Posts by Mark Stavroulakis
Grassroots Football Boosted As Three Football South Coast Clubs Secure Facility Funding
Football NSW has welcomed a significant boost for grassroots football across the South Coast, with three Football South Coast clubs receiving much-needed funding through the NSW Government’s Active Regional Communities Package Community Participation Program. The investment will support important facility upgrades at Albion Park White Eagles Soccer Club, Woonona Football Club and Fairy Meadow United…
Read MoreMaddy Allum Appointed To History-Making Australia Cup Final
Football NSW referee Maddy Allum will represent NSW on one of Australian football’s biggest stages after being appointed as Assistant Video Assistant Referee (AVAR) for Saturday’s Hahn Australia Cup 2026 Final between South Melbourne FC and Melbourne Victory FC at AAMI Park. Allum’s appointment is a significant achievement and recognition of her continued development, professionalism…
Read MoreRegional Talent On Show As Football NSW TSP Squads Impress At FV ID Cup
Football NSW’s commitment to developing regional talent was on full display last week, with Under 14 Boys and Girls squads from the Talent Support Program (TSP) Regional competing at the Football Victoria ID Cup. The tournament provided an invaluable opportunity for some of NSW’s most promising regional players to test themselves against representative teams from…
Read MoreFrom TSP To International Glory: NSW Players Help Joeys Lift CFA Invitational Trophy
The strength of the Football NSW player development pathway has once again been showcased on the international stage, with five former Football NSW Talent Support Program (TSP) graduates playing a key role in the CommBank Joeys’ triumph at the 2026 CFA Invitational in Shenyang, China. The squad, featuring some of Australia’s brightest Under 16 talent,…
Read MoreNAIDOC Cup Continues To Strengthen First Nations Football Pathways
The 2026 NAIDOC Cup has come to a successful conclusion following three memorable days of football, culture and community at the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility. The annual tournament once again brought together Football NSW and Northern NSW Football, providing a platform to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and communities while showcasing…
Read MoreNAIDOC Cup Underway As NSW’s Best First Nations Talent Comes Together
The 2026 NAIDOC Cup has officially kicked off at the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, with Football NSW and Northern NSW Football coming together for a celebration of First Nations culture, community and football. Following a memorable opening ceremony, the annual tournament began on Wednesday with talented First Nations players from across NSW representing their…
Read MoreVale Andrew Fathers
Football NSW was saddened to learn of the passing of former employee Andrew Fathers. Andrew was a well-known and highly regarded member of the football community across NSW, dedicating many years of service to the game in a variety of roles both on and off the field. During his time with Football NSW, Andrew worked…
Read MoreFootball NSW and Sydney Civil announce two-year partnership to support First Nations football pathways
Football NSW is proud to announce a two-year partnership with Sydney Civil as its Official First Nations Partner, supporting First Nations participation and development opportunities across the game. Sydney Civil is a Sydney-based civil engineering company with a strong commitment to reconciliation and building respectful relationships, fostering understanding and creating meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal and…
Read MoreFootball NSW Delivers First 2026 Futsal CPD Workshop
Football NSW has launched its 2026 Futsal Coach Professional Development (CPD) Program, providing coaches with valuable opportunities to further enhance their knowledge and continue developing within the game. The first Futsal CPD workshop of the year was recently delivered for coaches preparing for the upcoming futsal season, with Football NSW Futsal Coach Education Tutors leading…
Read MoreThree Decades Of Service Rewarded As Santino Grieco Claims Charles Valentine Medal
More than three decades of dedication to football in New South Wales was recognised on Thursday night, with Inter Lions FC’s Santino Grieco awarded the prestigious 2026 Charles Valentine Medal at the Football NSW Annual Gala Dinner. Presented by Football NSW Chair Gilbert Lorquet and Deputy Chair Deborah Chapman, the Charles Valentine Medal recognises an…
Read MoreFootball NSW Celebrates 2026’s Best At Gala Awards
Football NSW celebrated an unforgettable 2026 season in style on Thursday night, with more than 900 guests descending on The Star Event Centre for the 2026 Football NSW Annual Gala Dinner. Players, coaches, referees, administrators, volunteers, club representatives and special guests gathered for Football NSW’s night of nights, celebrating the outstanding achievements and contributions across…
Read MoreMounties Wanderers Ready To Make Their Mark In League One
Mounties Wanderers FC are already looking towards their next challenge after securing promotion back to the Football NSW League One Men’s competition for 2027 following a dominant campaign in League Two Men’s. The achievement marks the second time in three seasons that Mounties, coached by Andre Schroeder have earned promotion to the second tier, having…
Read MoreFrom Junior To Head Coach: Elrich Leads Parramatta Back To League One
For Tarek Elrich, Parramatta FC’s promotion to the Football NSW League One Men’s competition represents far more than a successful season. Having played for the Eagles at junior level, Elrich has now helped guide his boyhood club back into the state’s second tier for the first time since 2017, securing promotion following a dramatic playoff…
Read MoreVezos And Lewis Earn Alpha Awards Finalist Recognition
NSW football photography has received a boost with Football NSW photographer Andrew Vezos and fellow NSW photographer Georgia Lewis both named finalists in the 2026 Alpha Awards. Vezos’ photograph, titled ‘Goal. Behind the goal’ following a shot from this year’s NPL Men’s NSW competition match between Rockdale Ilinden v St George FC, has been shortlisted…
Read MoreConnection, Family And Community At Heart Of 2026 NAIDOC Cup Jersey
Connection, family and community will take centre stage at this year’s NAIDOC Cup, with the winning jersey design set to be worn by Football NSW players at the 2026 tournament in Lake Macquarie. Created by a talented Gamilaraay artist Kayley King, the winning artwork was selected to represent the values at the heart of the…
Read MoreWodonga Heart FC Named September Club Changer Club of the Month
Football NSW has named Wodonga Heart Football Club as its September Club Changer Club of the Month, recognising the club’s outstanding commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and positive environment for players, officials, volunteers and supporters. Club Changer is Football Australia’s Club Development Program, designed to help clubs become stronger, more resilient and sustainable while…
Read MoreVale Tony Stecca
Football NSW extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and wider St George FC community following the passing of long-time clubman Tony Stecca, who passed away on Saturday, 12 September at the age of 89. Tony was a much-loved and respected figure within St George football, having dedicated more than five decades of his…
Read MoreSt George FC Rally From Behind To Secure NPL Men’s NSW Survival
St George FC have retained their place in the NPL Men’s NSW competition after producing a dramatic second-half fightback to defeat Northern Tigers 3-1 at Barton Park on Saturday night. The Saints trailed at half-time after the Tigers produced a strong opening 45 minutes, but a relentless second-half performance ultimately turned the Promotion/Relegation Playoff on…
Read MoreParramatta FC Soar Back To League One After Playoff Triumph
Parramatta FC have completed a remarkable decade-long journey back to the League One Men’s competition, securing promotion for 2027 despite a 2-1 second-leg defeat to Prospect United SC. The Eagles prevailed 5-3 on aggregate in the 2026 Football NSW League One Men’s/League Two Men’s Promotion/Relegation Playoff, doing more than enough across the two legs to…
Read More$17.5 Million Newington Reserve Transformation Delivers Major Boost For Football
Football in the Parramatta region has received a major boost with the completion of the $17.5 million transformation of Newington Reserve, providing local players, clubs and families with a state-of-the-art sporting and recreation destination. The redevelopment has delivered a new synthetic sports field, modern sports pavilion, outdoor fitness equipment, BBQ facilities, improved parking and upgraded…
Read MoreThe Voices Of Jubilee: Commentary Teams Ready For NPL NSW Grand Final Stage
The biggest day on the NPL NSW calendar is almost here, and while the players will take centre stage at St George Venues Jubilee Stadium this Sunday, some of the competition’s most experienced media professionals will be there to bring every moment to life. The 2026 NPL NSW Grand Finals will see Bulls FC Academy…
Read MoreParramatta Eye Promotion As Prospect Chase Another Playoff Miracle
Parramatta FC took a huge step towards a return to the League One Men’s competition for 2027 following their first-leg victory, while Prospect United SC will hope to stage another remarkable comeback in the second leg of the Promotion/Relegation Playoff to remain in the competition next season. For Parramatta, their 4-1 win in the first…
Read MoreOne Game, One Place: St George FC And Northern Tigers Set For Decisive Playoff
Things could not be tighter heading into the second leg of the NPL Men’s NSW/League One Men’s Promotion/Relegation Playoff, with St George FC hosting Northern Tigers at Barton Park this Saturday night. After a frantic first leg that saw the momentum swing on several occasions, neither side was able to find the breakthrough at North…
Read MoreFrom Academy To Jubilee: Officials Ready For NPL NSW Grand Final Stage
The spotlight will shine on the players at St George Venues Jubilee Stadium this Sunday, but behind every great Grand Final is a team of officials preparing to play their own crucial role. Football NSW has confirmed the refereeing appointments for the NPL Women’s NSW and NPL Men’s NSW Grand Finals, with two talented officiating…
Read MoreFootball NSW Takes MiniRoos And Football Development On The Road To The Riverina
Football NSW recently took its programs and football development opportunities on the road, with representatives undertaking a two-day tour of the Riverina, visiting Wagga Wagga and Griffith to deliver Coles MiniRoos Gala Days and connect with local clubs and associations. The visit provided an opportunity to engage directly with players, coaches, volunteers and administrators while…
Read MoreSouth Coast Flame crowned 2026 League One Women’s Champions
The Football NSW League One Women’s competition came to a thrilling conclusion on Sunday night after a pulsating Grand Final between South Coast Flame FC and Newcastle Jets FC, with the Flame holding their nerve to be crowned 2026 Champions. Grand Final: South Coast Flame FC 3-2 Newcastle Jets FC South Coast Flame FC lifted…
Read MoreTigers Hold Firm As St George FC Denied In Playoff First Leg
Northern Tigers and St George FC played out a frantic 0-0 draw in the first leg of the NPL Men’s NSW/League One Men’s Promotion/Relegation Playoff at North Turramurra Recreation Area on Saturday evening. In a contest played at high intensity from the opening whistle, St George will arguably walk away the more disappointed of the…
Read MoreParramatta FC Take Big Step Towards League One Return
Parramatta FC took a huge step towards returning to the League One Men’s competition, defeating Prospect United SC 4-1 in a fiery first leg of the 2026 Football NSW League One Men’s/League Two Men’s Promotion/Relegation Playoff. The Eagles controlled much of the contest and will take a commanding three-goal advantage into next Friday’s second leg,…
Read More2027 Football NSW Biological Maturation Process
As part of Football NSW youth competitions policy, players that are potentially disadvantaged from a physical perspective, due to later biological maturity, may be eligible to play in a lower age-category. Although players may be similar in terms of chronological age, their biological age can vary substantially, by as much as 5 years, due to…
Read MoreHistory And Survival Collide As Parramatta Meet Prospect
Parramatta FC and Prospect United SC will face off in the 2026 Football NSW League Two Men’s/League One Men’s Promotion/Relegation Playoff in a Western Sydney derby between two clubs with a big head-to-head history. For Parramatta FC, the aim is to take a big step towards getting the storied club back up the pyramid, with…
Read MoreOne Game, One Champion: Flame And Jets Set For Grand Final
The Football NSW League One Women’s Grand Final takes centre stage at Valentine Sports Park on Sunday night, with South Coast Flame FC taking on Newcastle Jets FC to see who will finish their season with silverware. Grand Final: South Coast Flame FC vs Newcastle Jets FC Sunday 6 September 2026 – 6:15pm, Valentine Sports…
Read MoreNPL Men’s NSW Place On The Line As Tigers Host St George
After a long 30-round season, the final spot in next year’s NPL Men’s NSW competition is up for grabs as Northern Tigers and St George FC face off over two legs across the next couple of weekends. Looking to earn a spot in the top tier of NSW football are Northern Tigers, who finished second…
Read MoreFootball NSW Names Coaching Group For 2027 National Futsal Championships
Football NSW has begun preparations for the 2027 National Futsal Championships (NFC) with the appointment of its head coaches across the state team program. The National Futsal Championships will be held on the Gold Coast from 12-16 January 2027, with Football NSW continuing its strong record at the national tournament after being crowned Member Federation…
Read MoreDulwich Hill FC Coaches Honoured For Helping Young Player
Two Dulwich Hill FC junior coaches have been recognised by Football NSW for their courage, composure and care after coming to the aid of an eight-year-old player who suffered a medical emergency during a JDL fixture earlier this month. Arthur Beltsos and John Giallourakis were coaching the Dulwich Hill Under-9 team when an opposing player…
Read MoreAll-Female Referee Crew Makes History At Nepean Grand Final
The Nepean Referees Group (NRG) celebrated an important milestone on last Saturday, with an all-female on-field referee crew appointed to officiate the Nepean Football Association’s Waratah Reserve Grade Grand Final. The Grand Final between Colo Soccer Club and Penrith FC was held at Jamison Park Synthetics on Saturday, 29 August, with three young NRG officials…
Read MoreHistory Awaits As Flame And Jets Battle For Championship Glory
The stage is set, the regular season is history and now there is just one game standing between South Coast Flame FC and Newcastle Jets FC and Championship glory. Football NSW has confirmed the fixture details for the FNSW League One Women’s Grand Final, with the two sides set to battle it out for the…
Read More