association in the 2025 tournament — a fact…
Read MoreFour Lindfield FC teams ready for Champion of Champions finals
Northern Suburbs Football Association’s Lindfield Football Club is writing a proud new chapter in its storied history this Sunday, with four of its teams set to take the field at the prestigious Champion of Champions Finals at Valentine Sports Park. It’s a rare and remarkable feat for any club—let alone a community-based club—to see four…
Read MoreShining a Spotlight on Grassroots Excellence: Introducing the Club of the Year Award
The 2025 State Awards will welcome another exciting addition to this year’s celebrations — the inaugural Nine Ad Manager Community Club of the Year award. Introduced by Football NSW Chairman Gilbert Lorquet, this new award category recognises exceptional community clubs that are leading the way in innovation, inclusion, development, and positive impact within their football…
Read MoreCelebrating Excellence: New ‘Association of the Year’ Award to Debut at 2025 State Awards
The 2025 State Awards will see the exciting introduction of a brand-new category, Nine Ad Manager Association of the Year, recognising outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact across football associations in NSW. This new category will sit alongside another new inclusion, Nine Ad Manager Community Club of the Year. Proudly sponsored by Nine Ad Manager, this…
Read MoreAPIA Leichhardt Tigers Juniors Gunning for Back-to-Back Champion of Champions Titles
APIA Leichhardt Tigers Juniors FC Over-35s, representing Football Canterbury, will be aiming to defend their crown when they take on Dunbar Rovers from Eastern Suburbs FA in the 2025 Champion of Champions final this Sunday at Valentine Sports Park. After claiming the 2024 title with a convincing 3-1 win over Penrith Rovers, head coach Daniel…
Read MoreHurstville City Minotaurs Eye Sixth Champion of Champions Title
Hurstville City Minotaurs, one of the most decorated Over-45s teams in NSW, are set to make a triumphant return to the Champion of Champions final this Sunday at Valentine Sports Park, following a one-year absence from the big stage. Representing Football St George, the Minotaurs are no strangers to success, boasting five titles in the…
Read MoreHurlstone Park Wanderers Named Club Changer Club of the Month
Football NSW has named Hurlstone Park Wanderers as its Club Changer Club of the Month for October, recognising the club’s outstanding commitment to creating a positive environment for players, officials, and supporters. The Club Changer initiative is part of Football Australia’s Club Development Program, designed to support clubs in building long-term sustainability, resilience, and success.…
Read MoreNSW’s Grassroots Elite Set to Shine at 2025 Champion of Champions Finals
Football NSW is gearing up for one of its biggest events of the year as the 55th Champion of Champions Finals take centre stage this Sunday, October 19, at Valentine Sports Park. A total of 18 blockbuster matches will be played across three fields in a single action-packed day, as 36 of the state’s top…
Read MoreBumper Weekend of Coach Education at Valentine Sports Park
Valentine Sports Park was buzzing with activity this weekend as Football NSW hosted a massive line-up of coach education events, drawing over 125 coaches from across the state. With six courses running simultaneously at the iconic home of football, the weekend marked one of the most ambitious and wide-reaching coach development efforts in recent years.…
Read MoreNorthern NSW Football Crowned NAIDOC Cup Champions for the First Time
History was made at the 2025 NAIDOC Cup, as Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) were crowned overall Champions for the first time in the tournament’s proud history. The prestigious three-day First Nations event, held on Guringai Land at the Sydney Academy of Sport in Narrabeen, showcased the incredible spirit, culture, and talent that define the NAIDOC…
Read MoreNew Referees Selected for 2026 Football NSW Referee Academy
Football NSW has officially welcomed 25 new members into the 2026 Referee Academy, following an extensive three-month trial process that saw 88 referees from across the state tested through a series of physical trials and on-field match assessments. The Football NSW Referee Academy provides a comprehensive environment for growth, combining physical and mental preparation, education…
Read MoreFootball NSW Girls Shine in Opening Round of 2025 NAIDOC Cup
The 2025 NAIDOC Cup kicked off in spirited fashion on Thursday at the Sydney Academy of Sport in Narrabeen, with Round 1 delivering a mix of highs and lows for Football NSW as they battled Northern NSW Football in the prestigious First Nations tournament. Held on Guringai Land, the annual tournament celebrates Indigenous culture through…
Read MoreJoin the Team Behind the Game – Media Opportunities at Football NSW
Are you passionate about football and love telling the stories that bring the game to life? Whether you’re a skilled writer, a sharp commentator, a creative content maker, or someone who captures the magic through a lens – we want to hear from you. Football NSW is on the lookout for driven, energetic, and football-loving…
Read MoreFootball NSW Referees Branch Celebrated at 2025 Annual Awards Night
Football NSW proudly honoured the dedication, commitment, and excellence of its refereeing community at the annual Football NSW Referees Branch Awards Night, held on Friday 3rd October at the stunning Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf. The evening brought together members from across the state to celebrate the achievements of senior referees and acknowledge those who…
Read MoreRecord-Breaking Year for Coach Development in NSW as Clubs Gear Up for 2026 Season
Football NSW has marked a major milestone in coach development, delivering a record number of C and B Licence Diplomas in 2025. The unprecedented growth in coaching qualifications reflects the state’s increasing commitment to high coaching standards and a strong uptake of the Club Standards and Benchmarking Framework. This surge in qualified coaches is setting…
Read MoreFootball NSW TSP Squads Impress at 2025 State of Origin Cup
Football NSW’s Talent Support Program (TSP) squads delivered an impressive showing at the 2025 State of Origin Cup in Queensland, putting in three days of spirited performances that highlighted both individual talent and team cohesion. The tournament brought together some of the best emerging players from across the country, and Football NSW’s squads rose to…
Read MoreExtra Foundation of Football Course Added – Sunday 12 October at Valentine Sports Park!
Due to overwhelming demand, Football NSW has added an additional Foundation of Football course to the calendar on Sunday 12 October at Valentine Sports Park. This one-day course is your essential first step toward earning the AFC/FA C Diploma and completing it will make you immediately eligible to enrol in one of several C Diploma…
Read MoreSemi-Final Fixtures Confirmed for 2025 Football NSW Champion of Champions
The stage is set for one of the most anticipated weekends in the grassroots football calendar, with Football NSW officially announcing the semi-final fixtures for the 2025 Champion of Champions tournament. Scheduled for Sunday, 12 October, the semi-finals will see clubs from across New South Wales battle it out for a coveted place in the…
Read MoreFootball NSW announces Declaration of League for season 2026
The Board of Football NSW has declared the successful applicants for its 2026 Outdoor Competitions. These include the Men’s, Women’s, Boys’, and Girls’ leagues that will be conducted by Football NSW in the 2026 season. At its meeting on 23rd September 2025, the Board of Football NSW considered all applications submitted by Clubs seeking to participate…
Read MoreFootball NSW Celebrates the Best of 2025 at Annual Gala Awards
The stars of the 2025 football season came together for one final celebration on Saturday night, as Football NSW hosted its annual Gala Awards Dinner at the stunning Winx Pavilion in Randwick. With over 750 guests in attendance — including players, coaches, referees, administrators, and volunteers as well as honoured guests including The Hon Ron…
Read MoreGreg O’Rourke Awarded Prestigious Charles Valentine Medal
Greg O’Rourke has been named the recipient of the 2025 Charles Valentine Medal, one of the highest honours in New South Wales football, awarded to individuals who have made an extraordinary and lasting contribution to the game. O’Rourke’s influence has been instrumental in shaping the sport’s trajectory—from grassroots to the elite level. His leadership has…
Read MoreFootball NSW to Live Stream All 18 Champion of Champions Finals Matches
Football NSW is excited to announce that all 18 Champion of Champions Finals matches will be streamed live and exclusive on the organisation’s official YouTube channel on Sunday, 19 October. The entire day of action will take place at Valentine Sports Park, the spiritual home of football in NSW, with thousands of players, coaches, families…
Read MoreFootball NSW Set to Crown Grassroots Greatness at Champion of Champions Finals Day
Football NSW is proud to announce that the prestigious Champion of Champions tournament will once again culminate in a massive day of grassroots football action, with all final matches to be held at Valentine Sports Park on Sunday, 19 October. In a new format for 2025, this year’s Champion of Champions finals will be held…
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